Part - I

"In the happiness of his subjects lies the king's happiness, in their welfare his welfare. He shall not consider as good only that which pleases him but treat as beneficial to him whatever pleases his subjects."

Kautilya's Rajarishi

Rajarishi - A Wise King

A Rajarishi is one who: -

• Has self-control, having conquered the inimical temptations of the senses;

• Cultivates the intellect by association with elders;

• Keeps his eyes open through spies;

• Is ever active in promoting the security & welfare of the people;

• Ensures the observance (by the people) of their drama by authority & example;

• Improves his own discipline by (continuing his) learning in all branches of knowledge; and

• Endears himself to his people by enriching them & doing good to them.

Such a disciplined king should: -

• Keep away from another's wife;

• Not covet another's property;

• Practice ahimsa (non-violence towards all living things);

• Avoid day dreaming, capriciousness, falsehood & extravagance; and

• Avoid association with harmful persons and indulging in (harmful) activities.

Kautilya says that artha (Sound Economies) is the most important; dharma & karma are both dependent on it. A Rajarishi shall always respect those councillors and purohitas who warn him of the dangers of transgressing the limits of good conduct, reminding him sharply (as with a goad) of the times prescribed for various duties and caution him even when he errs in private.

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* Contributed by -
Navendu Shirali,
PGP2 Student,
Goa Institute of Management.