Kautalya, the Prime Minister of Chandragupta Maurya
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- Category: History
- Date Submitted: 12/05/2010 01:39 PM
- Pages: 5
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In the 4th century Kautalya, the prime minister of Chandragupta Maurya creator of the Mauryan dynasty had a set of rules by which his people were governed. These rules were meant to keep the kingdom running smoothly.
Ashoka of the 3rd century also had a set of rules by which his people were governed. These edicts were carved on rocks and pillars after Ashoka had converted to Buddhism. It is my purpose in the essay to compare the ideas of these two governments.
It would seem from the edicts that Ashoka carved into stone that he cared for his peoples well being. I believe that this statement is proven by this quote “In the past, state business was not transacted nor were reports delivered to the king at all hours. But now I have given this order, that at any time, whether I am eating, in the women's quarters, the bed chamber, the chariot, the palanquin, in the park or wherever, reporters are to be posted with instructions to report to me the affairs of the people so that I might attend to these affairs wherever I am.” (Ashoka: The Rock and Pillar Edicts). One the other hand I believe that Kautalya
was more interested in making sure that his government ran smoothly than the well being of his people. “The king's minister shall direct his affairs in conformity to those of the entire country. He shall appease with offer of wealth [the activities of the spies] and those who have had some well-known cause to be [unhappy with the government], and impose punishments in secret on those who [may be] plotting against the king.”(Kautalya: The Arthashastra: On the Institution of Spies) from these quotes we can gather that Ashoka felt that he owed his people his undivided attention. Kautalya on the other hand I think felt he should take care of his people but I believe he was more worried about himself i.e. spies to make sure his people were not plotting against him.
In the Rock and Pillar Edicts I can find no mention of taxes or responsibilities required of the people...
Ashoka of the 3rd century also had a set of rules by which his people were governed. These edicts were carved on rocks and pillars after Ashoka had converted to Buddhism. It is my purpose in the essay to compare the ideas of these two governments.
It would seem from the edicts that Ashoka carved into stone that he cared for his peoples well being. I believe that this statement is proven by this quote “In the past, state business was not transacted nor were reports delivered to the king at all hours. But now I have given this order, that at any time, whether I am eating, in the women's quarters, the bed chamber, the chariot, the palanquin, in the park or wherever, reporters are to be posted with instructions to report to me the affairs of the people so that I might attend to these affairs wherever I am.” (Ashoka: The Rock and Pillar Edicts). One the other hand I believe that Kautalya
was more interested in making sure that his government ran smoothly than the well being of his people. “The king's minister shall direct his affairs in conformity to those of the entire country. He shall appease with offer of wealth [the activities of the spies] and those who have had some well-known cause to be [unhappy with the government], and impose punishments in secret on those who [may be] plotting against the king.”(Kautalya: The Arthashastra: On the Institution of Spies) from these quotes we can gather that Ashoka felt that he owed his people his undivided attention. Kautalya on the other hand I think felt he should take care of his people but I believe he was more worried about himself i.e. spies to make sure his people were not plotting against him.
In the Rock and Pillar Edicts I can find no mention of taxes or responsibilities required of the people...