Kautilaya’s Saptang theory or the seven elements of the state

In his Arthásastra, Kautilaya discusses seven elements that constitute a state.¹⁷ This is referred to as the Saptang theory according to which the seven elements (prakàtis) include: (i) the king (Svamin), (ii) the ministers, councillors and high officials (Amatyas), (iii) the territory on which people are settled (Janápada), (iv) the fortified towns and cities (Durgá), (v) the treasury or the wealth of the state (Kosá), (vi) the forces (Dandá) and (vii) the allies (Mità).

In the king lies supreme power and the yogákshema, (well-being) of the people; janápada connotes both population and territory; the king, the ministers, the army and treasury constitute the government; Durgá, Kosá and Dandá can be taken as part of the supreme power. Interestingly, Kautilaya includes allies as one of the prakàtis of the state. Th is may be attributed to his concept of inter-state relations based on the mandala theory. Kautilaya developed an elaborate arrangement of allies and adversaries, the most famous being axiom being, ‘the enemy of my enemy is my friend’. As such, an ally is a strategic partner against an enemy state. The seven prakàtis are essential elements of Kautilaya’s statecraft and are relevant form the standpoint of practical administration.