Aśhoka details instructions on the conduct of his officials and mentions ways to ensure that they practised fairness in one of his edicts. Read the translation below and share your thoughts on whether those ways would have been successful in helping manage his empire and how.
Aśhoka's methods for ensuring fairness would have been successful in managing his empire.
He emphasised that officers should gain people's affection and treat all as their own children, creating trust between administration and citizens.
Instructions to practice impartiality and be even-tempered would have reduced corruption and harsh treatment.
The prohibition against imprisoning or torturing without good reason protected citizens' rights.
Regular inspections by officers every five years ensured accountability and prevented abuse of power.
The personal involvement of the emperor in welfare of all subjects created a model for officials to follow.
These measures would have created a just administration, reduced rebellion, and increased loyalty to the empire.
Explanation
The chapter provides Aśhoka's edict which states that officers should gain affection of men, practice impartiality, be even-tempered, and ensure men are never imprisoned or tortured without good reason. Officers were sent on tour every five years to investigate and ensure instructions were followed. This reflects Kauṭilya's philosophy that the king's welfare lies in his subjects' welfare.
Solution Steps
Officers should gain people's affection and treat all as their own children, creating trust between administration and citizens
Practice impartiality and be even-tempered to reduce corruption and harsh treatment
Prohibition against imprisoning or torturing without good reason protects citizens' rights
Regular inspections by officers every five years ensure accountability and prevent abuse of power
Personal involvement of the emperor in welfare of all subjects creates a model for officials to follow