Why do you think it was important to take special care of the countryside? (Hint: Think back to what you have learnt at the beginning of this chapter)
It was important to take special care of the countryside because the countryside was the source of all economic activity, including agricultural production that fed the empire's population and generated surplus for trade.
The countryside provided essential resources like timber, minerals, and elephants for the army.
Farmers and rural artisans produced goods that were traded within and outside the empire, generating tax revenue.
A prosperous countryside ensured food security, prevented famines, and maintained social stability.
Kauṭilya emphasised that power comes from the countryside, and the king's welfare depended on the welfare of his rural subjects.
Explanation
The chapter quotes Kauṭilya: 'A king shall increase his power by promoting the welfare of his people, for power comes from the countryside which is the source of all economic activity.' Earlier in the chapter, it mentions that a substantial proportion of the population was engaged in agriculture, which was an important source of revenue, and that two crops were sown in a year.
Solution Steps
The countryside was the source of all economic activity
Agricultural production fed the empire's population and generated surplus for trade
Essential resources like timber, minerals, and elephants were provided by the countryside
Farmers and rural artisans produced goods for trade, generating tax revenue
A prosperous countryside ensured food security, prevented famines, and maintained social stability
Kauṭilya emphasised that power comes from the countryside and the king's welfare depended on rural subjects