Kautil
ADMINISTRATIVE
ya
THOUGHT
Justin Y
Priyadharsha
nM
Leo Joshwin J
Kautilya
• Kautilya’s Arthshastra is an ancient
Indian text on politics, State craft,
and governance. It discusses
various aspects of administration,
including personal, legal, and
financial administration.
• The text offers deep insights into
statecraft, public administration,
economic policy, military strategy,
Arthshastra
• The Arthshastra, an ancient India text on public
administration, focuses on Rajdharma, the duties
of the King.
• It discusses the principles of kingship,
administration, and the pursuit of wealth.
• Kautilya emphasizes the importances of politices,
philosophy, theology, and economics for the
achievement of public welfare.
Saptanga
Theory
The Arthshastra depicts a state of nature as a chaotic law of fish.
People agreed to be ruled by a king for security and prosperity,
leading to a monarchy with divine elements.
Saptanga Theory (Prakritis or Essential organs of the state)
• Swamin
• Amatya
• Janapada
• Durga
• Kosha
• Danda
•
Saptanga
Theory
The Swamin
• Kautilya emphasizes the king’s duties of protection, welfare, and
justice. The King’s power is absolute, but he must excerise it with
restraint to maintain stability.
• The Arthshastra outlines an elaborate system of criminal justice
based on scared law, evidence, custom, and edicts.
The Amatya
• The King rules though an administrative machinery, led by the
Prime Minister and High Priest.
• They form an inner cabinet that advises the king on
appointments and policy.
Saptanga
Theory The Janapada
• Kautilya describes the ideal territory for a state: fertile, free from
hazards, well-watered, and inhabited by industrious, law-abiding.
• The king must protect both the land and the people and promote
economic prosperity.
The Durga
Kautilya identifies four types of fortress for defense: water, rock,
desert, and forest. These fortresses protect the Janapada and provide
shelters for the king in emergencies.
Saptanga
Theory The Kosha
The treasury is crucial for the state’s activities. The king collects
taxes from farmers, traders, and artisans to fund the treasury.
The king’s share of land produce, custom duties, and fines are
the primary sources of income.
The Danda
The King needs a strong, loyal, and well -trained army. The army
should be recruited from various categories, with Kshatriyas being
preferred. The Commander-in-chief leads the army, which has two
branches: defense and supplies.
Saptanga
Theory Mitra
Kautilya identifies six qualities of a true friend: traditional,
permanent, self-restrained, friendly, courageous, and helpful. A
king needs friends and allies for a prosperous state.
Modern day Saptanga
theory
Maruti
•
Suzuki
Saptanga theory present day
Swamin = The Leader/CEO
• Amatya = The Management
• Janapada = Market
• Durga = Infrastructure
• Kosha = Financial Resources
• Danda = Enforcement
• Mitra = Allies/Stakeholders
Modern day Saptanga
theory
The Swamin = The Leader/CEO
• The Swamin in Maruti Suzuki would
be its CEO or Managing Director, who
plays a central role in guiding the
company’s strategy and vision.
• The Leadership is crucial in
navigating the company’s direction,
ensuring Maruti Suzuki remains the
market leader in India’s automobile
industry, and continuing its
innovative approaches.
Modern day Saptanga
theory
The Amatya = The
Management
• The Amatya corresponds to
Maruti Suzuki’s executive
management team, which
includes the CFO, COO,
directors, and senior
management.
• This team assists the CEO in
implementing strategies,
handling different functions
like R&D, finance, production,
and sales, and ensuring the
Modern day Saptanga
theory The Janapada = Market
• Maruti Suzuki, Janapada represents
its market and customer base, Which
is primarily concentrated in India but
also includes export markets.
• India is the key territory where
Maruti Suzuki holds the largest
market share in the passenger car
segment.
• Understanding the diverse needs of
the Indian consumer, including
affordability, fuel efficiency, and
reliability, helps Maruti Suzuki stay
Modern day Saptanga
theory
The Durga = Infrastructure
• The Durga of Maruti Suzuki is its
Manufacturing plants, R&D
centers, and technological
infrastructure.
• These facilities serve as the
“fort” of the company, ensuring
production capacity, innovation,
and safeguarding intellectual
property, which gives Maruti
Suzuki a competitive edge.
Modern day Saptanga
theoryThe Kosha = Financial
Resources
• Maruti Suzuki has a robust
financial position with strong
revenue streams from the sale
of its vehicles and after-sales
services.
• Its consistent profitability,
efficient cash management,
and strong capital reserves
enable it to invest in new
technologies like electric
Modern day Saptanga
theory
The Danda = Enforcement
• The Danda in Maruti Suzuki is its
compliance mechanisms,
corporate governance, and legal
framework. The company has
strong internal controls and
compliance systems that ensure
adherence to laws, regulatory
standards, and ethical practices.
• Maruti Suzuki’s HR policies,
employee welfare programs, and
safety measures also serve as part
of its Danda, ensuring
organizational discipline and
Modern day Saptanga
theory
Mitra = Allies/Stakeholders
• Maruti Suzuki has a strong relationship
with Suzuki Motor Corporation, its
parent company, which provides
technological expertise and financial
backing.
• It also has strong alliances with a vast
network of suppliers and dealerships,
which ensure the smooth flow of
materials and distribution of its cars
across India.
• Collaborations with government bodies,
regulatory authorities, and financial
Photos of the visit
Visit to a
Maruti
Suzuki
Showroom
in
Chrompet.
Photos of the visit
Showroom
members
informal
meeting one of
the important
saptanga
element of
Amatya
Photos of the visit
Janapada =
Market which
depicts the
people of the
community as a
customers.
Photos of the visit
Durga =
Infrastructure which
helps in marketing
in various places
and improve the
company profit.
Photos of the visit
Visit to another site of the
organization in another
place which show the
expansion of Janapada
and Durga.
Photos of the visit
Mitra = Allies/Stakeholders
Partnership with other
company to make
parts for car like
Sony’s electronics.
Conclusion
Kautilya’s Administration
• Kaulitiya outlines principles for effective public
administration, including authority, unity of command,
motivation, division of labor, coordination, and
hierarchy.
• He emphasizes the importance of fear, duty, and
interest in motivating obedience and achieveing good
governance through cooperation between the people
and the bureaucracy.
Kautilya’s similarities and
differeneces
Similarities Differences
• Centralized Authority • Emphasis on Monarchy
• Importance of People • Role of Technology
• Need for Resources • Focus on Sustainability
• Complexity of Operation
Thank you
