Presentation 1

GROUP MEMBERS
ARYA TIWARI – 23BAP9409

DISHA SOLANKI – 23BAP9411
KAMINI RATHORE –
23BAP9415
KHUSHI – 23BAP9417
ISHANT
Unlocking Wisdom: The Legacy
of Acharya Brihaspati and the
Unlocking Wisdom: The Legacy of
Saptang Theory in Governance
Acharya Brihaspati and the Saptang
and Justice
Theory in Governance
Introduction to Acharya
Brihaspati
Acharya Brihaspati was a wise sage known for his insights into
governance, justice, and what it means to be a good leader. He
emphasized the importance of being ethical, balancing power,
and the duties of leaders. This talk dives into his lasting impact,
especially the Saptang Theory and its relevance today.
In Indian mythology, Brihaspati holds a high position as

Devguru, the guru of the gods. Like other ancient thinkers,
Acharya Brihaspati has also emphasized on all activities based
on the principles of social welfare. Envisioning a welfare state,
Brihaspati says, "Never try to destroy or even harm your people".
Understanding Saptang
Theory
The Saptang Theory outlines seven essential components

of governance: King(prithvipati), Minister(amatya),
Country(rashtra), Fortress(durga), Treasury(kosh),
Army(danda), and Friend(mitra).
Each element plays a critical role in maintaining a just and

effective state, emphasizing the need for a balanced
approach to leadership.
The Role of the King
Prithivipati(King) had a central place in the Barhaspatya political system.
Under the monarchical system of governance, the king was the center point of administration. His
personality was important. The future of the state depended on his personality and efficiency.
According to Panini tradition also he was called 'King' and 'Swami'. Both the words were indicative of
his governing power. Therefore, keeping in mind its importance, Brihaspati considered it necessary for
the king to have all the qualities.
Vidyagun, Arthagun and Sahaygun made him virtuous and by becoming accomplished with them he
could become an emperor from an ordinary king.
The Importance of Amatyas
In the teachings of Brihaspati and ancient Indian political thought, the word "amatya" refers to a
high-ranking official or minister who serves in the administration of a ruler or king.
Brihaspati considered Amatya to be the most important nature after the king. Reliable information
about the efficient operation of the administrative machinery, implementation of government policy
and the presence of friendly and enemy forces could be available only with the help of skilled
assistant and advisory ministers.
Amarkosh uses the words "Karmasachiv" and "Dhi Sachiv" for acting and advisory ministers
respectively. The best supporter of the ministers was Bhardwaj. They considered Amatya Shakti
and Amatya-Vasana to be the most dangerous of the afflictions (adversities) that befell the king.
Rashtra
It refers to the concept of a state or political unit ruled by a ruler. It

includes territories, governance structures, and people within a defined
geographic area.
The major principles associated with the Rashtra include upholding

religion in governance, ensuring the welfare of citizens, maintaining law
and order, managing finances and providing security and defence.
The Rashtra symbolizes the holistic view of the state as a moral and
political entity, in which the responsibility of the ruler is the well-being
and prosperity of the people living in the territory.
This concept has deeply influenced ancient Indian political thought and
principles of moral governance.
Fortress (Durga): Symbol of Sovereignty
The Fortress symbolizes the need for security and protection. A state must ensure the safety of
its citizens against external threats, fostering a sense of stability. This element is vital for
maintaining peace and encouraging prosperity.
Army: Defense and Order
Danda – Refers to the concept of use of punitive measures or force by
the state to Maintain law and order and administer justice.
Brihaspati emphasizes the importance of using punishment judiciously

and within the limits of dharma. This includes enforcing laws,
imposing fines, and the use of coercion when necessary to maintain
order and protect the state and its citizens.
The Danda serves as a tool for the ruler to ensure compliance with
the law and prevent wrongdoings as well as maintain social harmony.
The teachings of Brihaspati emphasize the need for fair and balanced
application of punishment to maintain a stable and moral society.
Treasury: Economic Health
Kosh – Refers to the concept of treasury or storehouse where

the money, resources and treasures of the state are kept.
These treasures play an important role in the governance and

prosperity of the state.
Proper management of the treasury ensures the financial

stability of the state, enables the ruler to fulfill his responsibilities,
and allows investment in various governance initiatives, including
infrastructure, defense and public welfare.
Friend: Alliances and Diplomacy
The concept of Friend(mitra)in the Saptang Theory emphasizes the importance of alliances
and diplomacy. Building strong relationships with neighboring states fosters peace and
cooperation, allowing for shared resources and mutual growth, enhancing global stability.
Inter State Relation
Acharya Brihaspati's insights on inter-state relations
emphasize the significance of diplomacy, mutual respect,
and strategic alliances.
His teachings advocate for a balance between power and

ethics, fostering cooperation among states while
addressing conflicts through dialogue and understanding,
essential for sustainable peace and stability.
The ruler must asses the strength and weakness of both

his state and nearby territories.
Ruler should be adaptive he should employee various strategies to maintain power and
secure their states of India and integrity.
Shadgunya (Six-Fold Foreign Policy): Brihaspati's teachings likely influenced the six principles
of foreign policy outlined in later works like the Arthashastra:
• Peace (Sandhi): Making peace with another state when it is in one's best interest.
• War (Vigraha): Engaging in war when it benefits the state.
• Neutrality (Asana): Remaining neutral when involvement is unnecessary or harmful.
• Preparation (Yana): Mobilizing forces to prepare for potential threats or opportunities.
• Alliance (Samsraya): Seeking alliances for mutual benefit, often against a common enemy.
• Double Policy (Dvaidhibhava): Engaging in diplomacy with both enemies and allies
simultaneously.
Judicial and Court System
Brihaspati is considered the author of the Brihaspati Smriti, a legal text which forms part of the
Dharmashastra literature. The Brihaspati Smriti deals with various aspects of law, ethics, and
judicial practices.
Here are some key points about Brihaspati's views on the judicial system:
According to Brihaspati, the king is the supreme authority in matters of justice. He emphasizes
that the king should act as a protector of dharma (righteousness) and uphold justice impartially.
The king's duty is to ensure that legal disputes are settled fairly and in accordance with the
established laws.
There are 4 sources of law- Righteousness(Dharma), Conduct(rationality), Character and Kings

decree(authority of king to derive law).
Brihaspati places importance on the role of judges (also known as sabhasada or members of the
royal court).
The king is considered the highest authority in dispensing justice.
Disputes were classified into two broad categories:

• civil (related to property, debt, contract)
• criminal (related to theft, assault, etc.).
Legal proceedings involved the presentation of evidence, witness testimony, and the use of oaths to affirm truthfulness.
Cases were judged based on Dharma (moral and religious duties), Vyavahāra (legal procedures), Charitra (customary practices), and
Rājaśāsana (royal edicts).
Brihaspati’s legal texts indicate a hierarchical structure of courts:

• Kula (family courts): These were informal, often resolving domestic disputes within communities.
• Sreni (guild courts): These handled disputes within trade guilds or professional associations.
• Puga (local assembly courts): These were for community disputes involving multiple families or local groups.
• Rajah (royal court): The highest court, presided over by the king or a royal judge, dealt with serious offenses and appeals
The judicial process, as outlined by Brihaspati, relied heavily on witness testimony and written evidence.
Individual adhere to the prescribed duty based on caste status. Nature of punishment varies from caste to caste. Brahmanas cannot
face death penalty.
4 categories of punishment were warning, public humiliation ,fines and death penalty .
Conclusion
The legacy of Acharya Brihaspati and the Saptang Theory provides invaluable insights into effective
governance and justice. By embracing these principles, leaders can build a more just, compassionate, and
prosperous society for future generations.
Brihaspati's Saptanga Theory highlights seven elements for a stable state: king, ministers, territory,
fortifications, treasury, army, and allies. His judicial system emphasized fair, evidence-based justice,
mediation, and social harmony. In inter-state policy, he advocated diplomacy, alliances, and strategic power
to manage foreign relations, blending practical governance with ethical principles.
Thanks!

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GROUP MEMBERS

ARYA TIWARI – 23BAP9409

In Indian mythology, Brihaspati holds a high position as

The Saptang Theory outlines seven essential components

Each element plays a critical role in maintaining a just and

Prithivipati(King) had a central place in the Barhaspatya political system.

It refers to the concept of a state or political unit ruled by a ruler. It

The major principles associated with the Rashtra include upholding

Brihaspati emphasizes the importance of using punishment judiciously

Kosh – Refers to the concept of treasury or storehouse where

These treasures play an important role in the governance and

Proper management of the treasury ensures the financial

His teachings advocate for a balance between power and

The ruler must asses the strength and weakness of both

There are 4 sources of law- Righteousness(Dharma), Conduct(rationality), Character and Kings

Disputes were classified into two broad categories:

Brihaspati’s legal texts indicate a hierarchical structure of courts:

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