Abstract

[Abstract of the thesis proposed to be submitted in three hundred and fifty words for the Doctor of Philosophy (Arts in Sanskrit)]

[Title: A study on Śiśupālavadha in the light of Manusaṃhitā and Arthaśāstra]

We can find some technical terms of politics like dūta, kara, vyūha, dūrga, cara, ṣāḍguṇya, mantra, amātya, vijigīṣu king etc. along with the knowledge of his ancient scriptures in the Śiśupālavadha.

First chapter is concept of vijigīṣu king. Who should apply ṣāḍguṇya, three śaktis Siddhis and udayas to compel other kings to be taxpayers. He aware of four expedients friend and foe, should perform his duty doing consult with the ministers.

Māgha used the words Karadīkṛtābhūpāla, prajñā, utsāhaśakti, ṣāḍguṇya aṅga, śakti, vṛddhi, aṅga, vala, caturthopāya, śānta [śāntam], yogaiḥ, Kṛtrima, sahajaprākṛtau, guṇa, vyasana, śaktis which are used in the Manusamhitā and the Arthaśāstra with the same meaning.

Second chapter is activities of ambassador (dūta) and amātya. From the title dūta saṃvāda of the sixteenth canto it is clear that Māgha had clear conception about this. The Manusaṃhitā and the Arthaśāstra recognised dūta, amātya as important hands of a king.

Third chapter discussed ṣāḍguṇya which is represented by the words ṣāḍguṇya, guṇa, yāna, vyayāma. The Manusamhitā and the Arthaśāstra discussed about this.

Home ministry and foreign policy according to the collected news of the spies are discussed in the fourth chapter. The words upajāpa, ubhayavetana, cara are found in this epic bearing the same meaning which are used by Manu and Kauṭilya.

The fifth chapter discusses the policies of taxation. Māgha elaborated this concept through the word karadīkṛta. The word kara is used by him like Manu, Kauṭilya used the word śulka in this sense.

Sixth chapter discusses proper time for war, arrangement of array, principles of soldiers. According to Manu and Kauṭilya king should march when the enemy is weak and in calamity.

In the Śiśupālavadha we get this in the Balarāma’s opinion. Māgha used sarvatobhadra, gomūtrikā array which are divisions of mandala and bhoga array according to Kauṭilya. Fleeing soldiers should not be striken is said 18.18 verse of the epic. According to Manu here war policy is maintained. In the terms like pointed shield and bladed arrow are used in the Śiśupālavadha.

If such arrows are used the principles of war would be broken which is prescribed by Manu and Kauṭilya. It is obvious that mentioning the word parvata Māgha accepted the opinion of Manu and Kauṭilya that the hill fort is the best.

Shila Chakraborty