Qualities of a “mantri” (prime minister)

Qualities of a “mantri” (prime minister)

1. A national by birth
2. Born in a respected family
3. One who can correct himself
4. Proved himself by demonstrated skills
5. Who can see the truth beyond the bare eyes
6. Knows three time periods well
7. Great mental ability
8. Capable of applying the knowledge to situation s
9. Eloquent, good ability to express
10. Bold
11. Alert in current situation
12. Can encourage and influence others
13. Who can bear / cope up with difficulties
14. Upright
15. Friendly
16. Loyal
17. Having good character, power, health and sprit
18. Devoid of adamancy and fickleness
19. Generally liked by the people
20. Who does not create conflict

Above qualities are the assets of a minister. One who lacks a quarter (5) of them is madhyama i.e an average minister. One who lacks half (10) of the above is a poor (adhama) minister.

cANakya gives tips on how to examine the above qualities in a prospective minister.

Why amAtyas are needed? 
The kings profession involves three types of activities. (a) Leader is directly involved, (b) Leader need to get them done in his absence and (c) follow-up of previously started direct or indirect actions. (pratyaksha, parOksha, anumEya hi rAjavRtti )

These three types of activities always come together in various places within the kingdom.

Leader will not be able to attend to all of the activities himself directly as it is humanly impossible. Hence, the right persons need to be pre-appointed to take care of the activities of the Leader as needed.

Finally he concludes the 9th chapter
ब्रह्मणेनैधितम् क्षत्रं मन्त्रिमन्त्राभिमन्त्रितम् ।
जयत्यजितमत्यन्तं शास्त्रानुगमशस्त्रितम् ॥

Having grown the above good qualities by wise men (brahmaNa) , strengthened by the strategy of thought leader (mantri) , the victorious leadership of the king (kshatram) flourishes following the instructions of the SAstra.

Even this applies to an individual. kshatram means "capacity to do things", brahmaNa means buddhi i.e., resolve and mantri is the mental ability. When the individual capability is empowered by the firm resolve towards the purpose and supported by a good mental ability and individual follows the right instructions of the SAstra, every individual will be victorious!

So, 1. wise direction, 2. right strategy and mental ability, 3. following the right instructions  are needed for an individual or a society to flourish.

This concludes the fifth topic called mantri-purOhitOtpatti and 9th chapter of artha SAstra