The second chapter of Kautilya’s Arthashastra is fittingly titled Vinayadhikaran. It can be loosely translated as On the Subject of Training. Its scope is quite encyclopaedic, and at one level, it can be likened to a training manual. As mentioned in the previous episode of this series, it contains a highly detailed exposition of the process for selecting ministers. Even at this distance in time, one cannot but marvel at the breadth and depth to which Chanakya has gone. We can offer only the briefest of summaries of this chapter.

Before being appointed, the aspirant was subjected to rigorous tests which were above and beyond their formal education, scholarship, talent, skill, or experience. Kautilya assigned the topmost spot to the following qualities: personal character and conduct, unimpeachable integrity, and unquestionable fealty to the land. To qualify in these, he devised the fabled fourfold Kautilyan Test:

Depending on which tests the aspirant passed or failed, portfolios would be allocated. For example, if a candidate failed all tests but passed the test of sexual temptation, he would be placed in charge of “pleasure houses" or brothels. A candidate who passed all the tests would be appointed to serve in the office of the Prime Minister.

However, the test did not end after the candidate was appointed. Serving ministers and high-ranking bureaucrats were subjected to continuous scrutiny, typically by a well-oiled and extensive spy system and various mechanisms of vigilance. The manner in which Kautilya administered the sprawling Mauryan Empire is........

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