The king, the ministers, the country, the forts, the treasury and the army are the elements of sovereignty. The qualities
that make a king include:
- being powerful enough to put down neighboring kings,
- having an assembly of qualified ministers,
- being capable of awarding both punishments or rewards,
- being capable of taking remedial measures against dangers,
- being ready to avail oneself of opportunities when afforded.
The king’s treasury should be capable of withstanding calamities of long duration, and the country should be capable of bearing the burden of heavy taxation. As for the king’s army, it should be prepared to share in his fortune or misfortune.
A king of unrighteous character, though he is an emperor, will fall a prey either to the fury of his own subjects or to that of his enemies. But a wise king, trained in politics, though he possesses a small territory will never be defeated. The king is the also source of peace and industry – which are required for the acquisition and security of all property.
Strength is power, says Kautilya. Strength is of three kinds – the power of deliberation is intellectual strength, the
possession of a prosperous treasury and a strong army is the strength of sovereignty, and military power is physical strength. The possession of power in a greater degree makes a king superior to another; and in a lesser degree inferior. Hence a king shall always endeavor to augment his own power.