Hindu Imperial Systems and Mr. K. P. Jayaswal
By Unexhibited
Summary
The text discusses the spelling of "Kautalya" versus "Kautilya," arguing that the correct form is "Kautalya," supported by manuscript evidence from Southern India and ancient Acaryas like Kautsa and Vatavyadhi. It critiques the fear expressed by scholars like Keith and Winternitz over the name's connotations. The text then analyzes Hindu imperial systems, distinguishing three types: *Adhipatya* (suzerainty), *Sarvabhauma* (pan-country sovereignty), and *Samrajya* (federal imperialism), based on the Aitareya Brahmana's description of royal titles like *Samrajya*, *Bhaujya*, and *Sarvabhauma*, associated with specific regions. It questions the technical vs. descriptive use of these terms, noting *Sarvabhauma* later became a technical designation linked to territorial sovereignty, as seen in Buddhist texts like the Mahasudassanasutta. The text critiques Jayaswal's claims about Magadha's non-Aryan population influencing imperial concepts, citing Puric evidence contradicting this view. Overall, it emphasizes the evolution of imperial terminology and regional associations in ancient India.
Conclusion
This analysis of Hindu imperial terminology clarifies the distinct semantic ranges of *Kautalya* versus *Kautilya*, resolving historical naming discrepancies through manuscript evidence and linguistic precision. By demonstrating that *Kautalya* aligns with technical designations like *vinayadhikarika* and contrasting it with other imperial titles (*Samrajya*, *Sarvabhauma*), the study underscores the importance of contextual etymology in interpreting ancient political frameworks. The findings challenge earlier scholarly concerns while offering a refined understanding of imperial terminology's regional and functional variations, particularly through the Aitareya Brahmana's geopolitical associations. The correction of *Kautilya* to *Kautalya* not only rectifies historical records but also harmonizes them with broader designations of authority, reinforcing the systematic nature of ancient Indian statecraft terminology.