Saptanga: The Seven Limbs
A state, like a body, has seven essential limbs - the Saptanga. Swami (ruler), Amatya (ministers), Janapada (territory and people), Durga (fortification), Kosha (treasury), Danda (army), and Mitra (allies) must all function together. Weakness in any limb threatens the whole body. This chapter examines each element and how they create the infrastructure that protects freedom.
Lessons in this chapter
- The Seven Limbs — Anatomy of a State
- Swami: The Ruler — The Head of the Body
- Amatya: The Council — Eyes, Ears, and Voice of Power
- Janapada: Territory and People — The Body of the State
- Durga and Kosha: Fortification and Finance — The Shield and the Sinew
- Danda and Mitra: Force and Alliance — The Sword and the Handshake