Statecraft can be referred to as an art, methods or strategies that are employed to regulate affairs of the state. (i.e) is the skilful management of state affairs. The broader meaning of Statecraft not only considers the management of state affairs but also examines it in the light of foreign threats that a state faces in an international sphere.  

Kautilya’s views on state are similar to what later came to be known as the social contract theory of origin of state. He had argued that Matsya Nyaya, which is the law of nature, needs to be eradicated. Matsya Nyaya means a bigger fish always swallows the smaller fish. It can be seen as a state of anarchy where the powerful dominate the weak. Similar views were later expressed by Thomas Hobbes. The word “Saptang” indicates seven limbs, constituents or elements. Together, they constitute the State as an organism, “like a chariot composed of seven parts fitted and subservient to one another”. To an extent; the Saptanga theory of State finds elaboration in the Ancient Greek Political Philosophy. For instance: while comparing the State with the human body, Plato had argued that just as a cut in the finger causes pain in the body, similarly injury of one organ creates problems for the other organs of the body politic. Seven Angas, Prakritis, or elements were enumerated and elucidated by Kautilya for describing “the nature of the State” in its totality.

Kautilya enumerated seven prakritis or essential organs of the state. They are as follow

(i) Swami (The Ruler)

(ii) Amatya (The Minister)

(iii) Janapada (The Population)

(iv) Durga (The Fortified Capital)

(v) Kosha (The Treasury)

(vi) Danda (The Army)

(vii) Mitra (Ally and Friend)

1. Swami(The Ruler)

It is the first and the most important element. Swami means the monarch. He should be a native of the soil and born in a noble family. He should be brave and well learned. He makes all the important appointments and supervises the government. He has to be virtuous and should treat his subjects like his own children. Kautilya has given extensive powers to the monarch but those powers are meant for the welfare of them subjects. In the welfare and happiness of his subjects, lies his own happiness.

2. Amatya (The Minister)

It refers to the council of ministers as well as the supporting officials and subordinate staffs. They are meant for assisting the monarch in day to day affairs of the state. Amatya gives suggestions to king, collects taxes, develops new villages and cities, ensures defense of the state and all other tasks as assigned by the king.

3. Janpada (The Population)

It refers to territory and people of the state. The territory of the state should be fertile and should have abundance of forest, rivers, mountains, minerals, wild life etc. It should have have good climate. People should be loyal to their king, hardworking, disciplined, religious, ready to fight for their motherland, should pay taxes regularly and happily.

4. Durga (The Fortified Capital)

It refers to forts. The state should have sufficient number of forts across its territory at strategic locations for ensuring defense against foreign invasions. Forts should be built near hills/mountains, deserts, dense forests and big water bodies. They garrison soldiers, store food grains for emergency and also serve as a hideout for the king when his life in danger.

5. Kosha (The Treasury)

This means treasury of the state. Finance is life blood of any state without which it is almost impossible to run it. Money is needed for paying salaries, building new infrastructure, etc. The treasury should be full of money and valuable metals and gems. It can be increased through taxation and plundering enemy states in war.

6. Danda (The Army)

It refers to military. The state should have a regular, large, disciplined and well-trained military. It is crucial for the security of the state. The soldiers should be recruited from those families which are traditionally associated with military. The soldiers should pay well and their families should be taken care of in most suitable way. Proper training and equipment should be made available. Well-fed and well trained soldiers can win any battle. The king should take care of the soldiers and the soldiers will be ready to sacrifice even their life for him.

7. Mitra (Ally and Friend)

It refers to friends of the king. The monarch should maintain friendly relationship with traditional friends of his forefathers. He should also make new friendships. He should send gifts and other pleasantries for his friends. They should be helped in times of emergency. They should be loyal. Friends add to the power of the state. They are also important from foreign trade view point.

      Kautilya did not specifically define the term ‘State’, as he was essentially a man of action, and not a theorist. His concern for and emphasis on the internal and external security of state was to save humanity from a sort of Hobbesian state of nature. The Saptang theory is a vivid manifestation of Kautilya’s deeper understanding of not only the political nature of man, but also the functioning of his political institutions, especially the state.