Arthashastra — Adhyakshaprachara, Sutra 16

Devanagari script

क्षीरयावसिको विक्कः क्रीडार्थं ग्राह्यः ॥ कZ_०२.३१.१६ ॥

Transliteration

kṣīrayāvasiko vikkaḥ krīḍārthaṃ grāhyaḥ

Translation

দুধ ও ঘাস-খড়ে পালিত ‘ভিক্ক’ ক্রীড়া/প্রদর্শনের উদ্দেশ্যে গ্রহণযোগ্য।

Word by Word

• क्षीरयावसिकः: a seller/dealer of milk-and-barley gruel (milk-yavasa)
• Type: Noun (agent noun)
• Root: क्षीरयावसिक
• Form: प्रथमा-एकवचनम्, पुंलिङ्गः; विशेषण/संज्ञा (व्यक्ति-नाम)

• विक्कः: Vikka (a named type/person, likely a rogue/cheat in this context)
• Type: Noun
• Root: विक्क
• Form: प्रथमा-एकवचनम्, पुंलिङ्गः; संज्ञा (व्यक्ति/प्रकार)

• क्रीडार्थम्: for play/sport; for amusement (as the purpose/pretext)
• Type: Noun (adverbial accusative)
• Root: क्रीडा + अर्थ
• Form: द्वितीया-एकवचनम्, नपुंसकलिङ्गः; प्रयोजनार्थक-अव्ययीभाववत् प्रयोगः (हेतु/प्रयोजन)

• ग्राह्यः: should be seized/apprehended
• Type: Verb-derived adjective (gerundive)
• Root: ग्रह्
• Form: भाव्य/कर्तव्यतार्थक कृदन्त (ल्युट्/यत्-प्रत्यय: -यः), प्रथमा-एकवचनम्, पुंलिङ्गः; विधेय-विशेषणम्

Entities Mentioned

• royal establishment
• elephant corps

More Details

FAQs

What does this reveal about state asset allocation?

Not all elephants are procured for war; some are earmarked for ceremonial or recreational functions, separating prestige assets from operational assets.