Sutra 16

Devanagari script

एत एव मणिमध्यास्तन्माणवका भवन्ति ॥ कZ_०२.११.१६ ॥

Transliteration

eta eva maṇimadhyās tanmāṇavakā bhavanti

Translation

These very necklaces (previously described), when having a central gem, are termed “māṇavaka” (a classified type/name) in the state’s nomenclature.

Word by Word

• एते: these (persons)
• Type: Pronoun
• Root: एतद्
• Form: सर्वनाम-प्रातिपदिक; प्रथमा बहुवचनम् पुंलिङ्ग (एते)

• एव: indeed; only; just
• Type: Particle
• Root: एव
• Form: निपात (अव्यय); अवधान/निश्चयार्थक

• मणि-मध्याः: those stationed/engaged in the jewel (gem) section/centre
• Type: Noun (compound adjective)
• Root: मणि + मध्य
• Form: समासः; प्रथमा बहुवचनम् पुंलिङ्ग (मणिमध्याः)

• तत्: that; thereof; in that (context)
• Type: Pronoun
• Root: तद्
• Form: सर्वनाम; (अत्र) अव्ययवत्/सम्बन्धसूचकं ‘that/thereof’ (पाठभेद/सन्दर्भानुसारं)

• माणवकाः: apprentices; young trainees
• Type: Noun
• Root: माणवक
• Form: प्रथमा बहुवचनम् पुंलिङ्ग

• भवन्ति: become; are
• Type: Verb
• Root: भू
• Form: लट्-लकारः; प्रथमपुरुषः बहुवचनम्; परस्मैपदम्

Entities Mentioned

• maṇi (gem)
• māṇavaka (ornament class)

More Details

FAQs

Why does Kauṭilya define ornament-types by small features like a central gem?

To create enforceable, uniform categories for pricing, taxation, inventory, and detection of misrepresentation in trade and royal stores.

What administrative function does the label ‘māṇavaka’ serve?

It acts as a standardized commodity descriptor enabling consistent valuation and audit across markets and state workshops.