Sutra 11

Devanagari script

धान्यमूला हि दुर्गादीनां कर्मणामारम्भाः ॥ कZ_०७.११.११ ॥

Transliteration

dhānyamūlā hi durgādīnāṃ karmaṇām ārambhāḥ

Translation

The initiation of fortification and related works is rooted in grain (i.e., a grain base).

Word by Word

• धान्यमूला: having grain as their foundation; based on grain
• Type: Adjective
• Root: धान्य; मूल
• Form: स्त्रीलिङ्ग; प्रथमा बहुवचन; (दुर्गादीनाम् इत्यस्य विशेषणम्)

• हि: indeed; for
• Type: Particle
• Root: हि
• Form: निपात; हेत्वर्थ/निश्चयार्थ-प्रयोग

• दुर्गादीनाम्: of forts and the like
• Type: Noun
• Root: दुर्ग
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग (दुर्ग); षष्ठी बहुवचन; ‘दुर्ग-आदि’ = दुर्गादयः (forts etc.)

• कर्मणाम्: of activities/works
• Type: Noun
• Root: कर्मन्
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग; षष्ठी बहुवचन

• आरम्भाः: beginnings; undertakings
• Type: Noun (action noun)
• Root: आ-रभ्
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग; प्रथमा बहुवचन; ‘आरम्भ’ (प्रारम्भ/उद्यम)

Entities Mentioned

• grain base (dhānya)
• forts (durga)

More Details

FAQs

Why does Kautilya tie fort projects to grain?

Because large works require sustained labor and garrisons; grain is the primary input that keeps workers and soldiers supplied.

What policy follows from this?

Prioritize agricultural surplus and storage systems before expanding fixed defense infrastructure.