Sutra 27

Devanagari script

समर्थं तद्विदो विनयेयुः ॥ कZ_०१.१७.२७ ॥

Transliteration

samarthaṃ tadvido vinayeyuḥ

Translation

Experts in their respective fields should train the capable (prince/heir) in discipline and conduct.

Word by Word

• समर्थम्: competent; capable (fit person)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: समर्थ
• Form: विशेषणम्; नपुंसकलिङ्गे एकवचनम् द्वितीया/प्रथमा (क्रियाविशेषणवत् ‘समर्थम्’ = ‘समर्थतया/समर्थरूपेण’ इत्यर्थे)

• तद्विदः: those who know it; experts in that (matter)
• Type: Noun (agent noun)
• Root: तद्विद्
• Form: पुंलिङ्गे बहुवचनम् प्रथमा; ‘तत्’ (that, i.e., the relevant subject) + ‘विद्’ (knower) = ‘those who know that (discipline/matter)’

• विनयेयुः: should train; should discipline; should educate
• Type: Verb
• Root: नी (√नी) उपसर्गः वि-
• Form: लिङ् (विधिलिङ्) परस्मैपदम्; प्रथमपुरुषः बहुवचनम्; धातोः ‘नी’ (to lead) → ‘विनयति’ (to train/discipline) ; विध्यर्थः (should train/should discipline)

Entities Mentioned

• tadvidaḥ (subject-matter experts)
• samartha (capable heir)

More Details

FAQs

What does vinaya imply in Arthashastra’s political context?

A governance-oriented discipline: self-control, obedience to instruction, and habits suitable for rule—reducing future risks from impulsive or unethical conduct.

What institutional principle is implied by ‘tadvidaḥ’?

Functional specialization: the heir should be trained by domain experts rather than generalists or flatterers.