Arthashastra — Yogavritta, Sutra 27

Devanagari script

नित्यमुख्याः स्युरनेकमुख्याश्च ॥ कZ_०५.३.२७ ॥

Transliteration

nityamukhyāḥ syur anekamukhyāś ca

Translation

They should have permanent chiefs, and also multiple chiefs (as required).

Word by Word

• नित्य-मुख्याः: those who are permanently primary / always principal
• Type: Adjective (used substantively)
• Root: नित्य + मुख्य
• Form: प्रथमा बहुवचनम् पुंलिङ्गम्; विशेषणम् (समासपदम्)

• स्युः: should be / may be
• Type: Verb
• Root: अस् (भू/अस्)
• Form: विधिलिङ् (optative), परस्मैपदम्, प्रथमपुरुषः, बहुवचनम्; ‘be/should be’

• अनेक-मुख्याः: those having many principals / multiple chiefs
• Type: Adjective (used substantively)
• Root: अनेक + मुख्य
• Form: प्रथमा बहुवचनम् पुंलिङ्गम्; विशेषणम् (समासपदम्)

• च: and
• Type: Particle
• Root: च
• Form: समुच्चयार्थक-अव्ययम्

Entities Mentioned

• mukhya (chief/leader)

More Details

FAQs

Why does Kautilya prescribe both permanent chiefs and multiple chiefs?

Permanent chiefs ensure continuity and accountability; multiple chiefs provide redundancy, specialization, and coverage so work does not halt due to absence, overload, or local failure.