Arthashastra — Adhyakshaprachara, Sutra 19

Devanagari script

ऐन्द्रजालिकमौपनिषदिकं च कर्म ॥ कZ_०२.१८.१९ ॥

Transliteration

aindrajālikam aupaniṣadikaṃ ca karma

Translation

Et [il devra superviser] les opérations d’aindrajālika (techniques de prestidigitation/illusion) ainsi que les procédures aupaniṣadika (ésotériques/rituel‑techniques).

Word by Word

• ऐन्द्रजालिकम्: (acts/practices) of conjuring/illusion (magic)
• Type: Adjective (used substantively)
• Root: इन्द्रजालिक
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, एकवचन, प्रथमा/द्वितीया (विशेषणरूपेण ‘कर्म’ इति पदं विशेषयति)

• औपनिषदिकम्: (acts/practices) connected with secret/esoteric rites (Upaniṣadic/occult)
• Type: Adjective (used substantively)
• Root: उपनिषद् (औपनिषदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, एकवचन, प्रथमा/द्वितीया (विशेषणरूपेण ‘कर्म’ इति पदं विशेषयति)

• च: and
• Type: Particle (Conjunction)
• Root: च
• Form: समुच्चयार्थक अव्ययम्

• कर्म: act; practice; operation/rite
• Type: Noun
• Root: कर्मन्
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, एकवचन, प्रथमा/द्वितीया (वाक्ये विधेय/उद्देश्यरूपेण; ‘ऐन्द्रजालिकम् औपनिषदिकम्’ इत्यस्य विशेष्यं)

Entities Mentioned

• Āyudheśvara

More Details

FAQs

Does this verse endorse superstition or administration?

Administratively, it signals state control over specialized techniques—whether practical deception, morale management, or ritual-technical services—so they are regulated and accountable.

What is the governance logic behind supervising such ‘secret arts’?

To prevent private misuse, ensure coordinated deployment for state aims, and integrate them into security planning.