Arthashastra — Adhyakshaprachara, Sutra 11

Devanagari script

अग्राम्यशब्दाभिधानमौदार्यम् ॥ कZ_०२.१०.११ ॥

Transliteration

agrāmyaśabdābhidhānam audāryam

Translation

வரைவில் ‘ஔதார்யம்’ என்பது—அக்ராம்ய (அசிங்கமோ கிராமியமோ அல்லாத) சொற்களைப் பயன்படுத்துதல்; அதாவது அதிகாரப்பூர்வ தொடர்பில் மரியாதைக்குரிய மொழிநடை.

Word by Word

• अग्राम्यशब्दाभिधानम्: the use/utterance (designation) of non-vulgar, non-colloquial words
• Type: Noun
• Root: अभि-धा (धा)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, प्रथमा-एकवचनम्; समासः: अग्राम्य-शब्द-आभिधानम् (= अग्राम्यशब्दस्य आभिधानम्)

• औदार्यम्: refinement / nobility (of expression)
• Type: Noun (abstract)
• Root: उदार
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, प्रथमा-एकवचनम्; भाववाचक-प्रत्ययः -यम् (औदार्य)

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FAQs

What is the administrative intent behind ‘audārya’ here?

To ensure state documents use dignified, socially acceptable diction that preserves institutional authority and reduces misinterpretation or offense.

How does this function as a governance control?

Standardized decorum in language supports legitimacy, discipline, and uniformity across officials and offices.