Arthashastra — Adhyakshaprachara, Sutra 57

Devanagari script

प्रस्थौदनः शुनाम् ॥ कZ_०२.१५.५७ ॥

Transliteration

prasthaudanaḥ śunām

Translation

کتوں کے لیے پکے ہوئے چاول کی مقدار ایک پرستھ ہوگی۔

Word by Word

• प्रस्थौदनः: rice-porridge (cooked rice) measured as one prastha
• Type: Noun
• Root: प्रस्थ + ओदन
• Form: पुंलिङ्गः, प्रथमा-एकवचनम्; समासः (प्रस्थस्य ओदनः)

• शुनाम्: of dogs (for dogs)
• Type: Noun
• Root: श्वन्
• Form: पुंलिङ्गः, षष्ठी-बहुवचनम् (श्वन्-शब्दः)

Entities Mentioned

• dogs
• state kitchen/storehouse

More Details

FAQs

Why does the Arthashastra specify rations even for dogs?

To standardize expenditure and prevent leakage by fixing measurable entitlements for all dependents maintained by the state.

What is the administrative intent of stating ‘one prastha’?

To make provisioning auditable through fixed measures rather than discretionary feeding.