The Sukraniti

Sukraniti occupies an important position in Indian literature, primarily as a work of secular nature, providing much information on the positive background and foundations of Hindu culture and sociology. This 'Treatise on Morals' of the sage sukracharya was also asserted to be the sole authoritative text-book on political science which should be used by kings and statesmen. For the historian it provides ample date on the social, economic and political life of the times. Besides, it is a mine of information on geography, climate and soils, meteorology, geology, flora and fauna, ethnology, architectonics, mineralogy, metallurgy, botany, zoology, etc. The present translation of the Sukraniti by Prof. Benoy Kumar Sarkar fulfils the long-felt need of scholars interested in the subject. The book is divided into five chapters of which the first three deal with the duties of the princes, the functions of the crown prince and other state officials, and general rules of morality. The fourth chapter, divided into seven sections, discusses the characteristics of friends, treasure, arts and sciences, social customs and institutions, the king's functions, fortresses and the army. The last chapter spells out the rules of morality laid down in the Sastras for the welfare of the State and the people. An index to important Sanskrit words in Sukraniti and an English index have further enhanced the value of the book.