Question

Who among the following thinkers has described the structure of the state in his 'Saptanga theory'?

• A. Ram Mohan Roy
• B. Swami Vivekananda
• C. Mahatma Gandhi
• D. Kautilya

Hint:

Saptanga = Sapta (Seven) + Anga (Limbs). Associate this with Kautilya’s organic view of the state.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept: Kautilya (also known as Chanakya) wrote the *Arthashastra*, one of the world's oldest and most comprehensive treatises on statecraft. His Saptanga Theory (Theory of Seven Limbs) describes the state as a biological organism.

Step 1: The Seven Limbs.
Kautilya argued that a state (*Rajya*) consists of seven interdependent parts:
• Swami: The King (The Head)
• Amatya: The Ministers/Council (The Eyes)
• Janapada: The Territory and Population (The Legs)
• Durga: The Fortified Capital (The Arms)
• Kosha: The Treasury (The Mouth)
• Danda: The Army/Power (The Brain/Force)
• Mitra: The Ally (The Ears)

Step 2: Interdependence of the Limbs.
Just as a human body cannot function if one organ fails, a state cannot be strong if any of these seven limbs are weak. Kautilya placed the most importance on the *Swami* (King), as the quality of the leader determines the health of the other limbs.

Step 3: Legacy in Political Thought.
The Saptanga theory is a precursor to modern "Organic" theories of the state. It shows that ancient Indian political thought was deeply analytical, viewing the state as a complex system rather than just a collection of people.