Which one of the following was not a part of Kautilya’s Saptanga Theory of the State ?

Kautilya's Saptanga Theory, as detailed in the Arthashastra, defines the state as an organic entity composed of seven essential limbs or elements (prakritis). These seven elements are: Swami (the King), Amatya (the Ministers/Bureaucracy), Janapada (the Territory and Population), Durga (the Fortified Capital), Kosha (the Treasury), Danda (the Army/Justice), and Mitra (the Allies) [2]. While Amatya [1], Janapada [1], and Durga [1] are integral components of this administrative framework, 'Dhamma' is not part of the Saptanga list. Dhamma is a concept primarily associated with the moral and social code promoted by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, rather than the structural elements of statecraft defined by Kautilya [2]. Kautilya emphasized that these seven limbs must work in harmony to ensure a prosperous and well-protected kingdom [2].

Sources

1. [1] https://egyankosh.ac.in/bitstream/123456789/84767/1/Unit-7.pdf
2. [2] Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 5: The Rise of Empires > Kauṭilya's Saptānga > p. 103