Origin of a state as described in Manu, Smriti Manu in Manu Smriti, has described the situation of the time before the formation of a state that there was an atmosphere of injustice, torture and insecurity in the society in a stateless situation. Those who were powerful, unleashed multiple types of torture on the weaker section of the society. In this situation, God himself created a king in order to establish peace and safety in the entire world.

The origin of a king in place of that of a state as described in Manu Smriti implies that Manu presented a king and a state in synonymous terms. But Manu has clearly differentiated between a state in the form of soverign institution and a king or administrator in the form of the operator of this institution.

Manu, while describing the divine origin of the state, says that God created a king by the amalgamation of divine elements of Indra, Vayu, Surya, Yama, Varuna, Chandrama, Agni, Prithvi and Kuber, etc. Because of these divine elements borne by the king, the king used to be glorious. Because of having brightness like the Sun, none was able to look upon him.

While describing divine obligations of a king in the form of divine elements, Manu has imposed ample moral bandages on the administrator. The ruler cannot disobey these restrictions. Manu himself has stated that if a king does not comply with divine pledges of divine elements, then he will fall down from divinity and gradually his existence will come to an end because his very formation has been done by combining the divine parts of these divine elements.

The divine nature of king as propagated by Manu imposes moral bondage on both the king and the people. In order to accomplish serious tasks, like royal obligations, a king needs to have abilities and capabilities.

Nature of state: 

There is a description of organic form of state in Manu Smriti and a state has seven elements (organs) which are called by the name, ‘Prakriti’. 

These are given below :

1. Swami (The King): 

It is mandatory for a state to have a king who is filled with moral qualities and administrative capabilities, and he is also dutiful. 

2. Mantri (Minister): 

A king’s power is not his private power, instead, it is an institutionalised power. Hence, the use of power can be done in institutional form only. This institutionalized power of a state is the council of ministers. And as such, a king should discharge his obligations on the advice of his ministers. 

3. Pur: 

Pur Means the capital of state. Manu has described such a region to be made a capital, which is well-protected and is also having fortress. 

4. Rajya (State): 

Manu terms ‘Rajya’ as the entire land area within the boundary of the state and also the people living there. And in this way, this also is an important organ of the state. 

5. Kosh (Treasury): 

A state administration should have significant collection of money (treasury), so that a king can accomplish activities with regard to safety of the people and also for welfare schemes. 

6. Dand: 

Dand or army is stated to be a must for the safety of a state. The army carries double (dual) responsibilities, as it has to deal with both internal/external security. It is expected of a king to keep all the components of the army quite strong. 

7. Mitra (Allies): 

Manu accepts ‘mitra’ as a necessary organ of a state. A state has to have relations with other states too, and therefore a king should keep or develop the relations in such a way as to maximise the number of good allies. Manu clarifies as to which organs are relatively more important and said that every prakriti (organ) has more importance than the prakriti (organ) that follows it. And as such, the king is regarded as the topmost organ. For smooth conduct of all the activities of a state, all the above organs (prakriti) should be used meticulously.