The ministers of Emperor Dasaratha, the great soul born in Ikswaku dynasty, were virtuous, could weigh pros and cons of a problem, could read the minds of others, and always were devoted to the welfare of their beloved master. That renowned king Dasaratha had eight ministers who were pure at heart and always immersed in the affairs of the king and the kingdom. These ministers were :  [1] Dhristi [2] Jayantha [3] Vijaya [4] Sidhaardha [5] Arthasaadhaka [6] Ashoka [7] Mantrapaala and the 8^th one was Sumantra.There were two Vedic scholars Vasishta and Vamadeva, who were eminent saints and who were dear to the king. There were some other counsellors also in the king's court. These Vedic scholars were modest through learning, bashful, skilful, with controlled senses, affluent and great souls well versed in various sciences with a firm prowess.

These ministers were renowned, vigilant and were true to their word. They obtained brilliance, patience and fame. They always conversed smilingly. These ministers of Dasaratha never spoke untruthful words either in anger, greed or for money. To them, everything that is happening or has happened or that is going to happen, with regards to their friends or foes, is known through their network of spies. They were efficient in administration and the nature of their friendships was well examined and reviewed by the king. If time comes they do not hesitate to impose punishment even on their own sons. The ministers were dutiful in enriching the Treasury and in organizing and maintenance of army. They do not order torture an unfriendly person or even an enemy who did not commit a crime. The ministers were always the protectors of the citizens dwelling in their kingdom and  were valiant ones, with strong devotion, followers of royal edicts, and those with pure hearts. They filled up the treasury without harming brahmins and kshatriyas. They imposed a rigorous punishment on a criminal only after judging the person's strength. All of the ministers were with clean conduct and were like minded. When they were administering the kingdom, there was no liar anywhere either in the capital Ayodhya, or in the entire kingdom Kosala. There was not even one evil-minded man or a man who was interested in other's wives in that kingdom. The city as well as the entire kingdom existed in serenity. All those ministers were well dressed, well adorned and good natured. They were always in an awakened state with their eyes of prudence. These ministers absorbed only good qualities from elders like mother, father and teachers. They were renowned for their valour and were famous even in foreign countries for their intellect. They were conversant with the rules governing the propriety of war and peace. They were resourceful by nature. They were capable of maintaining the secrecy of stratagems and also were capable of subtle reasoning . They knew the political science comprehensively and they always articulate gently either with the king or with the subjects.

The faultless king Dasaratha ruled the earth together with such virtuous ministers. Seeing everything through a network of spies, Dasaratha delighted his subjects by his righteous rule, abstaining from unrighteousness. Dasaratha, the tiger among men, renowned in all the three worlds as being generous and respected as a truthful warrior had thus ruled the earth righteously. Dasaratha being a king with many friends and with subdued kinglings and one who had killed his enemies with his valour, had never encountered an enemy who was superior to him or even one who equalled him. Dasaratha ruled this world as Lord Indra rules the Heavens. King Dasaratha became radiant together with those ministers who were always interested in strategic planning for the welfare of the king, who loved their king dearly, who were skilled and efficient, just as the rising Sun becomes radiant when joined by the brilliant rays.