History of Orissa from the Earliest Times to the British Period v1.c12.12

v1.c12.12

"At the word of Devānāmpriya, the Mahāmātras at Tosali, (who are) the judicial officers of the city, have to be told (thus). Whatever is recognized (to be right), that I strive to carry out by deeds, and to accomplish by (various) means. And this is considered by me the principal means for this object, viz., (to give) instruction to you. For you are occupied with many thousands of men, with the object of gaining the affection of men. All men are my children. As on behalf of (my own) children I desire that they may be provided with complete welfare and happiness in this world and in the other world, the same I desire also on behalf of (all) men. And you do not learn how far this (my) object reaches. Some single person only learns this, (and) even he (only) a portion, (but) not the whole. Now you must pay attention to this, although you are well provided for. It happens in the administration (of justice) that a single person suffers either imprisonment or harsh treatment. In this case (an order) cancelling the imprisonment is (obtained) by him accidentally, while (many) other people continue to suffer. In this case you must strive to deal (with all of them) impartially. But one fails to act (thus) on account of the following dispositions : envy, anger, cruelty, hurry, want of practice, laziness (and) fatigue. (You) must strive for this, that these dispositions may not arise to you. And the root of all this is the absence of anger and the avoidance of hurry. He who is fatigued in the administration (of justice), will not rise ; but one ought to move, to walk, and to advance. He who will pay attention to this, must tell you : See that (you) discharge the debt (which you owe to the king) such and such is the instruction of Devānāmpriya. The observance of this produces great fruit, (but its) non-observance (becomes) a great evil. For if one fails to observe this, there will be neither attainment of heaven nor satisfaction of the king. For how (could) my mind be pleased if one badly fulfills this duty ? But if (you) observe this, you will attain heaven, and you will discharge the debt (which you owe) to me and this edict must be listened to (by all) on (every day of) the constellation Tishya. And it may be listened to even by a single (person) also on frequent (other) occasions between (the days of) Tishya. And if (you) act thus, you will be able to fulfill (this duty). For the following purpose has this rescript been written here, (viz) in order that the judicial officers of the city may strive at all times (for this), (that) neither undeserved fettering nor undeserved harsh treatment are happening to (men). And for the following purpose I shall send out every five years (a Mahāmātra) who will be neither harsh nor fierce, (but) of gentle action (viz., in order to ascertain) whether (the judicial officers) paying attention to this object...are acting thus, as my instruction (implies). But for Ujjayinī also the prince (governor) will send out for the same purpose......a person of the same description and he will not allow (more than) three years to pass (without such a deputation). In the same way (an officer will be deputed) from Takshaśilā also. When......these Mahāmātras will set out on tour, then, without neglecting their own duties, they will ascertain well, (viz.) whether (the judicial officers) are carrying out this also thus, as the instruction of the king (implies).”¹