The Cambridge History of India, Vol. I: Ancient India v1.c28.185

v1.c28.185

The question of grown-up princes—that problem of polygamous sovereignties—receives careful consideration: for princes, like crabs, devour their parents². Shall they be kept at hand, or aloof? if the latter, shall it be in a specified locality, in a frontier fort, in a foreign country, in rustic seclusion? or finally, shall they be put out of the way? In any case, they are to be under surveillance, and at need betrayed by *agents-provocateurs*. The good son is to be made Commander-in-Chief or Heir Apparent, and in general the eldest is to be preferred. But a single son, if misbehaving, must by some expedient be replaced. The Arthaçāstra even contemplates a joint-family sovereignty, as exempt from the difficulties attending succession³.