Political History of Ancient India, from the Accession of Parikshit to the Extinction of the Gupta Dynasty c9.s10.122

c9.s10.122

Here we have the important attributes of kingship. In the words *Viśvasya bhūtasya adhipati* (supreme lord of all beings) we have a reference to the king’s sovereignty and *imperium*. The expression *Viśāmattā*, devourer of the folk, alludes to his power of taxation. As *Amitrāṇāṁ hantā* he exercises supreme command to weed out enemies. The epithet *Brāhmaṇānāṁ goptā* gives expression to his special relations with the hierarchy, while the style *Dharmasya goptā* points to his duties in connection with the preservation of the laws and their proper administration for the promotion of the common weal (*yoga-kshema*).