Mysore and Coorg from the Inscriptions c10.1

c10.1

VARIOUS statements and references in our inscriptions afford some glimpse into the ideals and methods of administration in past times. Thus, an early Ganga king is said to have assumed the honours of the kingdom only for the sake of the good government of his subjects. In the twelfth century, a high official appointed to rule over the southern province is admonished to govern the country like a father, putting down the evil and upholding the good. This indeed was always recognised as the special function of sovereignty.¹ The Kadambas are uniformly represented (according to one version) as studying the requital of good and evil. In the case of the governor above referred to, it is said (Sk 119) that the happiness of his dependants he reckoned as his own happiness. And the results of his administration were general peace and contentment. “ None were filled with conceit, none made themselves conspicuous by a display of splendour, none were in opposition, none calling out for more influence, none creating disturbances, none in suffering, no enraged enemies, none who received titles had their heads also turned by the eulogies of the bards.” And as a tribute to such ability in exercising authority, it is added, that to apply the name master or king (dore) to men of straw (pul-mānasar) is like calling a stone a jewel. The invariable phrase used with regard to monarchs on the throne describes them as ruling *sukha-sankathā-vinōdadim*, in the enjoyment of peace and pleasant (or profitable) conversation, especially, it would appear, stories relating to benefactions for charity or religious merit.