Social and Political Life in the Vijayanagara Empire (A.D. 1346 – A.D. 1646) v1.c13.s6.5

v1.c13.s6.5

But the source of law, it may reasonably be assumed, is to be traced, not to the Brahmans, but to the body of regulations which emanated from the classical lawgivers, strengthened by constitutional usage, which, as related elsewhere, received in Vijayanagara the status of law. In the interpretation of the *dharma-śāstras* the Hindu kings sought the counsel of the Brahmans; in the preservation of the latter they resorted to the joint-advice of the local people. The rulers of Vijayanagara were no doubt absolute; but they were not unaware of the fact that good government—which the people interpreted as *dharmada pārupatya*—could be conducted when among other conditions, the constitutional usage—which they called *pūrvada maryāde*—was respected by the rulers. Of their sincere desire to maintain the *pūrvada maryāde* of the land we have cited many instances in the previous pages. This important side of the question cannot be found in the accounts of foreigners, who were struck by the influence which the Brahmans commanded at the court of Vijayanagara. We have also cited instances which prove that oppression was rife during certain periods of Vijayanagara history. And we have likewise shown that the rulers were not slow to take prompt action against greedy officials who were harassing their subjects.