State and Government in Ancient India c12.3

c12.3

The Vedic literature has some speculations about the origin of kingship. Once upon a time, we are told, there was a war between demons and gods, in which the latter were being constantly defeated. Gods, therefore, assembled to survey the situation with a view to remedy it. After analysing the position, they came to the conclusion that they were being overpowered because they had no king. They then decided to make Soma their king and leader, and then they succeeded in winning victory¹ Elsewhere we are told that Indra was made their king by gods because he was the most illustrious and powerful among them, as also the most senior² In a third place we are informed that Varuṇa wanted to be the king of gods, but the latter would not accept his leadership. He then learnt a particular chant from Prajāpatiti, his father, which made him superior to all other gods; then his kingship was acknowledged by them.