State and Government in Ancient India c12.s9.2

c12.s9.2

The position, powers and privileges of the king have varied from age to age. When in the prehistoric period, the king was only the seniormost member in the council of peers, when he often owed his position to an election, either real or formal, when there was a popular council (*samiti*) to actively supervise his administration, his position was often insecure and powers limited. He was often expelled from the throne and prayers were offered on his behalf that he may not have such a fate, as was actually the case with some kings like Dushṭartu, Dīrghaśravas and Sindhukshit.. It appears that taxation was also voluntary and the powerful nobles and patriarchs would give only occasional presents to the king, rather than regular taxes.¹ One great favour that India is supposed to confer at the time of coronation is to compel the subjects to pay the taxes regularly to the king.²