State and Government in Ancient India c13.99

c13.99

Personal rivalry and greed for power were usually at the root of party factions. As in modern times, so in ancient days, members used to form groups of their own in order to get power for themselves. Those, who were energetic in habits and skilful in organisation and noted for successful oratory, usually succeeded in gaining power in their hands.¹ When two parties were more or less evenly balanced, small groups of members made or unmade the governments as in modern days. Some members had a nuisance value; they were equally a source of trouble whether they were included or excluded from the party. Ahūka and Akrūra had the unenviable reputation of belonging to this class in the Andhaka Vṛishṇi state.² As in modern times so in ancient days, it was usually found to be a difficult task to oust the party in power.³ When the Assembly was torn by factions, the task of its President was very difficult. Often he was furiously attacked by both the parties, neither of whom was usually entirely in the right. Under such circumstances, like the mother of two sons who are gambling with each other, the impartial President, anxious for the welfare of the state, could wish success to neither party. Keeping himself unruffled, he would try to restore a calm atmosphere to ensure a proper consideration of the points at issue.