State and Government in Ancient India c14.s2.5

c14.s2.5

The Dharmaśāstra literature is particularly emphatic in pointing out that it is the king's duty to enforce the *dharma*, as determined by the sacred texts and accepted customs,² and not to enunciate it on the authority of himself or any state organisation. The Dharmaśāstra as well as the Nītiśāstra are promulgated by the Creator; it is the king’s duty to enforce the rules laid down in them, and not to introduce any changes on his own authority.¹