[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Polity, law and society](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity) › [State and Government in Ancient India](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.altekar-1949) › c19.16 # State and Government in Ancient India c19.16 State and Government in Ancient India c19.16 - **Language:** English ### [c19.16](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.altekar-1949.c19.16) The king however was expected to be strictly impartial in deciding the cases or appeals that came before him. He was to decide according to law; otherwise he would be guilty. Dharma or law in India was not a measure passed by a legislature; if religious in nature, it was regarded as based upon Śrutis and Smṛitis, which were revered as super-human in origin; if secular, it was based upon custom of universal validity and authority. One sacred text points out how law is the king of the king;⁴ he could not therefore set it aside. - [Previous: c19.15](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.altekar-1949.c19.15) - [Next: c19.17](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.altekar-1949.c19.17) - [Up: c19](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.altekar-1949.c19) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.altekar-1949.c19.16](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.altekar-1949.c19.16) · Pramāṇa