Public Administration in Ancient India c10.102

c10.102

But while there were rulers who approached the grand ideal of what Kings should be, the majority of monarchs must have been men of the average type. And some of them even fell below the average. Indian history unfortunately preserves accounts of Kings whose incompetency and misdeeds brought destruction upon themselves and ruin on their country. Diodorus speaks of the King of Gangaridai as “a man of quite worthless character, and held in no respect.” ¹ Some Kings lived a life of dull idleness and ease, and were fond of a disgusting sort of pomp and luxury. Curtius says: “The luxury of their Kings, or, as they call it, their magnificence, is carried to a vicious extent without a parallel in the world.” ² “When the King,” records the historian, “condescends to show himself in public, his attendants carry in their hands silver censers and perfume with incense all the road by which it is his pleasure to be conveyed. He lolls in a golden palanquin garnished with pearls which dangle all around, and is robed in fine muslin embroidered with purple and gold. Behind his palanquin follow men-at-arms, and his bodyguards. The palace is adorned with gilded pillars clasped all around by a vine embossed in gold, while silver images of those birds which most charm the eye diversify the workmanship.” ³