Public Administration in Ancient India c10.43

c10.43

⁴ The King was not a ‘devatā’ but only a ‘nara-devatā.’ The Sukranīti says, “ An unrighteous King is a demon (Raksho'msah).” The Sukranīti divides Kings into three classes, namely, Sāttvika, Rājasika, and Tāmasika. “ The King who observes his own duties, protects his subjects, performs all sacrifices, leads his army against his enemies, is charitable, forgiving and brave, and has no attachment to things of this world is a Sāttvika, and he attains salvation. That King who is the reverse of a Sāttvika King, who is devoid of pity, is full of pride and envy, and is untruthful is a Tāmasika King, and he goes to hell. A Rājasa King is one