Public Administration in Ancient India c10.47

c10.47

the basic principles of political thought in Ancient India. Thus Bodhāyana says: “Let the King protect (his) subjects, receiving as his pay a sixth part (of their income).”¹ So also, Chānakya says: “As Kings are remunerated by the people, it is their duty to look to the interests of the State.”² In comparatively modern times, the Sukranīti expresses the same view. “(Brahma) created the King to be the servant of his subjects, and he is remunerated by a share of the produce. He assumes the character (of King) only for protecting (his subjects).”³ When the King failed to perform the duties of his office or injured the interests of society, the subjects were held absolved from their obligations. “A King,” says the Mahābhārata, “who is unable to protect, is useless. If the King fails in his duties, any person, no matter to what caste he belongs, may wield the sceptre of government.”⁴ The Sukranīti offers the following advice: “If the King is an enemy of virtue, morality, and power, and is unrighteous in conduct, the people should expel him as a destroyer of the State. And for the preservation of the State the Purohita (High Priest) should, with the consent of the people, place in his seat a member of the (royal) family who may be possessed of virtue.”⁵