Public Administration in Ancient India c10.73

c10.73

³ "Kings should acquire proficiency in Dharmasāstra, Arthasāstra, Nitisāstra, and in the arts of war. It is their paramount duty to fight and to do their utmost to win." Rāmāyana, Sundara Kānda, Sec. 48, sl. 14. According to Manu, "not to turn back in battle" is one of the best means for a King to secure happiness. VII. 88. Manu further says: "A King must not shrink from battle." That Manu's advice was followed in practice by Kings even in comparatively modern times is shown by the following extract from an inscription from Belgaum (1204 A.D.): "All the folk applaud him for his love for the spirit of liberty, a course (enjoined) by Manu associated with the triple domain, a nature by which he captured foemen's fastnesses . . . glorious was Kārtavīrya."