Public Administration in Ancient India c10.80

c10.80

¹ The following extract from Abul Fazl’s summary of the duties of a King, according to Hindu Polity, is interesting as showing that the principles were widely known for long ages and that they were meant to be acted upon: “It is incumbent on a monarch to divest himself of avarice and anger by following the counsels of wisdom and not to debase himself by the commission of any of the crimes described above. If he unfortunately suffers injury from others it behoves him to be moderate in his resentments. It is his indispensable duty to fear God; to be just and merciful to himself, and to excite the like disposition in others; to pay particular respect to men of exalted rank, and behave with kindness and condescension towards subjects of every description. He should be ambitious to extend his dominions; and protect his subjects from the oppressions of his officers, from robbers and other evil doers, proportioning the punishment to the offence. In everything that concerns himself he should be patient, and forgiving of injuries.” Gladwin, Ayeen Akbery, p. 492.