Public Administration in Ancient India c16.26

c16.26

In times of financial stress, a ruler was held justified in raising money by means other than those laid down in the Sāstras. For instance, he might demand one-fourth or even one-third of the share of the produce of the soil, as well as a higher percentage of the other kinds of produce. The King's officers might also compel the people to grow additional crops in the interests of the public treasury. In case such measures failed to bring in enough money, the Collector-general asked the people for benevolences in view of the needs of the State, and those who offered handsome amounts received precedence in rank, robes of honour, and decorations. Religious institutions were also compelled to contribute to the funds of the State. On occasions of grave financial difficulty, various other devices were adopted, but, in order that these might not lead to trouble, Chānakya utters the voice of warning in these words: "Such expedients should be resorted to only once, and never more than once." 1