[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Polity, law and society](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity) › [Public Administration in Ancient India](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.banerjea-1916) › c19.42 # Public Administration in Ancient India c19.42 Public Administration in Ancient India c19.42 - **Language:** English ### [c19.42](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.banerjea-1916.c19.42) The laws of war were humane and honourable. The Mahābhārata says: "A King should never desire to subjugate countries by unrighteous means, even if such subjugation would make him the sovereign of the world." ² And again: "A Kshatriya who destroys righteousness and transgresses all wholesome barriers, does not deserve to be reckoned a Kshatriya, and should be driven from society." ³ The Mahābhārata further lays down the following rules: - [Previous: c19.41](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.banerjea-1916.c19.41) - [Next: c19.43](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.banerjea-1916.c19.43) - [Up: c19](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.banerjea-1916.c19) ## Linked texts (1) - [Mahābhārata](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.mahabharata.vyasa) — Vyāsa, Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.banerjea-1916.c19.42](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.banerjea-1916.c19.42) · Pramāṇa