Public Administration in Ancient India c22.24

c22.24

So much about the credal side of dharma.⁴ The more important side of ‘dharma,’ as has already been remarked, consisted in right conduct. This aspect, although present in Brahmanism, became more prominent in Buddhism, and was strongly emphasised by Asoka. The true ceremonial, in Asoka's opinion, was the ceremonial of Piety—which consisted in purity of mind, gratitude, steadfastness, mastery over the senses, truthfulness of speech, toleration, liberality, proper treatment of dependents and servants, obedience to father and mother, right behaviour towards friends, comrades, relations, ascetics, and Brāhmanas, and abstention from the slaughter of living creatures.¹ It was always considered the duty of the State to offer facilities for the performance of their duties by the people. And the State itself had certain active duties to perform in the domain of ‘dharma.’ One of these was the relief of the poor, the helpless, and the afflicted. For this purpose there were almsgiving establishments and puṇyaśālās. Very often gifts of property and grants of revenues were made by the State for the support of religious teachers and learned men. With regard to such grants, Vishnu says: “He (the King) must not suffer any Brāhmana in his realm to perish through want; nor any other man leading a pious