Public Administration in Ancient India c22.5

c22.5

The connection of the State with Dharma in the Brahmanic period was of a peculiar kind. The religious rites and ceremonies, and the ethical rules of conduct, were settled and declared by the Brāhmanas. In these matters the State did not interfere. But it was the duty of the King and his officials to enforce the observance by the people of their respective duties. The King was thus the protector, but not the head, of religion.