Public Administration in Ancient India c4.18

c4.18

The Purāṇas appear to be works which were originally composed for the purpose of giving instruction to the less advanced sections of the community in all matters concerning this world and the next. Their great value from the historical standpoint lies in the fact that they contain a considerable amount of genuine historical tradition and preserve more or less correct lists of the various dynasties of kings who ruled in India from the earliest times until towards the close of the Hindu period of Indian history.¹ To the student of political science the Agni Purāṇa, which treats of politics in considerable detail, is specially important.