Public Administration in Ancient India c5.22

c5.22

With the establishment of the caste-system the Brāhmanas, by virtue of their position and intellectual attainments, gradually gained an ascendancy over the other classes in society. And this ascendancy was won and maintained not only in matters of religion and learning, but also in politics and statecraft.¹ They were, in fact, looked upon as the natural guardians of society. They were the councillors of the king, and the chief officers of state, both executive and judicial. "To them," says Megasthenes, "belong the highest posts of government, the tribunals of justice, and the general administration of public affairs."²