Hindu Administrative Institutions c6.15

c6.15

The object sought to be gained by this then is *lokayātra*² *Lokayātra* or the peace and progress of society is the be-all and end-all of *daṇḍa nīti*. This cannot be attained by itself, but requires active and efficient guidance. The *Arthaśāstra* calls such a guide the king, or leader of men. In this context may be quoted a verse of similar import from the *Mahābhārata*.³ That these were the main objects with which ancient governments were carried on in practice is evident from a parallel passage in the Junāgaḍh Rock Inscription of Skanda Gupta, dated the year 136 of the Gupta era (A.D 455-56).⁴