Hindu Administrative Institutions c6.s1.11

c6.s1.11

In the *Samarāṅgaṇa Sūtradhāra* of Bhoja the account of the origin of kingship resembles that of other *nīti* texts in regarding Pṛthu as the first king. Here he is described as possessing prowess like Indra and the Lokapālas, and the strength and valour of the lion, the king of the beasts. While consecrating him, the Creator addressed the people: ‘ Pṛthu is the overlord of you all. He will afford protection to the good and punish the evil-minded. He will be a *nṛpa* by ridding you of all your fears. He will render even-handed justice and carry on an efficient administration so as to preserve the well-being of *varṇas* (castes) and *āśramas* (stages of life).’ On this the people addressed the king: ‘O lord of the earth, shelter us from the sea of troubles in which we are struggling hard.’ Pṛthu replied: ‘Do not entertain any apprehension. I shall free you from all your difficulties. I shall establish the *svadharma*, *varṇadharma* and *āśramadharma*, and enforce them with the rod of punishment. I shall establish hamlets, villages, townships and cities, and make the earth yield plenty. In this manner I shall endeavour to increase your happiness and prosperity to the utmost.'¹