Hindu Administrative Institutions c6.s1.17

c6.s1.17

The *Śānti Parvan* of the *Mahābhārata* has also reference to the story how Manu became the first overlord of the earth. Here we meet with the peculiar doctrine of *samaya* or contract. When anarchy showed its abhorred head, people felt the need for peace. Hence they entered into a compact among themselves to the effect that the boaster (वाक्शूरः), the cruel man, the violator of women's chastity, and of agreements in general, should be banished from the land so as to create ease and confidence among all the communities. But still the arrangement was not fruitful. They appealed to Brahma who in his turn appointed Manu, the best among men, to rule as well as reign. Manu realized to the full the responsibilities of overlordship and expressed his unwillingness to rule over a people addicted to untruth and all other sins. On this the people agreed to give one cow for every fifty cows sold or bought, one-fiftieth of gold, and one-tenth of grains, besides an accomplished maiden in marriage and a number of armed men to follow him. In return they asked for peace and protection. Manu accepted the office and set out for conquest. People took to *svadharma* and the social welfare of the world was accomplished.¹