Hindu Administrative Institutions c7.s2.6

c7.s2.6

The divine theory of kingship is commonly found in the law-books, the *Mahābhārata* and even some of the *Purāṇas*. Brahma created the king for protecting all creatures with justice.¹ We have already drawn attention to Manu's idea of kingship.² As the king is conceived to be a deity in human form, one must not incur his displeasure. His anger is fire that will burn all the family with its hoard. His law or orders, must not be transgressed lest the culprit be consumed by his wrath.³ These views of the Law-giver more or less find mention in the *Śānti Parvan*.⁴ Here Bhīṣma speaks of the king as god Indra himself. The following is the substance of Bhīṣma's speech.