Hindu Administrative Institutions c7.s2.t2.47

c7.s2.t2.47

But periodical interregnums seem to have been a feature of our ancient Indian governments. Kauṭalya says³ let a kingless state be governed by a *kula*. If not there would be the evil consequences of a state without a head, namely, anarchy. Again in the *Mahāvaṃśa*⁴ after the death of the king of Lanka, Vijaya, the ministers took the reins of government for a period of one year till the nephew of the late king who was absent in India, was crowned king on his return.