Hindu Administrative Institutions c9.s4.4

c9.s4.4

Here is proof positive to show that war-loans were a feature of early Indian administration. Its importance lies in the fact that these loans were not exacted by force or realized by fraud in ancient India. The tendencies are quite modern. And from the wording of the appeal it is certain how both the state and the people realized their mutual interdependence, and how the welfare (yogakshema) of one was intimately bound up with that of the other.¹ The state felt its helplessness in the face of a grave crisis without the people's help. And surely this mutual action would have led to notable results. Even here loans must be obtained from those who could afford. The poor must not be forced to pay out of their small incomes. But if those who could afford did not come forward to help in times of necessity, the king may then use force to increase his treasure which was only to realize the ends of human existence, and hence not immoral. If necessary the thorns in the way of increasing the treasury may be removed so as to achieve the objects of life. The nature of this dharma is best illustrated thus: for an yajña people cut a yūpastamba tree. To get this such other trees as stand in its way are cut down. When these fall they cause the falling of other trees in their neighbourhood. So also with a little trouble and effort the treasury could be increased but only in cases of extreme necessity.²