The Mauryan Polity c5.s2.t8.5

c5.s2.t8.5

Belief was then current that by propitiating these Gods calamities of all sorts could be averted, or at least modified to a considerable extent. Even the worship of nature and nature deities like the rivers and mountains is seriously recommended. Worship of snakes, rats, and other similar creatures is not unknown. A recommendation is also made for achieving objects desired through spells, incantations, and mystical rites prescribed in the *Atharvaveda Saṃhitā*. The sacred books recommended for regal and other studies¹ are the three Vedas and their six Aṅgas besides the Ithihāsa which is also mentioned under the category of the Vedic literature. Hindu social polity of *varṇa-dharma* and *āśramadharma* is explained and too much insistence is made on the principle of *svadharma* the fundamental basis of all *varṇāśramadharma* system. A high place is given to the *śrotriya*—the ideal Brahman—who is the veritable master of all sacred literature and who puts into practice the ideals contained in those books. The Purohita is glorified and he occupies a social status, equal, if not higher than the reigning chieftain of the land.²