War in Ancient India c5.s1.44

c5.s1.44

Generally the eldest son succeeded to the throne. His election or elevation depended on two things—recommendation by the reigning king as a well-behaved and loyal prince, and ratification by the people. Yayāti offered his throne to his youngest son, because he alone fulfilled his wishes, while others did not pay heed to them.36 If the Crown Prince was a minor, the Dowager Queen or a respectable elderly relative governed in his name. A similar rule was applicable during an interregnum. For instance, in the Rāmāyaṇa the Purohita Vasiṣṭha took up the reins of administration on Daśaratha’s death until Bharata arrived from his uncle’s kingdom.37 An unworthy prince was often punished and sometimes banished out of the kingdom. Asamanja is an instance in point. It may be that in certain cases the king had no issue to continue his line, and in such cases recourse was had to the practice of what is termed niyoga.