A History of Hindu Political Theories from the Earliest Times to the End of the First Quarter of the Seventeenth Century A.D. c10.47

c10.47

The Mahābhārata has two distinct theories of the origin of kingship which are of a more elaborate and complex nature than the theory of the Manusamhitā. For these theories traverse at length the whole process of social evolution from its beginnings in the original state of nature, and involve the blending of the two ideas of divine creation and coronation-oath or popular agreement. It will be convenient to begin with the shorter of the two stories which is told by Bhīṣma in the course of his address, already referred to, relating to the 'chiefest' duty of the subjects. There he mentions, after describing what he conceives to be the evil consequences of the king's non-existence, "It was for this reason that the gods created the king." This idea of divine creation is developed by the speaker in greater detail in the following lines. People having no king in early times, we are told. met with destruction devouring one another as the larger fishes devour the smaller. They then assembled together and made compacts (samayāh) mutually undertaking to expel from their midst persons guilty of abuse, assault, and connexion with other men’s wives as well as those who would break the compact. Thus they lived by the terms of the compact for the purpose of inspiring confidence among all classes without distinction. Afterwards they collectively (sahitāḥ) approached the God Brahmā, being afflicted with sorrow. “Without a chief, O Lord,” they said, “we are perishing. Give us a chief whom we shall worship in concert and who will protect us.” The God appointed Manu to rule over them, but he would not at first accept them. “I fear,” said he, “the sinful consequences of acts. Government, again, is a very difficult task, especially among men who are always deceitful in their conduct.” The people, however, overcame his scruples by saying, “Don’t fear. The sins will only devolve upon those who perform (the sinful acts). For the increase of your treasury we shall give you one-fiftieth of our animals and gold as well as one-tenth of grain. Of the spiritual merit that the people, well protected by the king, will acquire, the fourth part will belong to you.” Thus coaxed, Manu made a tour round the world, striking terror into the hearts of all, and making them conform to their duties.∗