A History of Hindu Political Theories from the Earliest Times to the End of the First Quarter of the Seventeenth Century A.D. c12.s1.5

c12.s1.5

Turning to the next point which relates to the concept of kingship, we may begin by observing that the canonical doctrine of varṇāśramadharma implied that the duty of protecting the people was ordinarily reserved for the Kṣatriya alone. Accordingly Manu, while introducing his description of the king's duties, expressly ascribes them to an individual of the Kṣatriya caste.∗ Medhātithi, however, applies his mixed method of verbal interpretation and reasoned argument to enlarge the connotation of kingship beyond the bounds of the Kṣatriya order. He writes (commentary on VII 1), "The word 'rājan' (king) here does not signify the Kṣatriya caste alone, but (it) applies to a person possessing (the attributes of) coronation, lordship and such other qualities. Therefore the expression 'what conduct the nripa (king) should follow' is used. The use of the word nripa signifies the right of one possessing the lordship of a territory." Commenting on another verse† he says, "By (the use of) the words 'by the Kṣatriya etc.' it is indicated that the Kṣatriya alone is entitled to (the possession of a) kingdom. The expression implies that in the Kṣatriya's absence assigning (atideśa) (of his functions) is also to be allowed, otherwise there would follow the destruction of the subjects." Lastly, while explaining the first verse of the eighth chapter of Manu, Medhātithi states, "The word pārthiva (*i.e.* king) signifies that this precept applies not merely to the Kṣatriya, but also to another lord of territory who is a ruler on earth. For otherwise the kingdom would not be stable." The gist of the above extracts may perhaps be expressed by saying that the incidents and duties attached to the Kṣatriya ruler apply to anyone else who discharges the functions of the former. This conclusion is based, as far as the reasoned argument is concerned, upon the plea that the observance of the limitations imposed by the sacred canon upon the ruler is a necessary condition of the security of the kingdom.