A History of Hindu Political Theories from the Earliest Times to the End of the First Quarter of the Seventeenth Century A.D. c8.s3.92

c8.s3.92

Finally, the rule of righteousness, as inculcated by another teacher who is likewise quoted in the Śāntiparvan, is held however unconsciously to furnish the most effective limitation of the doctrine of submission and obedience on the part of the subjects. Addressing the king Vasumanas, as we learn from the above quotation, the sage Vāmadeva says, “Follow righteousness alone, there is nothing higher than righteousness, for it is those kings that are devoted to righteousness that succeed in conquering the earth.” In developing this exhortation in the course of the following lines, the teacher throws out a remarkable plea in favour of tyrannicide which, so far as we are aware, strikes a new note in Hindu political theory. The unjust king who employs sinful and wicked ministers, says the sage, should be slain by the people (vadhyo lokasya).[^\dagger]