Life in Ancient India as Depicted in the Jain Canons, with Commentaries: An Administrative, Economic, Social and Geographical Survey c7.s1.4

c7.s1.4

In ancient India a king was absolutely necessary and was considered an essential factor for the well-being of the people. It is further stated, that a king engrossed in women, gambling, wine and hunting was considered unfit to look after the affairs of the State.² It is said that the maternal and paternal lineage of a king must be stainless, he must be satisfied with accepting one-tenth from his subjects, and must be well-versed in general customs (*lokācāra*), philosophical system (*Veda*) and politics.³ According to the *Ovāiya*, king Kūṇika had all the qualifications of royalty, was honoured by people, belonged to a pure Kṣatriya family, was duly consecrated on the throne and was compassionate. He was a warden of the marchers (*sīmankara*), upholder of peace (*khemandhara*), and protector of the *janapada* (*janayapāla*) He was the master of palaces (*bhavana*), bed-rooms (*sayaṇa*), seats (*āsana*), carriages (*jāna*) and vehicles (*vāhana*) in large quantity. His treasury was full of gold and silver, and his people had ample food. He was the master of slaves of both sexes, cows, buffaloes, oxen and sheep. His treasury (*kosa*), granaries (*koṭṭhāgāra*) and armouries (*āuhaghara*) were brimming to the full.⁴