Life in Ancient India as Depicted in the Jain Canons, with Commentaries: An Administrative, Economic, Social and Geographical Survey c7.s6.t5.11

c7.s6.t5.11

Then we are told about Sālivāhana of Paiṭṭhāna who once ordered his commander-in-chief to go and conquer Mahurā. The commander-in-chief could not understand as to which Mahurā was to be conquered, southern or northern. He marched with his army and succeeded in conquering both. When the king learned of his victory, he felt extremely happy. At the same time he also got news of the birth of a son and the find of a treasure-trove. The king's pleasure knew no bounds and in an excitement he started striking at his beds, pillars, buildings, etc. Now, in order to bring the king back to his senses his minister started destroying the pillars, the furniture and the buildings of the palace himself and declared that it was the act of the king. When the king heard of this he was seized with wrath and he ordered the minister to be executed. However, the minister was concealed by the officers and was saved.⁵² we read almost a similar story about king Sankha of Vārānasi, who, at some slight fault of his minister ordered his execution secretly.⁵³ About Candragupta it is said that when he occupied the throne of Pāṭaliputra, the Kṣatriyas taking him to be a son of peacock-tamers, did not obey his commands. Candragupta was enraged at this and he ordered the whole village to be burnt to ashes.⁵⁴