Hindu Polity: A Constitutional History of India in Hindu Times c46.21

c46.21

Here we have the arguments (§ 244) of the Mānava-dharma-Śāstra turned to yield a divine origin of king's servitude. Diamond cuts diamond. In the land of Uśanas and Bhāradvāja, a theory ascribing divine personality to kingship—a potential licence for autocracy—could never be tolerated. It was opposed to the trend of past history. Hence to cut 'Manu' the teacher of men, the Hindu sought out 'Śukra' the Teacher of Gods.