Hindu Polity: A Constitutional History of India in Hindu Times c47.73

c47.73

§ 351. While in the second edition (p. 129) no authority was suggested by Mr. Vincent Smith, in the last edition (1914, p. 131*n*) from the translation of the *Artha-Śāstra*, Bk. II, Ch. 24 (p. 144), he has quoted a passage given by the translator: 'These who are 'well-versed in the Śāstras admit that the king is the owner 'of both land and water, and that the people can exercise 'their right of ownership over all other things excepting these 'two.' The passage purports to be the translation of a "couplet of far-reaching political significance" quoted by a commentator of the *Artha-Śāstra*. I have obtained a copy of the manuscript of the commentary which is at the Oriental Government Library, Madras, made under the supervision of the Librarian, through the kind agency of Prof. Krishna Swami Aiyangar. The original couplet reads as follows:—