Local Government in Ancient India c13.157

c13.157

When the royal dues could not be paid through the default of tenants, the assembly had to apply to the king for permission to confiscate their lands. This is shown by an inscription (no. 9 in *S. I. I.*, vol. III, part I) recording a circular of the king that the period of default should be three years to justify that drastic step. It is interesting to note that this circular was first verbally dictated by the king to the royal secretary who then drafted it. It was then approved by the chief secretary and later communicated to the assemblies. Sometimes the process of this communication took a long time. We have very interesting information on this point in no. 330 of 1917 which shows that an order of the king dated in the 27th year and 137th day of his reign reached the assembly on the 30th year and 240th day, i. e. the communication took three years and 103 days to reach the assembly and take effect.