Chandragupta Maurya and His Times c7.85

c7.85

It may be noted that Kauṭilya who, according to tradition, forced upon the throne of Magadha a king of his choice, believed more in merit than in hereditary right as the title to kingship. He has, however, no faith in mere usurpers as such [VII. 2]. Some believe in a new king as being more acceptable for his readiness to please the people by means of 'favours, concessions and gifts and honours' (*Navastu-Rājā sva-dharmānugraha-parihāra-dāna-mānakarma-bhiḥ prakṛitirañjana-upakāraiścharati iti*), but Kauṭilya thinks it is not so, because ultimately a new king's rule will be a rule of might, since he will feel that he has conquered the country by his own might (*Balāvarjitaṁ mamedam rājyaṁ iti*). Even where a king dies without leaving a competent heir to succeed him, Kauṭilya would prefer him to be placed on the throne and announced as king before the public, with the co-operation of the other princes and chiefs (*Mukhya Rāshtramukhya*). ‘Or the minister having gradually placed the burden of administration on the shoulders of the heir-apparent may announce finally to the public the death of the king.’ Ordinarily, “that son of the king who is possessed of self-control should succeed him on the throne. Failing such a qualified prince, the Chief Minister will place on the throne even the unworthy prince (*Kumāra*), or princess, or even the pregnant queen (*Devī*), and, calling a meeting of the ministers and magnates (*Mahāmātrān sannipātya*), should say: ‘the kingdom is your trust (*nikshepa*): think of their father and of your own power and pedigree: this successor of the king is a mere symbol of sovereignty (*Dhvajāmātroyam*): you are the real sovereign.’ Thus saying, he will anoint to sovereignty the prince or the princess or the pregnant queen (*Tatheti Amātyaḥ Kumāraṁ Rāja-kanyāṁ garbhiṇīm Devīm vā adhikurvīta . . . abhishiñchet*). He will then undertake the education of the prince as king (*Vinayakarmaṇi cha Kumārasya prayateta*). If it is the princess on the throne, then her son, born of the father of the same caste (*samānajāti*), will ultimately succeed her. The minister must make ample provision for the paraphernalia due to royalty in respect of conveyances, chariots, horses, elephants, (*yāna-vāhana*), jewellery (*ābharaṇa*), robes, harem, residence and its fittings (*vastra-strīveśma-parivāpān*)” [V. 6]. Thus Kauṭilya contemplates a Regency administration to meet such an emergency, and prevent a possible revolution following the advent of a new king supplanting the dynasty of hereditary kings.