Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c10.14

c10.14

In this scheme, political thought occurs in the course of the descriptions of the reigns of Manus and dynasties. It generally follows the lines which the Mahâbhârata, the Arthaśâstras and the lawgivers had sketched out. The purâṇas draw freely on them and only too often reproduce verbatim long passages from them. But here and there they give a new setting to old concepts. In their zeal to promote virtue, they often speak in the imperative mood.