Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c10.17

c10.17

government as embodied in the king, is the supreme instrument of promoting spiritual welfare. The king should provide ascetics with the necessaries of life, should bestow gifts on Brâhmaṇas, and maintain aged persons, widows, imbeciles and friendless people. The function of a benign government is to provide conditions in which all may live peacefully and enjoy their property and the fruits of their labours. The Agni Purâṇa accepts Yâjñavalkya’s analysis of the elements of the state, but it makes clear that the king is the central figure. He is the fountain source of all authorities and regulations. Those who rebel against him or pervert any of the other factors of the state should be mercilessly slain. The king ought not to be too clement. On the other hand, he should not be too harsh. He should maintain his dignity and prestige but he should attempt to win the affection of his subjects. In himself, he should present an example of moral discipline, character, energy and fortitude. He must forego all pleasures of his own and live solely for the well-being of his charge. No penances or sacrifices will avail him if he fails to protect his people. The house of a monarch who performs this duty is heaven itself, while hell exists nowhere else than in the home of a king who neglects the good of his subjects. In particular, the king should take care to safeguard his subjects against the extortions and oppressions of his own officers and favourites and of the usurers. Let it be remembered that to the king falls a sixth part of the merit or sin of all actions done in his dominions. In the love of his subjects lies the strength of a king. The epithet Râjan itself means that the king should be a source of joy to his people.¹ The king therefore should do only what would please his subjects and avoid what would cause hardship to them. A declaration and promise of protection to all should be made by the king at the time of his coronation which, according to the Agni Purāṇa, should be celebrated a year after his accession. The king should devote his hours and minutes to the business of the state. Every day he should see his subjects, consider the daily reports of income and expenditure, receive Brāhmaṇas, ministers, officers and people presented by the usherer of the court, consult his ministers on weighty matters and preside over the court of justice. Such is the daily programme—ceremonies, meals and exercises intervening.¹