Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c11.40

c11.40

The Jātakas mention the king's share of the produce² but do not embody any theory or rules of taxation. It is clear that the property of those who died without heirs escheated to the king.³ The Jātakas mention ministers and Senāpati or commander of the forces. These officers are not always drawn from the Brāhmaṇa or Kṣatriya caste but no attempt is anywhere made to demarcate their functions.⁴ The purohita or domestic priest of the king is frequently in evidence in the Jātakas. He appears as the king's friend and adviser and now and then as a regular state officer deciding law-suits.⁵