Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c11.s1.3

c11.s1.3

One of the notable figures in Buddhist literature is Aśvaghoṣa who composed in Sanskrit about the first century A.D. and who may be regarded as the fore-runner of Kālidāsa. Sprung from a Brāhmaṇa family, he was a master of Sanskrit learning. In his Saundara Nandam Kāvyam, Aśvaghoṣa tells us that some princes founded a city but discovered that if its affairs were to prosper they must have a king. The earth without a supremo lord is like the firmament without the moon. So the princes raised to sovereignty one of themselves who was senior to the rest in age, 'discipline,' and accomplishments. Here the kingship rests on the basis of consent and is purely secular in origin, thanks to Buddhist influence. The sceptre is always to be wielded for the sake of virtue, not for the sake of selfish gratification. The king should be the guide and teacher of his subjects.²