Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c11.s2.t1.23

c11.s2.t1.23

Protection is not to be understood in a negative sense. It has a positive side—the promotion of prosperity. The foundation of all prosperity is agriculture. Happy is the man who has a well-watered piece of land and abundance of cattle. Cattle and beasts of burden should form one of the principal objects of the care of the state. It is assumed that commerce must be regulated by the Government. Limits must be set to profiteering. There are, in reality, no greater thieves on earth than tradesmen. If they charge too much for their wares, the balance over the just price must be confiscated.