Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c11.s3.1

c11.s3.1

men. He must strive to command the respect of all meritorious people. Let him win the admiration and allegiance of his subjects by great deeds, and by generosity in gifts and honours. He must possess courage and martial accomplishments. Nothing is so essential to him as discipline. The king must discipline his sons, his ministers and his subjects. But example is better than precept. The king must first discipline himself. There is no beauty in sovereignty without discipline. From lack of discipline numberless monarchs had come to ruin. It is not birth that makes a king. It is only such qualities as prowess, strength and valour which can bring the honour essential to the kingly office. Besides, it must be remembered that "the ruler has been made by Brahma a servant of the people getting his revenue as remuneration." The purpose of sovereignty is the protection of the people. The king and the people are equally necessary to each other. It is the office rather than the person of the sovereign that is sacred. Even a dog looks like a king when it ascends a royal chariot. A king who is hostile to virtue and morality should be deserted.¹