Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c11.s3.13

c11.s3.13

In the body-politic the position of the royal family presented some difficulties. Śukra attempts to lay down a few rules. As a rule, the eldest son should succeed to the throne but if he is physically unfit, that is, if he is deaf, dumb or blind, a leper or a eunuch, he should be passed over in favour of his younger brother, or of the king's younger brother, or of the latter's son. It is only in the absence of seniors that juniors are entitled to the succession.