Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c11.s3.29

c11.s3.29

The Court. Such consultations on a large scale tended to be what are now called ‘darbars.’ Minute instructions are given for the court. In the centre of the western half of the hall is to stand the royal throne. On the right and left are to sit the bodyguard and retinue. The princes and their sons, the king’s brothers and nephews, are to sit behind in succession ‘proceeding from the right towards the left.’ Uncles, other elder members of the royal family, and commanders are “to sit in the front on separate seats at the right hand moving towards the east.” “Superiors in the family of maternal grandfather, ministers, cognate relations, fathers-in-law, brothers-in-law, and officers are to sit in the front at the left hand (moving towards the east). The son-in-law and brother-in-law are to sit just on the left and right sides. And the friend is to be like him, either near or on half of his own seat. In the place of daughter’s sons and nephews, the adopted sons may have seats of the sons. The Āchārya or preceptor, like the father, is to sit on the same kind of good seats. On both sides and in the front the scribes and clerks are to be at the back of the ministers. The servants are to be seated at the back of all. Two men bearing gold sceptres are to be stationed on either side to communicate the presence and salutation (of persons) to the King.” Such was the arrangement of “the darbar.” When all the courtiers had assembled, the king should appear with a crown on his head, “well-dressed, well-decorated, armoured,” with the royal insignia, “effective missiles and uncovered weapons.” He was greeted with flattering cries, such as “thou art the greatest of all givers and heroes.” But the king had better not hear such remarks. Whether in secret, council, or open court, the king should ask the opinions of his ministers. If they were overawed into silence, he should insist on written opinions. The king should carefully weigh their arguments and “then do what is accepted by the many.” Besides the court there were other pageants. When on tour, the king entered a city, mounted on an elephant, surrounded by his kinsmen, friends and state officers.¹