Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c11.s5.1

c11.s5.1

It is clear that Śukra would assign extensive functions to the state. A theoretician, he never pauses to consider whether and how his precepts could be translated into practice; but he draws up a momentous catalogue of the duties which rightfully devolve on the government. The king, that is, the state must see that no deceit was practised in weights and measures; that the articles exposed for sale were not adulterated. Agriculture should be encouraged by planting useful plants in villages and trees in forests. The state must regulate gambling, drinking, hunting, and licenses for bearing arms. It must control the medical profession. It must supervise the drawing up of deeds indicating sales, gifts or loans. Not only the sale of intoxicants and poisons, but also that of gold, silver, jewels, immovable property, cows, elephants, horses, camels and buffaloes must be supervised by the state. The sale of men into slavery must engage the attention of the authorities. The arts and sciences must be actively encouraged. Royal officers themselves must be trained in them. Every year honours and rewards must be conferred on persons who had attained proficiency in them. Nor was the moral and religious life to be neglected. The king should erect temples to Viṣṇu, Śaṅkara, Gaṇeśa and other gods and instal suitable images therein. If the king is not a perfect guide, his subjects would fall into trouble as a boat without a pilot sinks into the sea. Every one must be kind and gentle towards his wife, children and disciples. Husbands and wives, sons and fathers, brothers, preceptors and pupils, masters and servants, should live in peace. The time-honoured social institutions must be maintained. Organised bands of ruffians should be exterminated one by one. Charity should absorb 1/4 of the total income of the state. An equal amount should be devoted to popular entertainment. None should insult or sneer at his parents, respectable seniors, or "men of learning and virtuous character." None should hinder the movements of the poor, the blind and the deformed. None should obstruct tanks, wells, parks, boundaries, temples or roads.¹