Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c13.36

c13.36

In the Mālavikāgnimitra, his first dramatic piece, Kālidāsa handles royal and courtier characters but does not give much of political theory. The few references, however, that occur are quite interesting. The ideal of universal sovereignty is extolled in the very first lines. Enemies must be quickly extirpated lest they take deep root into the soil. The business of the state was divided into different departments under different ministers. They addressed their master in the most flattering terms. Among border princes, one of the commonest causes of dispute was the imprisonment of each other's subjects. The custom of approaching sovereigns with presents is clearly indicated. Mâlavikâgnimitra shows the disquiet of a polygamous royal household. Occasionally, it must have reacted dangerously on the policy of the state.¹