Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c13.72

c13.72

To the period of Bhavabhūti belongs another famous poet Mâgha, author of the Śiśupâlabadha,¹ one of the five Mahâkâvyas. A well-known Sanskrit adago has it that Mâgha combined in himself the strong points of Kâlidâsa, Bhâravi and Daṇḍin, but to the modern reader he is frightfully artificial and imitative. The plot of the Śiśupâlabadha turns on Kṛṣṇa's killing of his perverse foolhardy relative and makes room for plenty of political maxims. But they turn out to be an echo of Bhâravi on whose Kirâta the whole work is modelled. Mâgha frankly does not care for principles in politics. The government should be popular but, above all, it should be efficient, firm and relentless. In dealing with enemies, self-interest has to be adroitly and unflinchingly pursued. Whatever has to be done must be done with rapidity and decision. Counsels cannot afford to wait too long. Glorifying ambition, Mâgha remarks that he who has the will to conquer shines like the sun amidst the "maṇḍala of twelve kings."²