Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c13.s1.9

c13.s1.9

Another work of a similar character, though of inferior merit, is the Puruṣaparīkṣa by Vidyāpati Thakur, a protege of Śwasimhadeva, composed in the 14th or 15th century but belonging to the old tradition.¹ Now and then it touches political subjects. Here it has no originality of its own but it weaves the time-honoured precepts wonderfully well into its narration. Thus, one should decide alone on a course of policy. There is too great a risk of mistaking the right for the wrong and vice versa. Consultation is essential for all success. Now and then, however, we catch glimpses of arbitrary despotism. For instance, King Nanda of Kusumpur deprives his minister, Śakaṭāra, of all his property, and throws him into prison. The minister himself belonged to the Kayastha caste. Rules of caste were often disregarded in the choice of ministers, and Brāhmaṇas were often passed over in favour of the more capable members of the lower castes.