Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c15.73

c15.73

Government thus ought to rest with Kṣatriyas. It was all the more necessary that these rulers should be well-versed in the scriptures and other learning. The Muṇḍaka Upaniṣad said long ago that those in ignorance and error, howsoever great in their own imagination, were like the blind leading the blind.³ From the Mahâbhârata downwards all Hindu texts insist on knowledge along with character as an essential qualification for rule. They remind one of the dialogues of Socrates and the philosopher-king of Plato. Manu declares that only those who are versed in the Vedas and Śâstras could be kings or suzerains, could command armies or administer justice.⁴ The Jaina Somadeva Sûri would prefer the horrors of anarchy to uninstructed rule.⁵