Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c6.3

c6.3

quote extensively from them but it is impossible to detach these pieces from the general narrative. Besides, they are obviously meant to complete the discourse; they are interwoven with it and form an integral part of it. It is best to treat them all as one whole. Besides the Śānti-parva, the other cantos contain some political passages which, though independent, serve to illustrate and supplement the main discourse. There are a few minor inconsistencies and some overlapping but the general spirit and atmosphere are the same. When all the passages are collated and interpreted, they are seen to embody a remarkable system. The Mahābhārata speaks the language of the times and sometimes imparts political wisdom through charming tales of animals¹ but the main stock of ideas comes before the reader as the legacy of one of the greatest of sages and warriors.²