Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c6.68

c6.68

The Government should actively promote righteousness and never allow it to fall into decay.⁶ The king must severely punish all unrighteousness or he will incur obloquy among men and the gods will desert his mansion. For in a state of sinfulness, there can be no enjoyment of family life or property. Righteousness takes the king to heaven while unrighteousness flings him into hell.¹ So all must be compelled to follow righteousness. Those who are attached too much to worldly objects, who disregard wholesome restraints and who are, therefore, like brutes, should be compelled to return to duty.²