Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c8.32

c8.32

Succession. In the succession, the law of primogeniture is roughly recognised, but exceptions are allowed. The prince is one of the principal charges of the state. All care and tenderness must be bestowed on his upbringing and education, but if he misbehaves and flies into revolt, kingship knows no kinship. In the interests of the state, royal blood may flow like water. The king must enforce the social order as it had been evolved in the course of ages. In specifying the duties of the four castes, Kautalya does not confine the Śūdras to the service of the superior castes. They may follow the occupations of artisans and court-bards or, like the Vaiśyas, they may take to agriculture, cattle-breeding and trade.¹