Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c8.s3.1

c8.s3.1

One of the most disastrous consequences of the palace brawls was to complicate the problem of the succession. That has always formed the weakest spot in the monarchical institution. Election had now disappeared. Primogeniture had not been evolved. The king made some sort of selection from among his sons with the concurrence of his officers, nobles, and the people at large, and presented the heir-apparent to the state. Backstair intrigues, inevitable, perhaps, under any circumstances, but intensified by polygamy, often led to unworthy choice and fomented conspiracy, murder, and civil war. Many a prince showed signs of disaffection and had to be put under lock and key. Plots were hatched to secure his release. Or he himself managed to form a conspiracy to better his fortunes. If his plans were discovered, he rushed into exile. Once he flew into revolt, kingship knew no kinship. He might be slaughtered mercilessly like the meanest bondman.³ Real politics laid down with heartless ingenuity when and how far kings and princes could desert, deceive, and slaughter one another.