Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c8.s4.1

c8.s4.1

Statesmanship, however, did something to retrieve the situation. A rigorous course of drill and education was prescribed to qualify the prince for his vocation. He should learn theology, philosophy, and literature under scholars, and master the sciences of politics and administration under politicians and administrators. After a certain age, he should devote afternoons to history, and forenoons to military science which dealt with elephant forces, cavalry, chariots, and arms. Time was found for cultivating folklore, tradition, and what in those days was called 'the science of wealth.' No stone was left unturned to impart a sound liberal education to the princes. But it was felt that intellectual accomplishment was not half so urgent as moral discipline. Self-restraint was, above all, insisted on. All sorts of temptations are mentioned to stimulate moral control.¹