Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c8.s6.22

c8.s6.22

naval defence. Order must be strictly enforced. It is by the administration of punishment that "the holy sun is king," and gods and mortals are sustained. The order of the four castes must be protected. Resting houses should be provided for the convenience of travellers. Temples and schools, tanks and fields should be looked after, that is to say, the interests of religion, education and agriculture should be attended to. Festivals are to be encouraged. Liquor shops and the houses of harlots claim the attention of the state. Perhaps Bṛihaspati, like Kautalya, would like the state to check and regulate the human vices. When the same cryptic aphorism refers to shops, it is reasonable to infer that Bṛihaspati would not leave the economic life of the community to itself. There should be no oppression anywhere either in towns or in villages. Protection extends to all, but Brâhmaṇas, as usual, claim some exceptional privileges. They are exempt from capital punishment. All learning must be encouraged, but learned Brâhmaṇas are to be specially honoured.¹