Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c9.s1.26

c9.s1.26

The king should first consult the ministers, then the Brāhmaṇas and finally decide for himself. Counsels must be kept confidential.¹ It was, in any case, essential that the king should personally guide the whole administration. Personally, he must examine his revenue and expenditure, dispatch spies and messengers and receive their reports, administer justice, inspect his forces and consult the commander. Yājñavalkya prescribes for him a programme like that of Kauṭalya.² Among other economic matters, the coinage is regulated entirely by the state. Towards his servants and subjects, the king should behave like a father. The protection of the people is the *raison d'être* of his being. It brings him greater merit than all the gifts in the world. If the king levies taxes on the people, it is his bounden duty to care for them. Otherwise he must undergo suffering for half the sin that is committed in his kingdom. In particular, he should shield his people from the exactions of Kāyasthas—state accountants and clerks. Corruption should be punished by confiscation of property and banishment. Illegal exactions plunge a king into hell. The fire which emanates from the sufferings of subjects extinguishes the king, his fortune and his family.³ On justice Yājñavalkya has nothing new. Punishment depends on the nature, time and place of the crime, and the age, ability and means of the accused. Caste enters as usual into social law. Punishment is divided into four classes—gentle admonition, reproof, fine and corporal affliction. Fines fall into three grades, the highest, middle and lowest amercements, eighty, forty and twenty *paṇas* respectively. The customs of families, castes and corporations are to be respected, but an appeal lies from their decisions to royal judges. In fact, all cases which have been wrongly decided should be retried.¹ In dealing with foreign states, the usual means of conciliation, diplomacy, fraud and force are explained. A king should attack the enemy when the latter is weak and has his realm filled with corn and provisions. There is nothing more meritorious than to acquire wealth by war and bestow it on Brâhmaṇas. But warfare has a law which must always be respected. One should never strike eunuchs, those who are unarmed, who are fighting with others, who desist from fighting or who surrender. Spectators are not to be molested. When a country has been conquered, its customs, laws and family usages must be maintained.² It is essential for a monarch to make adequate provision for the defence of his own realm. The safety of the king, his treasure and his people demands that numerous fortresses should be erected and placed in charge of experts.³