Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c9.s1.35

c9.s1.35

The Śāstra of Nārada is a work on law and touches but incidentally on administrative matters. It draws freely on Manu and on the predecessors of Kauṭalya and contains little that is original. The law which the state is to enforce pertains to the whole of human life. For example, if a man deserts a wife who obedient and virtuous and who is the mother of male issue. he should be severely punished and made mindful of his duty by the king.¹ In administering oaths, admitting evidence and determining punishments, the caste discriminations of Manu are reproduced. For example, Brāhmaṇas are exempted from certain ordeals. Nārada, it may be mentioned, reduces ordeals to a precise system.² In the administration of justice, the assessors are assigned a more important position than in Manu.³