Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c9.s1.48

c9.s1.48

Parāśara² recognises that there is no absolute law. The law changes from time to time. Every age has its own scheme of duties which the government should enforce. Parāśara undertakes to expound the Dharma of his own times. He bases his theory partly on existing facts and ignores the canon law in several particulars. He is averse to begging and counsels the government to punish those Brāhmaṇas who do not study but live on charity.³ Brāhmaṇas are not to practise agriculture but they may employ others to till the land for themselves. Later, he altogether throws open agriculture to