Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c9.s1.58

c9.s1.58

The chief lawgivers have been for centuries subjected to interpretation and elucidation by a host of commentators. On points of civil law they often make fresh contributions to the subject, but on the principles and methods of government they generally serve only to emphasise and sometimes to obscure the meaning of their texts. Medhâtithi who commented on Manu in the tenth century stresses the intimate connection of protection and taxation. Here, again, the maxim is ‘no taxation without protection.’ The second maxim is ‘no protection without enforcement of order.’ Medhâtithi, however, makes it clear that the duty of protection is universal, that is, even those who are exempted from taxes are entitled to protection. Medhâtithi also admits non-Kṣatriya kingship. When the state is weak, it is permitted to Brâhmaṇas and others to look after their own safety and take up arms.¹