The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c10.26

c10.26

In the Jâtakas there is a ruling class, consisting primarily of Kṣatriyas, which stands above all and which typifies the state. Its members are not to be addressed by name or in the second person by people of low castes. In his pride a king calls a Purohita's son Hīnajacca, ‘of low birth’ (V, 257). For the primacy of the ruling class, I, 177; III, 19; IV, 42, 205, 303, V, 123). Purohitas or their sons, however, are admitted to intimacy with kings, princes and aristocrats (I, 437, 289; II, 47, 282, 376, 437; III, 31, 317, 392, 417, 455; IV, 200, 270; V, 127; VI, 330). Others are also sometimes admitted into the high circle. Thus Prince Brahmadatta and Mahâdhana, son of a rich merchant, are comrades and playmates and are brought up with the same teachers. On succeeding to the throne, Brahmadatta receives Mahâdhana thrice a day. When the latter, losing faith in his courtezan, renounces the world, the king summons “the wicked, vile woman” and commands her to “go quickly to where my friend is and fetch him; if you fail, your life is forfeit” (III, 476).