The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c10.46

c10.46

“Let town and countryfolk assembled all give ear,
“Lo, water is ablaze. From safety cometh fear.
The plundered realm may well of king and priest complain.
Henceforth protect yourselves. Your refuge proves your bane.” The people thought, “the king, though he ought to have protected others, threw the blame on another. . . . That he may not in future go on playing the part of a thief, we will kill this wicked king.” “So they rose up with sticks and clubs in their hands, and then and there beat the king and the priest till they died.” The Brāhmaṇa, responsible for all this, was proclaimed king. Another king is persuaded by a hypocritical Purohita to sacrifice his queens, sons, best horses and bulls so that he might go to heaven. The plot is frustrated and only Sakka, the god of gods, prevents the multitude from killing the king. The people agree to spare his life, “but,” they decide, “we will not give him rule or dwelling in this city—we will make him an outcast and appoint his dwelling outside this city.” So they stripped him of his royal garments, made him wear a yellow dress, put a yellow cloth on