The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c10.90

c10.90

The number of cities in a kingdom was sometimes very large. "Eighty-four thousand cities," says a queen to console her melancholy husband, "chief of which is the royal city of Kusâvatî, own your sovereignty, sire, set your heart on them" (I, 392). In spite of the patent, gross exaggeration, the number indicates that there were many cities. As usual, men of the city looked down on the rural folk. "These misguided provincials," says the son of a slave, "have no idea of dressing. And as for taste in scents and garlands, they have got none" (I, 452). Cities were surrounded by walls and fortified by watch-towers, etc., and sought to be made impregnable (III, 117). Towns seem to be administered by royal officers. There is no trace of any institutions of urban self-government.