The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c15.188

c15.188

The king duly published his commands. His orders are proclaimed throughout the city and their reception at the hands of the people is noted.² He himself administers justice. In the fifth Act, the king is seen rising from the court of justice for a bath. The royal court was held in the morning. To his hall does the superintendent take a suspect fisherman in the sixth Act. He had a number of officers, some of whom probably received a ring as their signet.³ In the sixth Act, the king unable to preside himself over the court one morning asks Āryapiśuna to take his place. There seems to be an officer charged with the administration of justice and religion. *Inter alia*, he looked to the interests of hermits, visited their groves and saw that their rites were free from obstruction. It is as such an officer that Duṣyanta chooses to reveal himself in the hermitage of Kaṇva. In the sixth Act, the minister is seen devoting considerable time to the preparation of a financial statement and presenting it to the king. The sixth Act also brings into view police officers in charge of the city and police constables. They are seen dragging a poor fisherman whose hands are tied behind his back. A little later they threaten him with death for his suspected theft.