The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c15.s1.8

c15.s1.8

Here, too, may be noticed another work which is not the product of a single mind or age but which perhaps assumed its present shape sometime after the fall of the Gupta empire. The Uttarādhyayana Sūtra,² says Charpentier, “is a collection of materials differing in age and derived from different sources.” “It seems at least probable that the main texts already existed in their present shape before the final redaction of the canon at the Council of Valabhī (probably in 526 A.D.).”³ The text touches government in a rather left-handed manner. But the dialogue between Indra, the king of gods disguised as a Brāhmaṇa, and Nami who had just received enlightenment and renounced his family and dominion of Mithilā contains a few interesting political references. The federal-feudal idea is there. “Bring into subjection all princes who do not acknowledge you,” says Indra to Nami. Kings lived in great pomp and glory and constantly multiplied their treasure, jewellery, wardrobe and conveyances. Towns were often enclosed by walls, defended by battlemented gates, moats and those instruments of warfare which were called Śataghnīs. It was felt that the government must severely punish robbers, cut-purses and burglars and thus establish internal tranquillity.¹