The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c16.s1.51

c16.s1.51

The Mārkaṇḍeya Purāṇa,³ one of the earliest, is free from sectarianism, but it wants the rules of the social order to be enforced with the utmost strictness. All must be kept within bounds, within their particular duties and occupations. A royal heir-apparent who married a Vaiśyā forfeited his right to the throne and had to content himself with Vaiśya occupations.⁴ The Purāṇa emphasises the duty and wisdom of conciliating the subjects. But whosoever is an obstacle in the way of promoting popular welfare, be it father or preceptor, kinsman or friend, should be killed by the king.¹