The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c18.43

c18.43

Sudharmasvâmigaṇabhṛitha's *Śripraśnavyâkaraṇâṅgam*² has some excellent incidental political touches. The term Mâṇḍalika here means a feudatory, a normal feature of the body-politic. Kings are often spoken of as accompanied by them as well as by priests, ministers and commanders. Kings and military commanders sometimes fought among themselves and oppressed the people.³ Only too often did royal servants misuse their trust. Sudharmasvâmigaṇabhṛitha speaks of them as a species of thieves.⁴ Military officers are called rogues⁵ and equally severe epithets are applied to police-officers and revenue officers.⁶