The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c18.58

c18.58

in public affairs. A perverse ignorant prince should never be installed as heir-apparent.¹ Somadeva wants the king to promote agriculture, to control trade, fix the prices and supervise the markets. In reality there are no greater thieves on earth than tradesmen. Ministers should be well-born Brāhmaṇas, Kṣatriyas or Vaiśyas. but never foreigners. Somadeva puts their number at three, five or seven.² Evidently he is thinking of very small states or feudatory domains. The duty of administering impartial justice is extolled in the highest terms and the policy imposing heavy fines from financial motives is condemned. Another possible reference to contemporary politics is implied in the precept that military officers should not be consulted in the determination of policy. They are only too ready to clutch at war. Strife is the law of their being. Besides, if they are placed in control of civil policy, they may grow dangerously proud and powerful.³ None the less, the commander-in-chief was one of the most important of officers.⁴ The ambassador was another notable functionary. A definite code of diplomatic etiquette had been evolved. An envoy might talk as he liked but his life was sacrosanct. On no account was he to be molested.⁵ Needless to say, the Purohita was another great personage, who should be instrumental in warding off natural or supernatural calamities.⁶