The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c19.51

c19.51

The general tenor of the king's personal share in the administration is clear from the foregoing narrative. A few further details may be added. A king was sometimes on terms of friendship and familiarity with powerful or wealthy subjects (IV, 13-14). Righteous kings were accessible to all, even to the poorest, and ever ready to redress their wrongs (VI, 44—60). There were kings who discharged the functions of ministers (VI, 117). At times of festivity, music or dance, the court presented a brilliant appearance. Singers and artists from abroad were readily welcomed (V, 355-6). The magnificence of the Kashmir court reached its zenith under King Harṣa (1089—1101 A.D.). The chronicler goes into lyrics over it. “Nobody in his court was seen without brilliant dress, without gold ornaments, with a small following, or without a resolute bearing.” People from various countries presented themselves. The riches of all countries seemed to be piled up at the Kashmir court. The palace witnessed the movement of numberless counsellors, chamberlains and attendants adorned with golden chains and bracelets. On journeys, a minister would always be mistaken for the king. At night the assembly-hall, illuminated by a thousand lamps, was the scene of scholastic discussions, musical performances and dances (VII, 881—83, 895, 944). And so on (VII, 946—949). Over and above it all, the king practised magnificent charity (VII, 955). But all this expenditure ultimately led to oppressive exactions from tax-payers (VII, 1100-1101).