The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c20.116

c20.116

Vidyāpati Ṭhākura's Puruṣaparīkṣā, though actually composed in the 14th or 15th century A.D., belongs to the older tradition and can be noticed here. Kings were only too often arbitrary. For instance, king Nanda of Kusumpur deprives his minister Śakaṭāra of all his property and throws him into prison. Another tyrannical king whom even the sages failed to bring to duty is expelled by the people and his brother is placed on the throne.³ There were ministers who drew the minds of their masters away from duty and themselves practically usurped all authority. Ministers, we are told, are naturally of crooked minds.⁴ Every king had a sort of council which, it is urged, should consist of men versed in the Śāstras.⁵