The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c7.174

c7.174

In accordance with the general trend of development, the Purohita has now become more important than ever. He and the members of his order must be kept constantly in good humour. Even a powerful king like Janamejaya was humbled by Brāhmaṇas.⁶ The Śatapatha Brāhmaṇa would exempt Brāhmaṇas from taxes.⁷ The dictum is reiterated with such complete unanimity through the succeeding ages. The same Brāhmaṇa expounds the dogma of the joint rule of Brāhmaṇas and Kṣatriyas over the people,⁸ though elsewhere it restricts them to their several functions.⁹ In one passage it derives the kingly power from that of the priest.¹ It is the royal priest who secures the fall of rain for the crops, says the Ṛigveda in its tenth Maṇḍala.² The Aitareya Brāhmaṇa declares that the Purohita is half the Kṣatriya; he is indispensable to the success of royal enterprise. He is the Rāṣṭragopa, protector of the kingdom. Along with his wife and son, he is the three-fold sacred fire for the king. If propitiated, he blesses the king with dignity, valour and dominion and ultimately secures him heavenly grace. If he is displeased, he hurls ruin and destruction on the realm.³ To quote the Śatapatha Brāhmaṇa, again, the Śrotriya or the learned Brāhmaṇa and the king are joint "upholders of the sacred law among men."⁴