The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c7.62

Language: English

c7.62

In spite of the consecration, however, a king sometimes came to grief. In the Taittirîya Saṃhitâ, the king emphatically claims the obedience of the people.⁶ But the same text elsewhere elaborates a sacrifice to avert the impending expulsion of a king.⁷ The Atharvaveda contains prayers for the restoration of an exiled king.⁸ Elsewhere the fervent desire is expressed that all rivals must be inferior to the king.⁹ All this points to some trouble which might be due to refractory nobles or other subjects or to tactless kings.

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