The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c9.s2.t1.110

c9.s2.t1.110

The Mahâbhârata makes it clear that in emergencies like war, the king made unusual demands on his subjects. Abnormal times were regarded as governed by a morality of their own. A king should explain the situation to his people and levy extra taxes. He might force any unwilling subjects to disgorge their wealth. If war exhausted the treasury, he might seize the wealth of all except Brâhmaṇas.⁴ It is recognised that to defray the expenses of a sacrifice, a king may seize the wealth of an irreligious rich man.⁵ At the conclusion of the war, Yudhiṣṭhira declares that he could not levy dues for celebrating a sacrifice at the moment.⁶ He plainly implies that that was the usual practice. A Dasyu's wealth could also be confiscated in case of need.⁷