The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c9.s2.t1.111

c9.s2.t1.111

It is difficult to obtain any clear idea of the sphere of state-activity during the Epic period. The theory of the Śānti Parvan makes it conterminous with life itself. The state should ceaselessly foster righteousness, guide, correct and control the moral life of the people, make the earth habitable and comfortable for men.¹ It is possible that the theorist had some basis of practice for his counsel when he wanted the government to reclaim land for cultivation, to excavate tanks and lakes and thus make agriculture independent of the caprices of the rains, to make loans of seed-grain to cultivators in time of need.² The king should cause wide roads to be laid out and watering-stations to be erected at proper distances.³ Robbers should be exterminated everywhere.⁴ The king is himself counselled to practise boundless charity on occasions like the Rājasūya but he must discourage and punish indiscriminate begging.⁵