The Positive Background of Hindu Sociology c13.s2.t2.4

c13.s2.t2.4

Then, again, the category, *amśitva* (co-sharership), as enjoyed by the poor etc., possesses a more than ordinary significance in speculative politics. It is something essentially distinct from the commonplace thought in constitution or public law which says that the king is the servant, benefactor or protector of the people. We are forced to understand that in point of civil law these enumerated classes are his equals or at any rate colleagues so far as the use of wealth, i.e. the state, is concerned. Naturally, therefore, it is possible to read something of socialistic “idealism” into this doctrine. Śrīkara the jurist, although interested in private law (e.g. the law of property) has made a tremendous contribution to public law by enunciating this dictum. It is worth repeating that Śrīkara is here not talking of ordinary charity, philanthropy or dole but of the *right of co-sharers* to the national revenues. It is understood, of course, that we find ourselves here not in *Realpolitik* but in speculation.