The Political Institutions and Theories of the Hindus: A Study in Comparative Politics c10.s5.t3: 3. Succession determined by Vox Populi

The Political Institutions and Theories of the Hindus: A Study in Comparative Politics c10.s5.t3

Language: English

3. Succession determined by Vox Populi

c10.s5.t3.1

Even in the election of the heir-apparent the people of India had a voice, at least in the epics. We read in the *Mahâbhârata* that on several occasions the revolts of the folk brought about a modification in the choice of a crown-prince. It was only with the people's consent secured after a fracas that Yayâti could instal his younger son, Puru, as crown-prince against the technically rightful eldest son Yadu.¹ And Dhritarâṣṭra was compelled by the people's protests to elect his nephew as heir-apparent instead of his unworthy son.²

c10.s5.t3.2

¹ ^1 *Âdi-parva*, LXXXV, 22.

c10.s5.t3.3

² ^2 *Ibid*, CXL, 23.

c10.s5.t3.4

Such "democratic" settlements of crown-princeship, described also in the *Râmâyaṇa*³, may be taken to have anticipated (in theory, at any rate, as long as evidences from the strictly historical sources are not forthcoming) the recorded instances in the procedure of mediaeval Europe. The *Ordinatio Imperii* of Lewis the Pious in 817 is the document that provided for the partition of his dominions between his sons. In accordance with its provisions, after the ceremonial fast of three days his eldest son Lothair was elected by Lewis and the whole people to be his colleague in the empire. Then "with common counsel" it was decided to give the younger sons, Pippin and Lewis, the title of kings and to allot to them certain lands by definite *capitula*. These were considered and then "confirmed by Lewis and all his faithful subjects".⁴ Now, if Megasthenes' observations be of any value, the *Mahâbhârata* or the *Râmâyaṇa* ideal was not the mere fine frenzy of poets. For, says the Greek ambassador, *vox populi* was consulted by the responsible officers in determining succession on the failure of heirs, and the regulating principle was merit.⁵

Linked texts (3)

Ἰνδική — Λούκιος Φλάουιος Ἀρριανός, Ancient Greek
Mahābhārata — Vyāsa, Sanskrit
Vālmīkirāmāyaṇa — Vālmīki, Sanskrit