The Political Institutions and Theories of the Hindus: A Study in Comparative Politics c10.s5.t3.1

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