The Political Institutions and Theories of the Hindus: A Study in Comparative Politics c15.44

c15.44

Besides, among the *śâsanas* or positive laws conceived by Śukra we read that without the sanction of the state the following things are not to be done: gambling, drinking, hunting, use of arms, sales and purchases of cows, elephants, horses, camels, buffaloes, men, immovable property, silver, gold, jewels, intoxicants and poisons, distillation of wines, the drawing up of deeds indicating a sale, gift or loan, and medical practice.² The important professions and economic activities which involve public safety and the future interests of the individuals concerned are thus not left to the discretion and common sense of the *prakriti* (the society). In Śukra's conception the *râjya* (the state) has to function as the Platonic "guardian" even of the citizens' self-interest.