The Political Institutions and Theories of the Hindus: A Study in Comparative Politics c15.s3.7

c15.s3.7

Taxation, according to this theory, is the “cash nexus” binding the king and the people in the *râjya*. It represents in reality the material basis of the contract between two parties who have an eye to the equalization between compensation and the benefit rendered. The right to levy a tax is dependent on the duty of protecting the people. Should, however, the taxes be ever so unjust in the realization or in the disbursement, the “discontent of the people would destroy the king with his whole family”.⁴ The right of resistance is a natural weapon of the people in Śukra's theory of finance. Recourse is had to it as the ruler ceases to discharge his functions according to the terms of the compact.