Ancient Indian Kingship From the Religious Point of View

Abstract

In India the divinity of kings, however small their domain 1), has always been accepted by the masses 2). The bearer of authority inspires awe, fear or admiration. Wielding power and occupying a lonely post he is easily credited with special qualities. They say that the king is a human being; but I consider you to be a god, whose behaviour, if it is in accordance with dharma (norms) and artha (political utility) is superhuman 3). The actual conduct of public affairs lay largely with the prime minister or chief counsellor 4). Although authorities disagree 5) with regard to the question whether misfortune or calamity falling upon the king is a greater evil than that attacking his prime minister, even those who hold the former opinion tacitly admit that, it is true, the king appoints the minister, but leaves the affairs of state to a large extent to the latter 6). The minister causes the commencement of all undertakings