________________
ADMINISTRATION OF KALINGA
207
King either in raw produce or in allowance for plunder.1
The army of a conquered enemy and that of wild tribes both are anxious for plunder. In the absence of plunder and under troubles they prove as dangerous as a lurking snake.”
Strange as it may appear, but Asoka too was not free from internal troubles in his kingdom. If we study his statement in RE XIII critically, it would appear that the Ațuvikas or the Forest Principalities were causing him no small anxiety. These people were altogether subordinate to Asoka, but enjoyed some degree of independence. Otherwise, there is no meaning in the statement that they have done him wrong and that though he is possessed of all terrestrial power to crush them, he is resorting to the friendly mode of winning them over to his side--a mode which no doubt suggested itself to him on account of his having become an ardent follower of Dhamma.
The Wild Tribes receivedl particular favour at the hands of the Emperor. A law was passed regarding the safety of the inhabitants of forests. 'Forests must not be burnt, cither uselessely or in order to destory (living beings)'-- So runs the order in PE V. The success which crowned his efforts in this direction can be judged from the statement made in RE XIII-"And, even the inhabitants of the forests which are included in the Dominion of Devānāmpriya, even these he pacifies and converts.” His deliberate policy was thus enuntiated—“Even if anyone does positive harm to him, he would be considered worthy of foregiveness by Devānāmpriya so far as he can possibly he forgiven.” (RE XIII)
1. IX, 2. 2. Ibid.
Jain Education International
For Personal & Private Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
