Book Title: Sambodhi 1979 Vol 08
Author(s): Dalsukh Malvania, H C Bhayani, Nagin J Shah
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

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Page 123
________________ 122 Tahasildar Singh 1. the king was immune from trial or judicial punishment (adanḍya); 2. he could not be made a witness in a law courts; 3. his properties could not be enjoyed by others and adverse prescription could given no title to such a holder and 4. he was entitled to all treasure-troves and lost-and-found articles. All properties without heir passed to him by escheat except Brahmana's property.7 Royal Duties: Royalty being so significant for the society, the Epics, the Dharmasütras the Jatakas all concur in holding up an ideal of righteousness before. the king and inculcate on him certain virtues which were the essential qualifications of royal success and the consequent happiness of the people in the kingdom. The Epics and the Brahmanical texts, which look to the problems of politics from the rulers point of view, thus lay down the qualities and virtues of the king: 1. He should be ever active. The virtues of activity (utthana) for the good of the realm are narrated in many chapters. The ever active Ring was to fight for the four-fold objectives. 2. He should be careful of the peoples' good and make all efforts to please them. Mahabharata (ch. 58) derives the word rajan fro.a rakjana or pleasing. All other traditions support it 3. He should protect life and property. He should be impartial in putting down public enemies and in punishing criminals. The Epic cites the instance of the banishment of prince Asamanja by his father.10 4. He should administer justice impartially and not be too hard in inflicting punishment. Proper punishment should be awarded by him and only to the guilty.11 5. He should be guided by the accepted canon of moral and political discipline and respect the laws of asrama and varna. He should control himself, not give way to excesses of vyasana nor covet others wealth or women. 6. He should follow the advice of his Purohita, learned Brahmanas and advisers. 7. He should not impose unjust or heavy taxes, nor exact additional ones without public sanction, 12 Jain Education International For Personal & Private Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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