Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

Author(s): J C Sikdar
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology & Ahimsa Mujjaffarpur

Page 104

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Sec. III) STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATI SŪTRA 79 paramountcy "Strikes down the king who swerves from his duty, together with his relatives."'1
"Tam rājā pranayan-samyak trivargenābhivardhate Kāmātmā vişamah kşudro dandenaiva nihanyate/2711 Dando hi sumahattejo durdharşaścākṣtātmabhih/ Dharmād-vicalitam hanti nộpameva sabāndhavam"||28||
It was fully admitted that the Danda did not spare any one in the state from its sway. Education of Kingship :--
The political thinkers of ancient India fully realised that the Danda (Justice) must be administered by properly educated and trained men endowed with impartial and elevated mind, as the place of punishment had become that of Dandanīti (Science of government).
Thus it is found that the BhS2 lays stress upon the principles of equitable justice and warns the kingship against impunity and unjust punishment. So in this regard this canopical work refers to the proper edication and training of all the kings, crown princes and heir-appirents mentioned here.3
This idea of all qualifications of royalty is also reflected in Orarāiya Sittat in which king Kūņika is said to have been endowed with many virtues, qualifications, and attributes.
The same view on the proper education of kingship is expressed by the Manusmrti and the Arthašāstra, which have made an elaborate discussion on the education and training of a king."
This theory of kingship is summed up by Kāmandakao
1 Manusmri, VII, 27-28. 2 BhS, 11, 11, 429. 3 16, 9, 33, 383. (Educational qualification of Jamāli), 11.11,429,
(that of king Bala and Nahābala), 13, 6, 491 (that of king Udayana of Sindhu-Sauvirii, of his son and nephew, Abhici. kumāra, and Keśi Kumāra respectively), 7, 9, 300-301 (that of
King Kūnika), 11, 9, 417, (that of king Siva), etc, 4 Ovõiya $1.6.
6 Arthasastra, 35, 6 Kimanakiya Nitisūra.