30 Political System in Puranas

Rani Sadasiva Murty

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POLITICAL SYSTEM IN PURANAS

 

Ancient Indian Political System of Puranas is the Royal Policy. In those days all the regions of the earth were under the rule of kings only. Everywhere on the entire earth there were innumerable kings and kingdoms. Some kingdoms were very large ones. Some kingdoms are very small also. Among the kings also there are different categories like: Samanta Raja (regent king), Raja (King), Maha Raja (Great King), Chakravarti (A Ruler greater than Maharaja) and Sarvabhauma (A Ruler of the entire earth). In this manner every royal king had his own existence and region to be ruled. The royal status of every king was well respected by all the people of respective places.

 

POLITICAL SYSTEM OF PURANAS IS ROYAL POLICY

 

Through out all the 18 Puranas one can see that the earth is under the rule of one or the other King only and never it was under the rule of people as in the modern times. So the political system of Pauranic world was always Royal Policy only. So to assess the Political system of ancient times it is necessary to understand the royal policy.

 

LAND, PEOPLE, GOVERNMENT AND SOVEREIGNTY

 

All those ancient kingdoms had similar kind of the four essentials as in the modern times i.e. Land, People, Government and sovereignty. The land in those days was called Rajyam. The people were called Praja or Prakritis. Government was known in the name of Rajya Sasanam. Sovereignty was called Sarvabhaumatva.

 

ROYAL DYNASTIES IN PURANAS

 

Puranas give a detailed account of the kings ruled Yuga wise and Maha yuga wise. Just as the Gregorian calendar has the cycle of twelve months beginning from January to December in cyclic fashion the ancient Indian calendar had cyclic fashion for a longer span ages from Krta to Kali ages. With these cycles of time they made the time length in the linear fashion. Through several cycles of Maha Yugas (Four Yugas – Krita, Treta, Dvapara and Kali Yugas together make one Mahayuga) a good number of royal dynasties ruled the Earth. Some of the Important dynasties are:

 

The Main dynasties were:

 

1. Svaayambhuva Manu Vamsa

 

Svaayambhuva Manu was the born from the thoughts of Brahma (Svaymabhu) , the Creator. Hence he is called Svaaymbhuva Manu. All the kings who were the descendants of Svaayambhuva Manu are popularly known as the kings of Svaayambhuva vamsa.

 

2. Surya Vamsa

 

The kings like Dilipa, Raghu, Aja, Dasaratha, Rama and others belong to the Dynasty of the Sun. As the Sun god was the source of this Vamsa, this is called Surya Vamasa. This is popularly known as Solar Dynasty in English.

 

3. Chandra Vamsa

 

The kings like Dushyanta, Santanu, Kauravas, Pandavas and Yadus belong to Chandra Vamsa. The source of this dynasty was the Moon. Hence this is called Chandra Vamsa or Lunar dynasty.

 

4. Puru Vamsa

 

This dynasty began with the king Puru. Hence this is called Puru Vamsa.

 

5. The Royal Dynasties of Kali yuga

 

Besides the rulers of the above said dynasties of Krta, Treta and Dvapara yugas there are detailed accounts of the kings of Kali age are found in the Puranas. Some Popular dynasties of Kali age are: Nanda Vamsa, Maurya vamsa, Sunga Vamasa, Kanva Vamsa and of others.

 

The most popular rulers of all the four Yugas are categorized in the Puranas as Six Chakravartins (Shat Chakravartins) and 16 Maharajas (Shodasa Maharajas). The names of those kings are as follows:

 

6 Chakravartins

 

Entire Earth is considered as a single circle or Chakra and one who is the ruler of the whole earth is known as Chkaravartin. The following six are the most popular among the ancient Indian Chakravartins. Hence they are called SHAT CHAKRAVARTINS. Namely: Harischandra, Nala, Purukutsa, Pururavas, Sagara and Kartavirya.

 

1. Harischandra

 

Of these six Harischandra stood as an icon of TRUTH and he was the king of Ayodhya. He lived in the Treta Yuga. His wife was Taramati also known as Chandra Mathi and his son was Rohitasva.

 

2. Nala

 

He was the king of the Nishadha country. He was a just ruler. His wife was Damayanti. His devotion for Dharma made him popular in the world.

 

3. Purukutsa

 

Purukutsa belongs to Surya Vamsa. He was a predecessor of Rama. Madhata Maharaja was the father of Purukutsa. His wife was Narmada a princess of Naga vamasa.

 

4. Pururavas

 

Pururava was a son of Yayati. He was also known as Vikrama as a mark of his extraordinary valor. His greatness was such that he accepted the old age of his father for one thousand years and allowed his father to enjoy the world pleasures. He valor is such that he used to directly go to the Heavens and help Indra in defeating the demons in every fight and as a token of gratitude Indra offered him Half of his throne.

 

5. Sagara

 

Sagara was a descendant of Solar Race. He performed 100 Ashvamedha Yagas. On the occasion of the 100 Ashvamedha Yaga the king of the Gods Indra stole the Sacrificial horse and kept it in the Ashram of the sage Kapila. The 60000 sons of Sagara who were popularly known as Sagara Putras in the attempt of entering Patala Loka had dug the earth to make their way. As a result Oceans took place. Hence the oceans got the name Saagara after the king’s name SAGARA.

 

6. Kartavirya

 

Kartavirya Arjuna belongs to the Haihaya Dynasty and the ruler of Mahishmati. As he was the son of Krtavirya he was called Kartavirya and his name was Arjuna. He was the incarnation of Sudarshana Chakra of Lord Sri Mahavishnu. Hence he had 1000 hands. He was a disciple of the Yogi Dattatreya. He had a great name as a just ruler. He had the credit of defeating Ravana in one combat and put him in jail.

 

Thus these six Charavartins have their fame and name much heard in all the worlds.

 

16 Maharajas

 

Gaya, Ambarisha, Sashibindu, Ananga, Pruthu, Maruti, Sahatra, Parashurama, Srirama, Bharata, Dilipa, Nriga, Rantideva, Yayati, Mandhata and Bhagiratha

 

1. Gaya

He was the son of Ayush who was the son of Pururav as. Gaya was the brother of the king Nahusha. He performed many Yagas. He was a member of the court of Yama Dharama Raja. He having conquered the entire earth offered it as a Dana to help seekers.

 

2. Ambarisha

 

Ambarisha was a staunch devotee of Vishnu. He was always protected by the Sudarshana Chakra of Vishunu which was kept in his Puja Mandiram of him. This Sudarshana saved him from the anger of the sage Durvasa and killed the demon Krtya which was created by the sage.

 

3. Sashibindu

 

He was a descendant of the Kristru Dynasty. He had many wives and may children. Prthasrava, Prthasa, Prthukirti, Prtunjaya, Prthukarma and Prthu Yasha are the six popular sons of him. He performed many Yagas and popularly known as Caturdasa Maharatna.

 

4. Anga

 

He was the ruler of Anga. The country Anga obtained that name because of him only. All the creatures in the universe were under his power.

 

5. Pruthu

 

He was the first king on the earth. He was the son of Vena. He was born out of the right arm of his father through the process of churning.

 

6. Marut

 

He was a king of Solar dynasty and the son of Avikshit. He had 18 sons. He was such a valor king that his valor caused fear even in the heart of Indra.

 

7. Suhotra

 

He was the son of the king Dvitithi. He had control over even the natural elements. Because of his greatness the clouds used to rain Gold in his kingdom.

 

8. Parashurama

 

He was a Brahmin-king. He was the son of the sage Jamadagni and mother Renuka. He killed all the wicked Kshatriyas having toured the entire earth for 21 times and established his kingdom. Afterwards having been asked by the Kashyapa he gave away the entire earth to him in the form of Dana.

 

9. Srirama

 

He was the son of Dasaratha and Kashalya and the ruler of Ayodhya. He was popular as the human manifestation of Dharma. His story is available in the name of the Ramayana.

 

10. Bharata

 

He was the son of Sakuntala and Dushyanta. His childhood name was Sarvadamana. He was latter called Bharata. According to some accounts our country got the name Bharata Varsha as it was ruled by this Bharata.

 

11. Dilipa

 

Dilipa was a descendant of Surya Vamsa. He along with his wife Sudakshina served the Divine cow Nandini the daughter of Kamadhenu to obtain a heroic male child. In this service to the cow He saw a lion which was about to eat the cow Nandini. Then the king prepared to offer his own lives to protect the cow. Hence he was popular as a king who protected the cow.

 

12. Sibi

 

He belonged to the Lunar Dynasty. Son of Usinara. He is Yayati’s daughter’s son. He offered the entire fresh of his body to protect a dove from a falcon.

 

13. Rantideva

 

He hailed from the Lunar Dynasti. He was the son of the king Sankriti. He performed innumerable Gosavanams and as a result the river Charmanvati took place.

 

14. Yayati

 

Yayati also was a king of Lunar dynasty. He was the king of Pratisthana Pura. He did a great penance.

 

15. Mandhata

 

Mandhata was born in Surya vamsa. He was the son of Yavanashva. He was directly born out of his father’s womb. As soon as he was born Indra fed him with Amrta. Hence he was called Madhata. He was born with the Amsa of Vishnu. He defeated the demon Ravana and put him in jail for a long time and left following the advice of the sages as Ravana should be killed by Sri rama.

 

16. Bhagiratha

 

Bhagirtha was the great grandson of the king Sagara. He belonged to Surya Vamsa. For providing higher lokas to his forefathers he did penance in praise of Siva, pleased him and brought the Ganges to the earth and Patala from the head of Siva. That Ganga is even today gracing all the people of Bharata Varsha.

 

In this manner all the ancient kings were just rulers. Great deeds were achieved by them and they never disobeyed the path of Dharma. Hence whatever was laid down by them in the name of ruling their kingdoms became part of Puranic Rajadharma. All these ruled the earth according to Dharmic Policy hence the royal policy was known as Raja Dharma

 

PURANIC SOURCES FOR RAJADHARMAS

 

Puranas have a great deal fo Raja Dharmas. Those Rajadharmas found in the puranas are useful even in the modern times. The following chapters of the following puranas are the main sources of Rjadharmas. Besides these there are a good number of occasional references too for Raja Dharmas.

  1. Agni Purana – 28th, 218th to 248th , 253rd to 258th Chapters
  2. Padma Purana – 3rd , 36th, 37th and 38th Chapters
  3. Bhavishya Purana – 1st and 26th Chapters
  4. Matsya Purana – 213th to 226th, 241st and 242nd Chapters
  5. Markandeya Purana – 24th Chapter
  6. Skanda Purana – 7th and 17th Chapters
  7. Garuda Purana –  Purvakhanda 111th to 113th Chapters

18 TIRTHAS – THE 18 ESSENTIALS OF A KINGDOM

 

‘मन्त्री पुरोहितश्चैवयुवराजश्चभूपहतिः।

पञ्चमो द्बारपालश्च षष्ठोऽन्त्तवंहिकस्तथा॥

कारागाराहिकारी च द्रव्यसञञ्चयकत ्तथथा।

कत त्याकत त्येषुचाथाानाांनवमो हवहनयोजकिः ॥

प्रदेष्टानगराध्यक्षिः कार्ययाहनर्ममााणकत ्तथथा।

िर्ममााध्यक्षिःसञभाध्यक्षो दण्डपालहिपञ्चमिः ॥

षोडिो दुगापालश्चतथा राष्ट्रान्त्तपालकिः ।

अटवीपालकान्त्ताहन तीथाान्त्यष्टादिैवतु॥

 

Minister, Priest,Crown-Prince, The King, Door Attendant, Kinsman, The Chief of the Jail, Treasurer, Advisor regarding do’s and don’ts, Pathfinder, City Superintendent, Work Superintendent, Dharmaadhyaksha, Superintendent of Royal Court, Crime Superintendent, Chief of Fort Guards, Protector of the Country and Protector of the Forests are the 18Tirthas.

 

PRINCIPLES OF RAJADHARMA FOUND IN GARUDA PURANA

 

 

The contribution of Garuda Purana regarding the Royal Policy is noteworthy and well classified. It is more organized than in any of the other puranas. The total content is distributed in three chapters (Ch.111-Ch.113) of the Purvakhanda of Garuda Purana.

 

Chapter 111

 

  • * A king should be vigilant in observing the moments of all his subordinates.
  •  *Righteousness (Dharma) should be the backbone of his rule.
  • (A King should collect the taxes from the people just like collecting the flowers from the trees and creepers without uprooting them.
  • Just like Milk Man the king should justly collect the resources of the defeated enemies and he should allow them to drain away.
  • The larger is the territory of the king the wider will be his fame and prosperity.
  • (* King always should take care of Righteousness than wealth or power.
  • Fulfilling the desires and enjoying riches is a very pleasant thing. But it is all transitory.
  • A king should rule his subjects as his own children.
  • king who does not rely upon Sastric knowledge is blind. A blind person relies up on spies. 
  •  The kingdom of a king whose sons, servants, ministers, priests and his own senses sleep is no more safe. 
  • One who possesses all these is able to conquer all. (21)
  •  Even in defeat a king should loose his confidence and should not give vent to grief. (23)

Chapter 112

 

  • There are four ways to test the purity of gold. 1. Touching 2. Cutting 3. Striking and 4. Melting. Similarly a servant can be tested by four means: 1. Conduct, 2. Character 3. Parentage and 4. Acts (3)
  • Eligibilities of a Kosadhyaksha (Protector of Royal Treasury) (4)
  •  A Gemologist should be appointed by observing his abilities in evaluating the price, identifying the color and virtues of a gem . (5)
  • One who can assess the strength and weakness of the enemy should be in the place of commander in chief. (5)
  • A door attendant should be such a one who can read others’ mind and strong enough to prevent others. (6)
  • A writer(a Secretary) should be intelligent, good at speech, wise, truthful, self-controlled and well versed in all branches of knowledge. (7)
  • A man with good intelligence and clear comprehension can be a royal ambassador.(8)
  • A Dharma Adhyaksha should be a scholar, and knower of all Sastras with self control. (9) have longivity of life. (11)
  • A royal priest should b
  • A royal cook should have inherited knowledge of cooking and should be an utmost faithful servant. (10)
  • A royal physician should be good at the science of medicine, pleasing to all in appearance and should e scholar in the Vedas and all ancillary sceinces of the Vedas. He should be an expert in performing Homas and Japas. (12)

Whom not to recruit:

 

  • Those who are in the posts of writer, a secretary, accountant and any head of a civic body if behave lazily in delivering their duties the system will collapse. So they should be avoided. (13)
  • Double tongued people should be avoided.  (14)
  • If a servant, in the presence of his king, shows his scholarship, valor, truthfulness, self control and other virtues but in real times of necessity escapes from the situation they should be avoided. (19)
  •  A king should always be careful in strengthening his fort for not to be attacked by his enemies.

Chapter 113

  • A king should try to secure the services of the qualified and reject the incapable from the list in as much as all virtues grace the mind of the erudite, and an illiterate fool is, at best, but the embodiment of all evil propensities. (1)
  • The royal court should be full of honest. Association of good people should be concentrated up on by the king. He should avoid enmity with good, wise and virtuous people. He should never encourage the association of bad people however strong they may be. (2)
  • He should prefer to live with noble, scholarly, virtuous and truthful people to get all kinds of prosperity. He should be effortful in avoiding bad company. (3)

How to deal with the resources:

As far as the resources are concerned the king should be very alert in utilizing them. Just like the honey bees collect honey and preserves it in the hive, he should accumulate more n more. He should not go on consuming the available resources.

Wealth accumulation:

  • Accumulating the wealth also should be like that of Bhrama-Pushpanyaya. Collecting limited honey from each flower and not fully squeezing from it and making the hive full. (6)
  • The growth of the royal treasury should be on the lines of the growth of an ant -hill, a bee-hive and the phases of the moon during bright fortnight. (7)

Some essential virtues of a king:

  • Righteousness should be protected by Truthfulness. Knowledge should be protected by constant and proper application. The courtesy should be protected by humility. (The courteous people should be properly respected). The esteem of his race should be protected by his good character. (10)
  • All the principles of Human Resource Development are well instructed in the Garuda Purana.
  • These principles have all time applicability for the growth of any nation at any time.
  • All the stories of the kings presented in the puranas also were illustrative of all the virtuous of a healthy kingdom presented in this purana.

   Raja basically is term which can be used to refer to a ruler. As long as he shines the entire universe shines. As he please his subjects (people) he is called RAJA or a King. According to the Puranic teachings a king should please his people as their father and should cause fear in the hearts of his enemies and criminals. Those who have bad intention in their hearts should get fear of the severe punishment that would be given to them by the king. Even because of such fear of punishment they should stop doing evil to the worlds. In this manner the ancient kings used to rule the kingdom. Their royal courts were the places of instant justice with excusing any flaw without doing any injustice to good people.

 

Such principles of royal rule have all time applicability. If the Rajadharmas from the Puranas are keenly studied the virtuous dharmas of those times can be adapted even in the modern times.

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Bibliography

  • Bhagavata Maha Purana, Gita Press, Gorakhpur
  • Garuda Maha Purana, Gita Press, Gorakhpur
  • Narada Maha Purana, Gita Press, Gorakhpur
  • Survey of Sanskrit Literature by C Kunhan Raja, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mumbai
  • Sanskritasahityetihasa, Acarya Ramachandra Misra, Chowkhamba, Varanasi, 2003