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tion is deprived of its force by a similar passage (VII. 7.), where the King is said to be "the regent of the waters and the lord of the firmament."

The second is answered by denying its correctness; but even if undisputed, it might only be a provision against the King's losing his share of the produce in consequence of the neglect of the proprietor. A text is also produced in opposition to the King's claim, in which it is stated that "land is the property of him who cut away the wood;" or, in the words of the commentator," who tilled and cleared it." (IX. 44.) But the conclusive argu ment is, that the King's share being limited, as above, to one sixth, or at most one fourth, there must have been another proprietor for the remaining five sixths or three fourths, who must obviously have had the greatest interest of the two in the whole property shared. '

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It is remarkable, however, that so little allusion is made in the code to the property of individuals in land, although so many occasions seem to require it. It is directly mentioned in a passage about boundaries (VIII. 262-265.), and in another place (IX. 49. 52-54.) an argument is illustrated by supposing seed belonging to one man to be sown in land belonging to another; and in IV. 230. 233., gifts of land are spoken of as if in

The arguments on both sides are stated in Wilks's History of Mysore, vol. i. chap. v., and Appendix, p. 483.; and in Mill's History of British India, vol. i. p. 180.

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the power of individuals to confer them; but the CHAP. last two passages may be construed to refer to villages, or to the King.

In the division of inheritances, and the rules about mortgages, in describing the wealth of individuals, and in disposing of the property of banished men, other possessions are mentioned, but land never alluded to.

Were it not for the passage first quoted (VIII. 262-265.), we might conclude that all land was held in common by the village communities, as is still the case in many parts of India; and this may, perhaps, have been the general rule, although individuals may have possessed property by grants from the villages or from the King.

The King is recommended to fix his capital in a The Court. fertile part of his dominions, but in an immediate neighbourhood difficult of access, and incapable of supporting invading armies.

He should keep his fortress always well garrisoned and provisioned. In the centre should be his own palace, also defensible, "well finished, and brilliant, surrounded with water and trees."

He is then to choose a queen distinguished for birth and beauty, and to appoint a domestic priest."

He is to rise in the last watch of the night, and, after sacrifices, to hold a court in a hall decently splendid, and to dismiss his subjects with kind.

Chap. VII. 69-78.

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BOOK looks and words. This done, he is to assemble his council on a mountain or a terrace, in a bower or a forest, or other lonely place without listeners; from which women and talking birds are to be carefully removed. He is then, after manly exercises and bathing, to dine in his private apartments, and this time and midnight are to be allotted to the regulation of his family, to considering appointments, and such other public business as is most of a personal nature.

Policy.

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He is now, also, to give some time to relaxation; and then to review his troops, perform his religious duties at sunset, and afterwards to receive the reports of his emissaries. At length he withdraws to his most private apartments to supper; and after indulging for some time in music, is to retire to rest. *

This rational and pleasing picture is broken by the mention of many of those precautions which must take from all the enjoyments of an Asiatic monarch. His food is only to be served by trustworthy persons, and is to be accompanied by antidotes against poison. He is to be armed when he receives his emissaries; even his female attendants are to be searched, for fear of hidden weapons; and whether at home or abroad, he is to be constantly on his guard against the plots of his enemies.

Foreign policy and war are the subjects of many

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of the rules for government. These are interest- CHAP. ing, from the clear proofs which they afford of the division of India, even at that early period, into many unequal and independent states; and also, from the signs which they disclose of a civilised and gentle people. The King is to provide for his safety by vigilance, and a state of preparation; but he is to act on all occasions without guile, and never with insincerity. The arts which may be employed against enemies are four; presents, sow ing divisions, negotiations, and force of arms: the wise, it is said, prefer the two last."

The King is to regard his nearest neighbours and their allies as hostile, the powers next beyond these natural foes as amicable, and all more remote powers as neutral. It is remarkable that, among the ordinary expedients to be resorted to in difficulties, the protection of a more powerful prince is more than once adverted to."

Yet, this protection appears to involve unqualified submission; and, on the last occasion on which it is mentioned, the King is advised, if he thinks it an evil, even when in extremities, to persevere alone, although weak, in waging vigorous war without fear.c

Vast importance is attached to spies, both in foreign politics and in war. Minute instructions

are given regarding the sort of persons to be em

BOOK ployed, some of whom are of the same description

War.

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that are now used in India, — active artful youths, degraded anchorets, distressed husbandmen, decayed merchants, and fictitious penitents."

The rules of war are simple; and, being drawn up by Bramins, they show nothing of the practical ability for which the Indians are often distinguished at present.

The plan of a campaign resembles those of the Greek republics, or the early days of Rome; and seems suited to countries of much less extent than those which now exist in India.

The King is to march when the vernal or autumnal crop is on the ground, and is to advance straight to the capital. In another place, 100 bowmen in a fort are said to be a match for 10,000 enemies; so far was the art of attack behind that of defence: a siege, therefore, is out of the question; but, if not opposed, the King is to ravage the country, and intrigue with the enemy's chiefs, until he can bring his foe to an action on favourable terms, or, what is still more desirable, bring him to terms by negotiation.

Armies were composed of cavalry and infantry. The great weapon of both was probably the bow, together with the sword and target. Elephants were much employed in war; and chariots seem still to have formed an important branch of the army.

Several different orders of march and battle are d Chap. VII. 154.

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Chap. VII. 181-197.