CHAPTER XIX
ADMINISTRATION, AGRICULTURE, AND ARTS
AN account of the system of administration which prevailed in India over two thousand years ago will naturally interest our readers, and fortunately both Hindu Sutrakaras and Greek writers furnish us with reliable information on the subject. We will begin our account with some extracts from Sutra works. The king is directed to build a royal town and a palace for himself, looking towards the south:—
"The palace shall stand in the heart of the town.
"In front of that there shall be a hall. That is called the hall of invitation.
"At a little distance from the town to the south he shall cause to be built an assembly house with doors on the south and on the north sides, so that one can see what passes inside and outside."
Fires shall burn constantly and oblations shall be offered in these fires, and—
"In the hall he shall entertain his guests, at least those who are skilled in the Vedas.
"Rooms, a couch, meat, and drink should be given to them according to their good qualities.
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