A King's responsibilities | Apastamba Dharmasutra

Dharmasutras epitomize the zenith of an extensive tradition of scholarship. They divulge profound erudition and document intense arguments and opposing views on an assortment of issues, as broad as the category of dharma itself.

Apastamba is widely believed to have lived in the southern part of India, as evidenced by the presence of followers of his school of thought. Early twentieth century Indologists place him in the period between 450 – 350 BCE.

Of the 30 ‘books’ of his, the first 24 form the part of Srautasutra, the next two form the Mantrapaatha, a book on Grhyasutra, two books on Dharmasutra, and finally a book on Sulvasutra.

A king is expected to preside the kingdom according to the Dharmasutras. There are sutras that direct how the fort needs to be constructed. There are also rules regarding the residence quarters of the king, the activities allowed in the central court and those related to housekeeping.