Significance of King
The concept of a King varies across different traditions, encompassing a range of characteristics and roles. In Hinduism, a King is typically recognized as a ruler who derives his authority from rituals and possesses moral responsibilities. In Jainism, Kings interact with divine figures and are significant narratively. South Asian narratives present Kings as figures of authority involved in various stories reflecting governance and personal dilemmas. These varied interpretations ultimately highlight the enduring significance of Kingship across cultures, symbolizing power, authority, and responsibility.
Synonyms: Monarch, Ruler, Sovereign, Emperor, Leader, Majesty
In Dutch: Koning
In Finnish: Kuningas
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'King'
In Buddhism, "King" symbolizes authority and transformation, depicting roles from a virtuous ruler to a Bodhisattva, reflecting moral scrutiny, philosophical engagement, and the quest for enlightenment within a narrative of power and virtue.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The king of Benares who is fond of hunting and makes a proclamation about hunting deer.[1] (2) Refers to Brahmadatta, the king of Benares, mentioned in the context of the origins of the story.[2] (3) Referring to the ruler who becomes involved in the investigation of Sundari's murder, representing authority and justice.[3] (4) The person to whom the brahmin makes his request, symbolizing authority and power.[4] (5) Brahmadatta, the ruler of Benares, whose life is threatened by Parantapa and the events that unfold.[5]
From: Mahavamsa
(1) The father of the princes who sought to protect Gamani from warfare with his brother.[6] (2) The monarch of the region, who plays a central role in the decision to send for the great Bodhi-tree and in the ceremonial acts surrounding it.[7]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) A character who engages in dialogue with Nagasena about the existence of the Buddha and related philosophical ideas.[8] (2) A noble person engaged in a philosophical dialogue with Nagasena.[9]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The ruler who was misled by the accusations and later investigated Sundari's death.[10]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks’ rules)
(1) A character who sits on a high seat and learns a mantra; his actions are scrutinized for their righteousness.[11]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The ruler who held authority and was present at the festival where Shariputra sat as a scholar.[12] (2) Referring to Udayana, the sovereign who acted violently and displayed feelings of anger towards the rishis for their desire.[13] (3) A term that signifies the Bodhisattva after attaining Buddhahood, highlighting the transformation of status.[14] (4) One of the five classes of beings that represent a source of danger to wealth.[15]
Hindu concept of 'King'
In Hinduism, "King" symbolizes sovereign authority intertwined with moral responsibility, embodying roles of leadership, transformation, justice, and hierarchical interactions, while also reflecting the virtues and expectations of governance across various contexts.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A royal figure or leader, whose presence is significant in the context of governance.[16] (2) Symbolizes earthly authority or rule, contrasted with the spiritual liberation experienced by the people.[17] (3) The ruler observed in the moment described, who saw Lord Caitanya.[18] (4) Refers to the ruler or sovereign who realized the truth about the divine identities of Lord Jagannatha and Lord Caitanya.[19] (5) A reference to a royal figure who holds power and authority, mentioned in a questioning context.[20]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Noble rulers who hold power and authority.[21] (2) 'nripa', a term used to address the listener, emphasizing the royal audience receiving the narrative.[22] (3) Referring to the male monarch involved in the narrative, specifically King Raivata.[23] (4) Refers to the recipient of the sage's blessing, who falls at the feet of the sage in reverence.[24] (5) A title signifying authority, leadership, and sovereignty over a realm or people.[25]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The ruler of the kingdom that is being referred to in the context of the passage.[26] (2) Refers to the ruler of the kingdom from whom the affairs of state derive their authority.[27] (3) The king is an esteemed figure who is devoted to Lord Vishnu and actively participates in the worship and management of grand celebrations.[28]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) A ruler who initially feels unqualified to be a friend of Krishna, showing humility in response to Krishna's jest.[29] (2) A title of respect and authority, addressing the listener in the context of the speech.[30]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The ruler who has a duty towards his subjects, specifically regarding their protection and welfare.[31] (2) The ruler who metes out punishment properly and prospers in his aims.[32] (3) The ruler who, when pardoning an offender, becomes associated with the latter's guilt, particularly relevant if he fails to punish a thief.[33] (4) The authority figure responsible for administering justice, who has the power to punish or acquit the thief.[34] (5) The sovereign who is responsible for establishing laws, dealing punishment, and maintaining the welfare of his people.[35]
From: Yajnavalkya-smriti (Vyavaharadhyaya)—Critical study
(1) The ruler in whose authority the vyavahara is said to be established.[36]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) The ruler who has the authority to punish individuals based on their actions.[37]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) The ultimate authority in inheriting property if no Sapindas or Sakulyas are available, illustrating the role of royal governance in civil matters.[38]
From: Gautama Dharmasutra
(1) The ruling authority responsible for upholding the sacred law and ensuring the wellbeing of his subjects.[39]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) A sovereign ruler who has the authority to govern and make decisions, often with the assistance of ministers.[40]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) A ruler whose sacrificial rituals involve specific invocations in the Vedic context.[41]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) The ruling monarch or sovereign of a kingdom.[42] (2) A title for Indrajita, acknowledging his royal status and leadership among the warriors.[43] (3) The ruler who is grieving over the separation from his son and shares his tale of misfortune.[44] (4) Refers to Rama, who has authority and commands the actions of others, particularly his brothers.[45] (5) The monarch who is deeply distressed over his son's departure to the forest.[46]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Refers to the ruler observing the events of the battle, likely Duryodhana or another Kuru leader.[47] (2) The one man who governs the world and whose favor is sought by many, as described in Yudhishthira's questioning of Bhishma.[48] (3) A reference to the ruler or leader, addressed in the narrative, signifying the hierarchical nature of the characters' interactions.[49] (4) The ruler who governs a kingdom and must consider the behaviour and actions of his ministers.[50] (5) The monarch who commanded his subjects and later addresses his brothers.[51]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The ruler who expresses doubt regarding the theft of Shri Krishna by the Asura Shambara.[52] (2) The ruler who, facing the death of the young boy, was ordered by the Candala to kill the queen.[53] (3) Refers to Mahisha, who is the target of Maha Lakshmi's wrath and the ruler of the Daityas.[54]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The title given to the sublime person found by Brahma, who was made ruler of the earth.[55] (2) The king received the leaf's contents and instructed Padmanidhi to take action based on it.[56]
From: Padma Purana
(1) Addressed in the text, likely representing a ruler or leader in the narrative.[57] (2) Referring to Rama, who is revered as a ruler with exceptional moral and ethical qualities.[58]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) The rulers, particularly the descendants of Ayu's sons who became leaders.[59] (2) A virtuous ruler that is born as a reward for one's pious actions and devotion to the sun.[60]
From: Markandeya Purana (Study)
(1) In the context of Kshatriyas, a ruler who embodies the protective qualities and duties expected of a Kshatriya, including leadership and maintaining order.[61]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) A ruler or sovereign, particularly in reference to a character in the dialogue.[62]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The ruler who is involved in the sacrificial rites and performs ceremonial actions.[63]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) A male sovereign, designated as k.[64]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) Vena's father, who was deeply disturbed by Vena's actions and chose to leave his kingdom.[65]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) A character in the story who undergoes transformation through Ribhu's teachings, symbolizing authority intertwined with a path to truth.[66]
From: Linga Purana
(1) Rulers who are depicted as failing in their duties, often acting like thieves and misappropriating resources.[67]
From: Agni Purana
(1) A ruler whose qualities include undisputed authority and the ability to influence his subjects and adversaries.[68]
From: Dasarupaka (critical study)
(1) Virapala, the main character who loves Lilavati and wishes to marry her.[69] (2) A character who plays a pivotal role in the narrative of the Lilavativithi and is involved in the personal address.[70]
From: Natyashastra (English)
(1) The king is among the key roles described in the NSh, illustrating the hierarchies and governance in the context of the Arthasastra.[71] (2) The ruler characterized by intelligence, good character, and mastery of various skills and policies.[72]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) The primary subject who is associated with being befit by the umbrella.[73] (2) In the context, the king is described as someone who conducts himself in a manner befitting his royal status.[74] (3) the ruler in the context, whose status affects the meaning of 'son' in the sentence.[75]
From: Vasudevavijaya of Vasudeva (Study)
(1) Historical characters referenced in Vasudevavijaya that help shape the narrative framework.[76]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The ruler who, upon learning of the birth of a son, experiences delight but refrains from giving away his kingdom due to concerns about propriety.[77] (2) A character who embarks on a rescue mission to save the woman from danger after the return from the island.[78] (3) The ruler who orders the introduction of the lad who claims to know how to make gold from copper through a certain device involving powder.[79]
From: Kautilya Arthashastra
(1) The primary ruler who holds authority over the kingdom and its affairs.[80]
From: Shishupala-vadha (Study)
(1) Identified as svami in the text, the king is considered the leader among the constituent elements (Prakriti) of the state.[81]
From: Nitiprakasika (Critical Analysis)
(1) The leader responsible for supervising army arrangements and strategy in battle.[82]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The ruler who speaks to the subjects and imparts wisdom or judgments.[83] (2) The ruler who is going to perform a sacrifice, potentially employing Ushasti.[84]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) A term of authority and respect, used in the context of the dialogue to denote the importance of the self.[85]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) A ruler achieved through the Rajasuya sacrifice, considered to have a lower status than an emperor.[86] (2) The central figure being anointed in the rituals described, representing authority and leadership.[87]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) Individuals predicted to gain power based on favorable physical features which indicate strength and valor.[88] (2) Refers to the ruling class that is stated to suffer due to the thunderbolt's fall at sunrise.[89]
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) The presiding authority at the court, possessing noble qualities and shrewd judgment, responsible for ensuring justice.[90]
From: Vishnudharmottara Purana (Art and Architecture)
(1) Rulers often portrayed as brave heroes within Sanskrit dramas.[91]
Jain concept of 'King'
In Jainism, "King" symbolizes ultimate authority and virtue, representing power through Purushasimha and serving as a narrative figure engaging with divine gifts, while also reflecting pride's folly in rulers like Ravana and Vishnu.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The central figure of the text, symbolizing grandeur and benevolence, who brings joy and prosperity through generous rewards.[92] (2) The central character who follows the cakra-jewel and performs various royal duties, including worship and service.[93] (3) The central figure in the narrative who interacts with the goddess Sindhu, undertakes a fast, and receives divine gifts.[94] (4) The role Vishnu held for a substantial period, indicated by the extensive time mentioned.[95] (5) A male monarch or ruler of a kingdom.[96]
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) Symbolized as the big white lotus, representing ultimate authority and virtue among the lotuses in the pool.[97]
The concept of King in local and regional sources
The text outlines various roles of "King," depicting him as a multifaceted ruler engaged in rewards, investigations, familial interactions, and conflict resolution, illustrating his authority, control, and influence within a complex narrative landscape.
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) Refers to numerous figures throughout the narrative suggesting higher authority and control over magical items.[98] (2) The ruler of the country and Matalana's father, who is determined to catch the thief stealing his belongings.[99] (3) The ruler who hears the case involving the blind man, the Hettiya, and his wife, ultimately deciding their fates.[100] (4) The ruler who owned the giant and offered a reward to anyone who could defeat it in battle, thereby invoking a challenge.[101] (5) The ruler who issues a proclamation regarding the lion and challenges the Gamarala to confront it.[102]
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) Refers to the leadership of Su-tu-li-sse-na, implying that the country has been ruled since the establishment of its monarchy.[103]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The ruler who sent officers to call Surdas and requested the retrieval of district money.[104] (2) The ruler who ordered Bhanudas to be punished without fully understanding the situation surrounding the theft.[105] (3) The ruler who, after performing his bath, commands his servants to invite Sena.[106] (4) The ruler who arose early and performed a bath before bowing to the god.[107] (5) The sovereign ruler who holds authority and commands subjects, in this case, acting on reports related to Kanhopatra.[108]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) Another term for the Raja, who lays awake on the bedstead and hears the legs talking.[109]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The central figure of the state whose primary responsibilities include protecting the people, defeating enemies, and maintaining state finance.[110]