भारतीय इतिहास के ६ स्वर्णिम पृष्ठ (वीर सावरकर - विदेशी आक्रान्ताओं पर विजय गाथा)

Magadha for himself, which finally forced him to stirke a retreat homeward, from the very threshold of India. Republics of Saubhootis and Kathas 35. The constitution of both these republics was democratic. Writes a Greek writer Diodoros “They were governed by laws in the highest degree salutary and their political system was admirable. One special feature of these republics was that with a view to promoting healthy, strong and handsome progeny, the procreation of human species was not left to individual whims and fancies, but was controlled by the state. They were very fond of physical beauty. Hence, marriages were arranged not with an eye on the handsome dowry, but with proper consideration of mutual physical fitness, beauty and health, and the ability of the bride and the bridegroom to bring forth healthy and sturdy children. Even while electing their leaders, who were to guide the nation and bear the yoke of national welfare, sufficient weightage was given to the candidate’s build of the body and physical strength. Their laws regarding the proper production of human species were so strict that within three months of their birth, children were medically examined by the state authorities, and if a child were found with some native defect or to be suffering from some incurable disease or deformed, it was immediately put to death under state orders without any mercy.” 35A. Readers of history know well that the Republic of Sparta had similar laws about heredity. 36. Though not so very strict and ruthless as the Saubhootis and the Kathas, there were other Ganas or republics in India, which paid special attention to heredity, and bringing forth of strong and handsome children. The ‘Vrishnis’ were also very particular, from the ancient times, about the physical beauty and strength of their leaders and state officials. The physical strength and beauty of the world famous leader of these Vrishnis, Lord Shree Krishna, has been immortalized. Lord Shri Krishna’s sons, too, have been credited by the Puranas with exceptional beauty. Republic Subsisting by Arms 37. A good many republics in the Panchanad (the Punjab) and along both the banks of the Indus, right up to its great leap into the sea, were said to be living on weapons. The most remarkable fact about them was that not only the men but the women too in those republics had necessarily to undergo military training so that at the time of war, literally the whole nation could