The Ancient and Medieval Architecture of India: A Study of Indo-Aryan Civilisation c19.13

c19.13

The earliest Tamil literature confirms the accuracy of Megasthenes in reference to the "Five Great Assemblies." The members of them took precedence in royal processions after the king's principal officers of State.¹ Of the different classes composing the Assemblies, the representatives of the people safeguarded the popular rights and privileges which Indo-Aryan institutions bestowed upon them; the priests controlled all religious ceremonies and the administration of temples; the physicians directed State sanitation; the astrologers fixed auspicious times for public ceremonies and foretold coming events; the State officials attended to the collection and expenditure of revenue and the administration of justice.²