The Ancient and Medieval Architecture of India: A Study of Indo-Aryan Civilisation c7.29

c7.29

In a small village the Council tree, or Tree of Justice, would give sufficient shelter for the general meeting of the householders, who formed the Parliament of the Indo-Aryan village. They had the power of nominating all the Ministers—the Council of Five—except the headman, whose office was hereditary, but who could be deposed by the Râja, the head of the clan, in case of any grievous offence against the laws of the Aryan community. In larger villages and towns the meetingplace of this general assembly would be in the parks or groves of sacred trees planted near the gates.