The Colas c26.43

c26.43

Local administration was thus carried on by means of primary assemblies in the villages and towns, and representative assemblies in the larger divisions. The *sabhā*, the *ūr* and the *nagaram* were of the nature of folk meetings in which every one who had a stake in the locality was entitled to be present. This becomes evident from the manner of summoning these meetings, which was by a general proclamation, by beat of drum or other suitable means, of the time and place of the meeting. The formula is often employed in describing these meetings that they were quite fully attended; the young and the old having assembled together after due notice of the meeting had been given. There is not a single instance on record of a decision having been reached by the method of voting; and it does not seem likely. The political spirit of the time, such as it was, aimed at securing the harmony of classes, rather than their equality. A healthy society based on a general distribution of small properties, which was free from the glaring economic oppression of one class by another, had no particular use for the ideals of modern democracy. Social life was dominated by groups rooted in ancient custom and ideal right, and was subtly suffused with emotions of a quasi-religious nature. All that was demanded in such an atmosphere was an opportunity to watch the course of affairs, and to raise a protest if anything went wrong, or to press a point of view that was being overlooked. This was furnished by the periodical meetings of the assemblies and the groups; but the leadership in such gatherings remained with those naturally fit for it. Age, learning, and wealth, in addition to birth, furnished the most obvious qualifications for such leadership; official standing and public benefactions were other claims to the consideration and homage of the average man.