A History of Sanskrit Literature c9.44

c9.44

The basis of Vedic society being the patriarchal family, the government of the tribe was naturally monarchical. The king (*rāja*) was often hereditary. Thus several successive members of the same family are mentioned as rulers of the Tṛtsus and of the Pūrus. Occasionally, however, the king was elected by the districts (*viç*) of the tribe; but whether the choice was then limited to members of the royal race, or was extended to certain noble families, does not appear. In times of peace the main duty of the king was to ensure the protection of his people. In return they rendered him obedience, and supplied him with voluntary gifts—not fixed taxes—for his maintenance. His power was by no means absolute, being limited by the will of the people expressed in the tribal assembly (*samiti*). As to the constitution and functions of the latter, we have unfortunately little or no information. In war, the king of course held the chief command. On important occasions, such as the eve of a battle, it was also his duty to offer sacrifice on behalf of his tribe, either performing the rites himself, or employing a priest to do so.