State and Government in Ancient India c12.13

c12.13

The Vedic literature is pre-eminently religious; yet it does not suggest that kingship was connected with or originated from the priestly office. It is interesting to note that the Vedic king discharges no priestly functions, nor does he preside over any sacrifices performed for the community as a whole, as was the case with kings and magistrates in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. Nor is the Vedic king seen, like the Hittite monarch, participating in public rituals after his return from a military campaign.