State and Government in Ancient India c23.s6.21

c23.s6.21

The king was the fountain source of justice in the south as in the north. Some kings like Manunitikaṇḍa Chola used to hang the bell of justice at the palace door, which could be rung by any aggrived party who wanted justice from the king himself. The king was assisted by the Chief Justice, who also held his court in the capital. Provincial governors deputised for the king in the provinces and so naturally held their own courts of justice. Popular courts also coexisted with the royal courts throughout the ancient period. In the Sangam age they were known as Manrams, Avais and Avaikkulams. They continued under Vijayanagar also. Their constitution and functions have been already described in Chap. XII, pp. 250-5.