Hindu Administrative Institutions c12.s3.26

c12.s3.26

The *Mahābhārata* mentions the term in different senses. In the course of a colloquy between Karṇa and Duryodhana the latter shame-faced at his recent defeat, expresses to Karṇa his disinclination to return to the city in that plight. Among others to whom he would have to explain, he mentions the *śreṇi-mukhyas*.¹ In towns and cities these *śreṇis* formed an important political link in the chain of the state. The *śreṇi-mukhyas* exercised important powers of state. They took part in the coronation and consecration of kings. They gave countenance to the proposal of Bharata's coronation.²