Hindu Administrative Institutions c7.s2.t2.20

c7.s2.t2.20

In this connection is worth noting the acceptance and the possession by the king of an armlet called *maṇi* made of *palāśa* wood. According to the *Brāhmaṇas* these *maṇis* were presented by the ‘king-makers’, probably the higher officials of the state, namely, the ministers and the councillors. In the Buddhist work *Dīgha Nikāya*² there is an unmistakable reference to these *rājakartas* who belonged to the class of nobility. The jewel was also known by other names *parṇa*, *ratna*. Hence these king-makers went by the name *ratnins*. This was only a later introduction while in early Vedic times it was the custom for the king to receive this armlet from the folkmoot perhaps assembled on the great occasion of his election. Even workmen and artizans engaged in metallurgy and chariot-building had a right to take part in the proceedings of this popular assembly. On the receipt of this armlet from the folk assembled, the king made a speech in reply suitable to the occasion in which he invoked the assistance of all the people for successfully manning the ship of the state.¹ The term *viś* refers to this institution of folkmoot.² The re-election of exiled princes and the deposition of existing monarchs³ were rights enjoyed by the commonalty of the realm.