Hindu Administrative Institutions c8.s4.15

c8.s4.15

They did not forfeit the trust and confidence placed upon them. That this was so for several centuries to come, is evident from the writings of Megasthenes who observes, ‘The seventh caste consists of the councillors and assessors, of those who deliberate on public affairs. It is the smallest class looking to number, but the most respected on account of the high character and wisdom of its members.¹ This is quite in keeping with Kauṭalya’s recommendation of the highest qualifications for councillors. From the technical name nariṣṭa given to the *sabha* in Vedic literature Mr. Jayaswal attaches some constitutional import to it, meaning the resolution of the council as something inviolable and binding on all,² basing his interpretation on Sāyaṇa’s commentary.