Hindu Administrative Institutions c8.s4.29

c8.s4.29

The Samiti.—The samiti in Vedic literature undoubtedly refers to a definite communal institution. Professors Macdonell and Keith take the view of Hillebrandt according to whom the sabhā and the samiti are much the same. The very name implies a different connotation. It must have been a people's assembly, generally presided over by the king; and it is just possible that one of its functions was the formal election of the king by giving their unanimous assent of the choice perhaps made by the members of the sabhā. Taking for granted this elective character and also the fact of the king presiding over the assembly of the people, it shows that the king was the servant of the people. This also demonstrates that the people had a voice in the administration of the land though it was not definite or assertive in character. But it is certain that this assembly was different¹ from the sabhā as regards its constitution and function.