Hindu Polity: A Constitutional History of India in Hindu Times c13.60

c13.60

⁵ On the word वर्ग, see discussion below, under JANAPADA, § 258. It really means an assembly or council. Brihaspati (Vivāda-Ratnākara, p. 569) calls gaṇa, pūga (guild) and similar bodies '*vargas*.' Mitramiśra explains a *vargia* body as a gaṇa (Vīramitrodaya, p. 12); see also Nīlakaṇṭha, Mayūkha, L. on *varga* as a corporate body, and Pāṇini (V. 1. 60), in the sense of assembly whose members were counted. A Senate or Council (gaṇa) of Kshatriyas is called Rājanyaka, and a council of 'Kings,' Rājaka, by Amara (II 8.4 ), § 25 above. See also below on Arājaka, § 101.