Hindu Polity: A Constitutional History of India in Hindu Times c22.5

c22.5

§ 124. The disquisition in the Mahā-Bhārata makes it clear that '*Gaṇa*' refers to the whole body politic, the entire P o l i t i c a l C o m m u n i t y, and, in the alternative, the Parliament, and not to the "governing body" only (a view to which Dr. Thomas inclines, *J. R. A. S.*, 1915, p. 534). The governing body was composed of the *G a ṇ a - m u k h y a s* and *P r a d h ā n a* (Chiefs and President) whose jurisdiction it was to conduct affairs of the community (verse 23).² Resolutions of State were matters which remained in their hands (verse 24); they held meetings and discussed those Resolutions (25). They also saw to the administration of justice (27). Thus the executive was a distinct body inside the *Gaṇa*.