Hindu Polity: A Constitutional History of India in Hindu Times c35.15

c35.15

§ 204. The new king after ascending the throne received from the assembled people and the 'king-makers' who according to later authorities³ were high functionaries or ministers,⁴ a symbolic armlet called Maṇi. It was made of Palāśa wood. These high functionaries were the Treasurer, the Commander of the Army, the Grāmaṇī or the leader of the township, and some others. They are called 'kings' and 'king-makers' by the newly elected king. The 'king-makers' thus appear to be communal or popular officers of state who were regarded as rulers, amongst whom the king was the chief ruler. They are called latterly Ratnins or those in whom the Ratna or Maṇi is vested. For it was they who gave the king the symbolical jewel of royal authority. The king originally took the jewel of authority from all the folk present, including artizans and chariot-makers. This was the only symbolical ceremony which accompanied the Vedic election. The king taking Parṇa or Maṇi says:—