Hindu Polity: A Constitutional History of India in Hindu Times c38.8

c38.8

Śūdras invited.¹ In the Rāmāyaṇa² the Brahmins, Ministers, Knights (Kshatriyas) and members of guilds (which had all castes in them) sprinkle the king with waters brought from the seas and rivers. A new element introduced is the representation of womanhood: unmarried girls also take part in the be-sprinkling. In the Mahā-Bhārata all the representatives of the subjects led by Dhaumya and Kṛishṇa consecrate Yudhishṭhira.³ The emperor receives presents and makes gifts of honour. According to Nīlakaṇṭha (*Nītimayūkha*)⁴ the four chief ministers (मुख्यामात्यचतुष्टयम्), Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaiśya and Śūdra by caste, consecrated the new king. Then the leaders (Mukhyāḥ) of each Varṇa and of the castes lower still (शूद्रांश्चावरमुख्यांश्च) consecrated him with holy waters (नानातीर्थसमुद्भवैः). Then followed Acclamation by the twice-born (द्विजकोलाहलेन च). The king next sat amongst ministers and representatives of the people, Citizens of the Capital, merchants, traders, leaders of the bazar (पण्येश्वरान्) and others who were introduced by the gentleman-usher to the king (प्रतीहारः प्रदर्शयेत्). A procession through the streets of the capital concluded the ceremony.⁵ According to the Brahma-Purāṇa, quoted in the Vīramitrodaya-Rājanīti-prakāśa