[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Polity, law and society](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity) › [Hindu Polity: A Constitutional History of India in Hindu Times](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.jayaswal-1924) › c9.4 # Hindu Polity: A Constitutional History of India in Hindu Times c9.4 Hindu Polity: A Constitutional History of India in Hindu Times c9.4 - **Language:** English ### [c9.4](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.jayaswal-1924.c9.4) ¹ In Vedic times, Hindu Society was divided into \*Janas\*, tribes or nations \*e.g.\*, Anus, Yadus, Kurus. But, at the same time, they were conscious of the fact that they all belonged to one common race, for all of them called themselves "\*āryas\*" आर्याः The people or the tribe were called \*Viśaḥ\* (विशः), from which the word \*Vaiśya\* ('one of the people' — 'the commoner') is derived. On Vedic Society, consult Zimmer, \*Altindisches Leben\*. See also Macdonell and Keith, \*Vedic Index\*, sub \*Ārya\*, \*Jana\*, etc. - [Previous: c9.3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.jayaswal-1924.c9.3) - [Next: c9.5](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.jayaswal-1924.c9.5) - [Up: c9](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.jayaswal-1924.c9) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.jayaswal-1924.c9.4](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.jayaswal-1924.c9.4) · Pramāṇa