The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c11.29

c11.29

Besides the organs of government at the centre, there were moots in towns and perhaps also in villages,¹ but of their jurisdiction or working we can gather nothing. Kulas or families also had some regulating powers.² Here the state is based partly on the territorial basis and partly on the basis of kinship. From incidental touches it appears that the whole government was rather homely in character. Thus, the Mallas of Kusinârâ imposed a fine of 500 pieces on any one who "went not forth to meet the Blessed One (the Buddha," when, on his tour, he drew near their town.³