The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c6.104

c6.104

king. It may signify either an increase in power or a status of suzerainty. The latter hypothesis is not barred by the absence of large kingdoms. As the sequel will show, the Hindu political system permitted the establishment of the relationships of suzerainty and vassalage even within a comparatively small area. Beyond this it is impossible to go for the age of the Rigveda. Sometimes the tribes contracted alliances among themselves. For instance, several of them fought against Sudās but such alliances were not federations.