The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c7.23

c7.23

It is possible that the ordinary size of a state increased during this period beyond the point reached in the first nine books of the Rigveda, but direct evidence on the subject is wanting. The new ideal which has definitely emerged is either that of the big kingdom or of suzerainty. In the Atharvaveda one of the most cherished ambitions of a king is to 'conquer' others. Victory in war is the burden of numerous hymns. For instance, a long prayer to Arbudi and Nyarbudi for assistance in battle breathes a jingoistic feeling of the utmost fervour.⁴ The question is whether victory in war ordinarily led to annexation or merely to some sort of vassalage. There are indications which point to the latter probability. The term Samrâj, superior king, occurs in the Vâjasaneyi Saṃhitâ.⁵ Adhirâja, which has a similar significance, is met with in the last Maṇḍala of the Rigveda,⁶ the Atharvaveda,⁷ the Taittirîya Saṃhitâ,⁸ the Maitrâyaṇî