The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c7.48

c7.48

The evidence at our disposal does not bear out the contention of some modern scholars that the monarchy was elective. No actual instance of election is anywhere recorded. A passage in the Atharvaveda—“To the tenth (decade of life) abide here, formidable, well-willing . . .”—has been interpreted by one scholar as referring to life-long election as opposed to election for one or more generations, but, read with the context, it is only a usual prayer for long life and prosperity. What seems actually to have happened was that the people formally accepted a new king. It is possible that the people might refuse to accept a physical or moral wreck for their leader but there is nothing anywhere in the nature of qualifications for candidates for royalty or indications of habitual choice on the score of merit. When choice seems to be referred to in benedictions and prayers, it only signifies acceptance. A hymn in the Atharvaveda indicates that the people at large, including metal-workers, builders of chariots, etc., signified their acceptance of a new sovereign.¹ Another hymn records the blessings and benedictions showered on him on the occasion. "Unto thee hath come the kingdom; with splendour rise forward; as lord of the people, sole king, bear thou rule; let all the directions call thee, O king; become thou here one for waiting on, for homage.