[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Polity, law and society](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity) › [The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.prasad-1928) › c7.56 # The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c7.56 The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c7.56 - **Language:** English ### [c7.56](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.prasad-1928.c7.56) In the Atharvaveda the waters are supposed to be collected from many quarters. "The waters of heaven that revel with milk, in the atmosphere or also on the earth--with the splendours of all those waters do I sprinkle thee."¹ It appears that prior to the sprinkling, the king-designate, attired in bright clothing strode upon the tiger's skin unto the great quarters.² In several compositions of this period is mentioned the Râjasûya, a yet more complex ceremony for the inauguration of a king, which consisted of a series of sacrifices lasting for a year or so.³ In the Taittirîya Saṃhitâ⁴ during the Râjasûya rite of adoration the king is addressed as Mitra, Varuṇa, etc.⁴ The rite of consecration raised the king almost above humanity. It is, however, in the later Brâhmaṇas that varieties and details of the consecration ceremonial are fully developed.⁵ - [Previous: c7.55](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.prasad-1928.c7.55) - [Next: c7.57](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.prasad-1928.c7.57) - [Up: c7](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.prasad-1928.c7) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.prasad-1928.c7.56](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.prasad-1928.c7.56) · Pramāṇa