The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c7.86

c7.86

Sabhâsad or Sabhâcara seems to mean a member of the Sabhâ, one of those who sat to decide causes.³ It is possible that the judicial work of the Sabhâ was entrusted to a small committee of its members. The matters of which the Sabhâ probably took cognisance as a court of justice, seem to have been disputes about land,⁴ cheating at play,⁵ recovery of debts,⁶ inheritance,⁷ theft, assault and murder.⁸ Besides justice, the most important function of the assembly seems to be that of general deliberation. It is impossible to dogmatise on the subject, but from certain references in the Atharvaveda it appears that the Assembly discussed war,¹ peace,² finance³ and general well-being.⁴