The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c7.97

c7.97

Nevertheless the literature of this period leaves the impression that the centre of gravity had already shifted to the monarchy. It was the king who constituted the real government. In more than one hymn of the Rigveda it is recognised that Rita—truth, right or law—is the base on which the earth rests.⁵ Beyond the Rita, another hymn in the same Mandala of the Rigveda, which is reproduced in the Atharvaveda, inculcates firmness on the part of the king. "Here be you firm like the mountain and may you not come down. Be you firm here like Indra; remain you here and hold the realm.