[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Polity, law and society](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity) › [The Political Institutions and Theories of the Hindus: A Study in Comparative Politics](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sarkar-1922) › c10.3 # The Political Institutions and Theories of the Hindus: A Study in Comparative Politics c10.3 The Political Institutions and Theories of the Hindus: A Study in Comparative Politics c10.3 - **Language:** English ### [c10.3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sarkar-1922.c10.3) The assembly or \*comitia\* of the rural institutions was known simply as the \*sabhâ\* or \*mahâ-sabhâ\* (great assembly) of the \*grâma\*¹ (village). In mediæval times the village association came to be described in the vernaculars as \*panchâyat\*² or "government by the five" (i. e. by a body of competent men). But the term is not to be found in Vedic or classical Sanskrit literature. Nor does it appear to be used outside of northern India. - [Previous: c10.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sarkar-1922.c10.2) - [Next: c10.4](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sarkar-1922.c10.4) - [Up: c10](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sarkar-1922.c10) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sarkar-1922.c10.3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sarkar-1922.c10.3) · Pramāṇa