The Political Institutions and Theories of the Hindus: A Study in Comparative Politics c10.s1.t3.1

c10.s1.t3.1

Not of a trivial order were the functions and powers of the village *sva-râjes* of mediæval India. The responsibility on the shoulders of the rural folk, peasants, shepherds, artisans, craftsmen, and priests, was great indeed. In the eleventh century, the rural communes of Ceylon¹ ascertained the facts of murder and robbery and sat in session thereon. They were entitled to levy fines and inflict punishment on the criminals. And they were responsible for the execution of the statutes and decrees promulgated by "His Majesty the King in Council".