The Political Institutions and Theories of the Hindus: A Study in Comparative Politics c10.s5.t2.2

c10.s5.t2.2

Now, while hereditary succession was the rule in Hindu polity, the history of India can exhibit several authentic instances of popular election. The latest is that of Gopâla (*c* 730—40), the son of a successful soldier, who was "made by the *prakriti* (the people) to accept the throne".² Eventually he became the founder of the Pâla Empire of Bengal and Eastern India. Harṣa-vardhana (606—47) became Emperor of Upper India through election by ministers and magistrates in an assembly presided over by Premier Bhandi "the distinguished".³ On that occasion the people's approval was "shown in their songs".