Republics in Ancient India, c. 1500 B.C.–500 B.C. c13.s2.137

c13.s2.137

These proceedings seem to be a heavenly counterpart of the procedure followed in the republican assembly, and the actions of the gods appear to have been depicted in imitation of those of men. The members of the assembly gather in the *santhāgāra*; four of the councillors are posted in four different corners or sides of the hall to hear distinctly and conveniently the speeches made by the members or *rājās*. The president or chief takes his appointed seat and when the house is ready he puts forward the matter to be discussed. Members express their views, which are probably committed to memory by the four councillors. Then all adjourn, leaving the recorders to compare their notes.⁵ All the councillors come back and wait for the decision of the recorders.⁶