[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Polity, law and society](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity) › [Republics in Ancient India, c. 1500 B.C.–500 B.C.](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1968) › c7.199 # Republics in Ancient India, c. 1500 B.C.–500 B.C. c7.199 Republics in Ancient India, c. 1500 B.C.–500 B.C. c7.199 - **Language:** English ### [c7.199](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1968.c7.199) There is considerable data to prove that in order to be a member of the \*sabhā\* or to hold an important office in the government one had to have some distinction, whether in warfare, debating and eloquence, learning, or property in grain and cattle. The emphasis put on strength, valour, courage and firmness in the Vedic hymns is quite obvious. “Sing to your Agni with each song, at every sacrifice, \*for strength\*. Come let us praise the \*wise\* and ever-lasting God, even as a well-beloved friend. To the \*son of strength\*, in battle may he be our help and \*strengthener\*, yea, be the \*protector\* of our lives \*great hero\*, \*give us strength\*, \*most youthful\*, \*possessing wealth\*, send us thy bounties; the \*charioteer\*, \*of earthly wealth\*, \*bring plenteous food\*, make wealth easy to be found; \*a flawless skin\*, in glory \*equal to the gods\*, look upon us in the fight, etc.”⁴ These are the attributes and qualities prayed for and praised in the gods. Naturally these qualities were to be looked for in the members of the \*sabhā\*. - [Previous: c7.198](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1968.c7.198) - [Next: c7.200](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1968.c7.200) - [Up: c7](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1968.c7) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1968.c7.199](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1968.c7.199) · Pramāṇa