Republics in Ancient India, c. 1500 B.C.–500 B.C. c7.201

c7.201

That the people honoured and heeded those who could protect their cows, fields and homes from enemies is clear from another hymn of the *Ṛg Veda*.⁵ The strength of the kine was glorified in their councils (*sabhāsu*).⁶ This verse is further repeated in the *Atharva Veda*⁷ and probably implies that the man who possessed the largest number of cattle spoke loudest in the *sabhā*. It is undoubtedly indicative of an element of aristocracy or oligarchy of wealth. "Indra, thy friend is fair of form or handsome [*surūpa*], and rich in horses [*aśvi*], chariots [*rathī*] and kine [*gomān*]. He evermore hath food and wealth, and always radiant, he goes to the council [*sabhām*]."¹ Another hymn indicates that learned men also attended the *sabhā* and through their wisdom gained wealth in the form of either worldly possessions or more probably of fame and glory.² Polite and refined speech was referred to as *sabhāvatī*, from the manners and etiquette of the *sabhā*.³