[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) › c7.201 # Republics in Ancient India, c. 1500 B.C.–500 B.C. c7.201 Republics in Ancient India, c. 1500 B.C.–500 B.C. c7.201 - **Language:** English ### [c7.201](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1968.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 - [Previous: c7.200](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1968.c7.200) - [Next: c7.202](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1968.c7.202) - [Up: c7](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1968.c7) ## Linked texts (1) - [Ṛgvedasaṃhitā](https://indike.org/pramana/in.veda.samhita.rg) — Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1968.c7.201](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1968.c7.201) · Pramāṇa