Republics in Ancient India, c. 1500 B.C.–500 B.C. c7.208

c7.208

It is evident from the verses of yet another hymn that men of mighty deeds, masters of wealth, and good leaders full of vital strength were respected in the community. The poets are full of admiration for the "heroes among heroes" (*vīreṣu vīrān*) who could command great power in the political community.⁴ These people craved for "brave friends, rich in kine and sheep and horses; rich in sacred food and children; in full council, vast wealth and lasting."⁵ This verse not only indicates the qualifications of a "councillor," such as bravery in the field, possession of kine, etc., but also appears to point to the fact that a "councillor" (*sabhāvān*) was preferably a father (*prajāvān*). In such societies as this children, especially sons, were a source of strength. Daughters might be useful in making alliances between one family and another, while without a son a man might have none to avenge him if he were killed in a blood-feud. But a childless man, if otherwise powerful, might surely have found a place in the *sabhā*. It is also noteworthy that the emphasis on children would tend to exclude men under 30 or 35, for the advantage of having children would only be felt when the boys were capable of fighting and the girls marriageable. In addition to the above qualifications, the pride felt by the friends of a *sabhāsāha*, one eminent in the council, indicates that eloquence, debating capacity and oratory were also requirements for the councillor. All these conclusions are further attested by the *Atharva Veda* and some other later sources.