Republics in Ancient India, c. 1500 B.C.–500 B.C. c7.300

c7.300

The main characteristics of these tribal governments can briefly be summarized from the evidence we have discussed. They were republican governments and were comparatively more democratic; their appearance on the scene politically indicated a development in the popular institutions of the *sabhā* and the *samiti*. The *sabhā* and the *samiti* were two distinct institutions,¹ the former being the central supreme power composed of important members of the tribe, whereas the latter represented the entire free population through the heads of families who did not always attend all the meetings. Presumably the *sabhyas* were automatically also members of the *samiti* (*sāmitya*). We further notice that joint-sessions of the *sabhā* and the *samiti* were sometimes held; at the sessions members employed such language and manners as would please and win favour in the assembly. However, there was also disagreement and discord within the *sabhā* and the *samiti*.