[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) › c7.531 # Republics in Ancient India, c. 1500 B.C.–500 B.C. c7.531 Republics in Ancient India, c. 1500 B.C.–500 B.C. c7.531 - **Language:** English ### [c7.531](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1968.c7.531) On the authority of Oldenberg,⁶ Sharma says that the \*vidatha\* distributed amongst its members whatever they procured as food, because in one hymn members are summoned in the \*vidatha\* on the occasion of the distribution of whatever is produced daily by Savitar,⁷ and because Agni is described as the liberal distributor of produce in the \*vidatha\*. He points out that in this respect the \*vidatha\* stood in sharp contrast to the \*sabhā\* and the \*samiti\*.¹ The distribution of produce by Savitar and Agni's being called a liberal distributor do not prove that the \*vidatha\* performed such a function. We have shown above that the \*sabhā\* and \*samiti\* are alluded to as distributing the spoils of war amongst their members.² - [Previous: c7.530](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1968.c7.530) - [Next: c7.532](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1968.c7.532) - [Up: c7](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1968.c7) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1968.c7.531](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1968.c7.531) · Pramāṇa