[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) › c7.78 # Republics in Ancient India, c. 1500 B.C.–500 B.C. c7.78 Republics in Ancient India, c. 1500 B.C.–500 B.C. c7.78 - **Language:** English ### [c7.78](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1968.c7.78) In discussing the origin of monarchy, Jayaswal depends on the statement of Megasthenes⁶ and tries to support it from the Ṛg Vedic evidence. He states that "monarchy was the earliest form of organized government in India. This is supported by the Rig-Veda where Monarchy is the normal and the only form of government known."¹ We have already discussed this question at length,² and here it will suffice to note that Jayaswal forgets that he himself has used at least one hymn from the \*Ṛg Veda\* in support of his election theory.³ - [Previous: c7.77](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1968.c7.77) - [Next: c7.79](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1968.c7.79) - [Up: c7](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1968.c7) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1968.c7.78](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1968.c7.78) · Pramāṇa