Republics in Ancient India, c. 1500 B.C.–500 B.C. c9.s4.66

c9.s4.66

The chief officer of the state, the *rājā, par excellence*² was most probably elected during this week of spring festivities. The sources do not definitely say for what period of time the head of the republic was elected. But the idea does emerge that the *rājās* who constituted the Assembly held their seats for life unless they were physically handicapped or found guilty of some serious crime, such as treason. However, it does not seem possible that the chief *rājā* or president was elected for life.