Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v2.c4.s5.303

v2.c4.s5.303

In addition to Rājya, the texts give other expressions of sovereign power. Thus the Śatapatha Brāhmaṇa⁴ contends that the Rājasūya sacrifice is that of a king, the Vājapeya that of a Samrāj or emperor, the status of the latter (Sāmrājya) being superior to that of the former (Rājya). The sitting on a throne (Āsandī) is given in the same text⁵ as one of the characteristics of the Samrāj. Elsewhere⁶ Svārājya, ‘uncontrolled dominion,’ is opposed to Rājya. In the ritual of the Rājasūya the Aitareya Brāhmaṇa⁷ gives a whole series of terms: Rājya, Sāmrājya, Bhaujya, Svārājya, Vairājya, Pārameṣṭhya, and Māhārājya, while Ādhipatya, ‘supreme power,’ is found elsewhere.⁸ But there is no reason to believe that these terms refer to essentially different forms of authority. A king might be called a Mahārāja or a Samrāj, without really being an overlord of kings; he would be so termed if he were an important sovereign, or by his own entourage out of compliment, as was Janaka of Videha.⁹ That a really great monarchy of the Aśoka or Gupta type ever existed in the Vedic period seems highly improbable.¹⁰