upscools
Jharkhand P.C.S. Prelims 2016

Vedic Political Institutions

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

The Rigvedic tribal assembly associated with judicial function was-

Solution & Analysis

Answer: A

Concept Early Vedic society was semi-democratic, with popular assemblies checking the power of the King (Rajan) and providing communal justice.

Explanation Rigvedic texts characterize the Sabha as an assembly of elders or the elite (Sujata), which performed both administrative and judicial functions, including the hearing of cases.

Logical Breakup
Sabha (A): Specifically identified with 'Justice' (Nyaya) and elite advisory roles.
Samiti (B): A larger folk assembly focused on electing/deposing the king and general tribal matters.
Vidhata (C): The oldest assembly, primarily concerned with military, religious, and distributive functions.

Active Recall

Question

Could women participate in these Rigvedic assemblies?

Answer

Yes, women (called Sabhavati) could participate in the Sabha and Vidhata during the early Rigvedic period.

Core Insight

The Sabha was more than a political body; it was the 'living court' of the tribe, where custom and justice were debated and enforced.

Practice Navigation