U.P.P.C.S. Mains 2009

Vedic Political Institutions

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

In which of the Vedas, Sabha and Samiti are called as two daughters of Prajapati?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: D

Concept Sabha and Samiti were democratic tribal assemblies that checked the power of the King (Rajan) in early Vedic society.

Explanation The Atharvaveda explicitly refers to the Sabha and Samiti as the two daughters of the creator god Prajapati, highlighting their divine and essential nature.

Logical Breakup
Atharvaveda (D): Contains this specific poetic and political metaphor.
Sabha: Smaller assembly of elders and elites.
Samiti: Larger folk assembly representing the entire tribe (Vis).

Active Recall

Question

What was the function of the Sabha compared to the Samiti?

Answer

The Sabha acted like a judicial and elite advisory council, while the Samiti was responsible for electing or deposing the King.

Core Insight

Describing political assemblies as 'daughters of God' indicates the high sanctity and authority these institutions held in controlling the Vedic monarchy.