Question

Discuss in detail the political system of the Rigvedic period.

Answer 1

Instructions:

• Detail the administrative units (gramas) and their administration under raja.
• Describe the centralisation of power of the king and their prominence.
• Mention the presence of conflicts between Aryans and non-Aryans and the battles.

Solution:

• Rigveda refers to that tribe living in gramas or villages.
• Rajan or Raja was the head of the tribes. Some tribes may have had more than one Raja. The position of Raja was hereditary. Puru clan and Bharatha clan were some important tribes.
• Kashatra ruled over the people while Yodha was the one who fought battles or was a soldier. The word Kshaytriya was not in use.
• Kings and the rich had power. concentrated in them. They were gifting cows, horses, gold, and cultivation tools to the priestly class. An Assembly of common people called Sabha and Samiti was present to assist the king in administration.
• There were also references to the conflicts between Aryans and non-Aryans in Rig-Veda.Invasions and conflicts used to take place for cattle. Those who were successful in these invasions increased their wealth and could also get prisoners.