🔆 Political Organization in the Rig Vedic Period
📍 Structure & Hierarchy:
✅ Political life was tribal, centered around the Rajan (chief), assisted by councils and officials.
✅ The hierarchy followed:
Kula (Family) → Grama (Village) → Vish (Clan) → Jana (Tribe).
Each level had its head — Kulapa, Gramini, Vishpati, and Rajan respectively.
📍 Rajan (Tribal Chief):
✅ Headed the tribe (Janasya Gopa), responsible for defense, prosperity, and leadership in battle.
✅ Not a territorial ruler; leadership was tribal and kin-based.
✅ Authority was not absolute — limited by councils (Sabha and Samiti).
✅ Income came from voluntary tributes (Bali) and battle spoils.
📍 Tribal Assemblies:
✅ Sabha – Elders’ council for judicial, administrative, and religious matters; later declined.
✅ Samiti – Folk assembly for religious and political discussions; could elect the Rajan.
✅ Vidatha – Earliest and most inclusive assembly for religious, social, military, and economic purposes; women participated actively.
📍 Officials Assisting the Rajan:
✅ Purohit – Chief priest
✅ Senani – Military general
✅ Vrajapati – Leader of herders and warriors
✅ Gramani – Village head
✅ Bhagadugha – Tax collector (no formal taxation)
✅ Sangrahitri – Treasurer
✅ Madhyamasī – Mediator
✅ Suta & Palagala – Charioteer and messenger
📍 Conflicts & Warfare:
✅ Intra-tribal: e.g. Battle of Ten Kings (Dasarajna) — King Sudas vs coalition of ten tribes (Rigveda, 7th Mandala).
✅ Inter-tribal: Conflicts with Dasa and Dasyu tribes (non-Aryans).
✅ Military Edge: Use of horse-driven chariots and advanced weaponry (coats of mail, arms).
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