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Rig Vedic Tribal Assembly | Sabha | Samiti | Vidhata


 

  • In the Rigvedic period , the tribal society of early Vedic people was organized around small, semi-nomadic communities, and various tribal assemblies played a crucial role in governing and making decisions for these tribes.

Sabha

  • It was a gathering of the elect, i.e., Brahmanas and the wealthy patrons.

  • The term Sabha is mentioned about 8 times in Rig Veda and 17 times in Atharvaveda .

  • In the Early Vedic period women were also part of it .

  • Sabhas were older than Samitis and both are interlinked.

  • Rajan considered the advice of this assembly very seriously.

  • In Atharva Veda called Narishtha (Place of Debate) and its decision is called Anati (Which decisions were binding)

Sabhapati

lord of the assembly

Sabheya and Sabhayogya

Worthy people of Sabha

Sabha - Chora ,Sabhasad and Sabyas

members of the assembly

Sabhavati  

women member

Sabhapala

Guardian of sabha

Sabhavin

keeper of the assembly

Sabhacara

Judges of the sabha

Functions of Sabha

  • It was an assembly of elders and prominent people who made important decisions about policies and businesses.

  •   In the Rigveda, it is mentioned as a place where gambling, dicing, dancing, and music took place.

  • It had judicial powers in cases of crime.

  • Members of the Sabha used to pray to Lord Indra to protect the Sabha and its members

 



 

Samiti

  • All the members of the Clan and tribe used to be part of it, excluding Women.

  • The Samiti word occurred 9 times in Rig Veda and 13 times in Atharvaveda.

  • The Atharva Veda included the prayer of a Brahman priest on behalf of a samiti.

  • The references to samiti come from the latest books of the Rig-Veda showing that it assumed importance only towards the end of the Rig-Vedic period.

  • Atharva Veda of the later Vedic period exhibits a unique hymn that testifies that the king considered the advice of the Sabha and Samiti.

  • Chairman of Samiti called Ishaan

Function Of Samiti

  • Samiti was a folk assembly in which people of the tribe gathered to transact tribal business.

  • It used to elect the Rajan (king), and it is said that the king's power was not permanent.

  • If the king is unsuitable for the people, the Samiti can throw him out at any time.

  • It deals with Political activities mostly.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN "SABHA AND SAMITI"

·        In the beginning, there was no difference between the Sabha and the Samiti.

·        Both were called daughters of Prajapati.

·        Sabha performed judicial functions, which the Samiti did not.

·        Later, the Sabha became a small aristocratic body and Samiti ceased to exist. ​​



 

Vidhata

  • 'Vidatha' meaning order.

  • The vidatha has been interpreted as a tribal gathering with various purposes and decides on important matters related to religion and warfare.

  • Included women and elders as participants.

  • The Vidhata collectively worshipped Vedic deities such as Agni and Indra, Offering sacred food and singing their praises.

  • The flag of Vidhata consists of the symbol of Agni

  • Women actively participated in the deliberations with men.

  • Vidhata was the earliest folk assembly of the Aryans, Performing all kinds of functions- Economic, Military Religious and Social.

  • It also provided common ground to clans and tribes for the worship of their gods.

  • The Vidhatha was headed by Rajan (King) , assisted by the priest.

  • Laws (vidhi) were made and enforced in Vidhatha.



 
 
 

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