short note - political life of mahajanapadas
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The names of the heads of states or administration also necessarily varied. These were King, Samrat, Virat, Swarat etc.
The person who ascended the throne after holding Rajasuya Yajna was called King. He might assume the title of Emperor by performing Rajasuya Yajna again.
The king who would receive Indra’s unction would assume the title of Virat. Every king would try to conquer territories in the neighbourhood and if he would succeed, he would become an Ekarat. Kingship in the Age of the Sixteen Mahajanapada was generally hereditary, but in certain cases the king used to be elected by the people. A king could take as many as four wives. The chief queen was called Rajamahishi.
Theoretically and legally the power of the king was unlimited. But in practice the king had to carry on administration with the advice of the Brahmanas, the Ministers, the Rajasabha and the villagers. The king had to do obeisance to the Brahmanas in the open Court by descending from the throne. It may be mentioned that the Brahmanas of that time were the repositories of culture and education and were held in highest esteem.
The kings were Kshatriyas by caste but their ministers were Brahmanas. In all matters of administration the opinion of the Ministers was consulted. Samiti that is, the Assembly of the people had also to be consulted. Politically speaking the opinion of the Assembly was of great importance. There are instances where a despotic rulers had to abdicate according to wishes of the Assembly. In extreme cases the king could be sentenced to death by the Assembly of the people.
Besides kingship, there were also republican states at that time. The Lichhavi, the Vriji, Bhoga, Kaurava, Ikshaku etc. were republican states.