Sabha
Topic: Democracy: Forms of Government, Principles and Outcomes · NCERT: Class 7, Ch 9 "From the Rulers to the Ruled: Types of Governments"; Class 9, Ch 6 "Democracy"
Meaning
The sabha was a Vedic assembly. It was a smaller council of elders or important people who advised the ruler and helped settle disputes. The Atharvaveda calls the sabha and the samiti the "two daughters of Prajapati". Together they are cited as an early Indian tradition of discussion and shared decision-making.
Example
In the Vedic period, a ruler would consult the sabha's elders before deciding a dispute or a matter of public concern. Their advice carried weight because of their age and standing.
Don't confuse with
- Samiti: the samiti, not the sabha, was the popular assembly of the people, and it could influence the choice of king. "Sabha was the popular assembly" is a common Prelims trap.
- Village sabha at Uttaramerur: this was a much later Chola-era village council, whose members were chosen through the kudavolai system.