| The 'Sabha' and 'Samithi' depict an important position in Rig Vedic Period. In this context, consider the following statements. |
| (i) The Sabha was denoted as the Assembly Hall used for serious political work, social ceremonies and debates women had equal rights to participate in the proceedings of the Sabha |
| (ii) The Samiti was concerned with religious singing and prayer |
| (iii) Samiti was older than the Sabha which of the statements given above is/are correct? |
A) i and ii only
B) ii and iii only
C) i only
D) i, ii and iii
Correct Answer: A
Solution :
[a] Sabha and Samiti: The Sabha was denoted as the Assembly Hall used for serious political work, social ceremonies and debates women had equal rights to participate in the proceedings of the Sabha. The Sabha had great powers. It used to take its own decisions for performing social, political and administrative function. It also had power to render justice. Both Maitrayani Samhita and Jataka (Buddhist source), have mentioned sabha as a house of justice. Significantly, the Samiti has appeared in those portions of Rig Vedas which are considered to be the latest. Therefore, the Samiti must have assumed importance only towards the end of Rig Vedic Period. Therefore, Samiti does not seem to be older than the Sabha. According to Ludwig - Samiti was a more comprehensive conference including not only the common people i.e., VISHA, but also the Brahmins and rich patrons i.e., Yajana/Jajmana. The phrase 'Samati of Panchali' suggests that it was a tribal body. A reference of Atharva Veda shows that women also mended it but this information is not as clear as in regard with the Sabha. The function of the Samiti was also expressed in several non-political activities. The Samiti was concerned with religious singing and prayer.
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