1. Political condition : During the early Vedic age, their organisation was tribal in character. Some of the important tribes were the Bharatas, the Purus, Yadus, Anu, etc. They were called ‘Janas’. The primary unit of the administration was the village (Grama) and Gramini was the head of the grama. Next administrative unit was the ‘Vis’ headed by ‘Vispathi’. The King (Rajan) was the head of the state.
2. Duty of the Kings : The tribes quarrelled with each other over cattle ownership and territories. The primary duty of the King was the protection of his tribe and he received gifts from the people. King (Rajan) was assisted by the purohita, sangrahatri, Senapati, vispathis and graminis in the administration.
Sabha (group of elders) and Samithi (group of experts) acted as a check on the possible misuse of power by the King. Sabha and Samithi were two powerful bodies, who acted on democratic lines and decisions were taken by a majority of votes. The laws were based on customs and traditions.
During the later Vedic **, the Kingdoms were divided into provinces and further subdivided into gopas, vishyas, and gramas. Kingship became hereditary. Kuru, Panchala, Kashi,Videha, Vidharbha, etc., were the important Kingdoms. Imperialism came into existence.
Kings began to perform (Yagas) sacrifices like Rajasuya, Ashwamedha, and Vajapeya for establishing their political supremacy. The Kings were assisted by a council of ministers and officers. The sabha and Samithi also continued to monitor.
The military consisted of infantry, elephant riders, and the cavalry. Simple weapons of the early Vedic age were replaced in the later Vedic age by improved war weapons like bows and arrows, sword.*, spears, maces, axes, etc. Helmets and armours used for protection made their appearance.
