Samiti in Ancient India

Samiti has been referred to various passages of Rig Veda but its exact character and function has not been mentioned. It was an ordinary assembly of the tribe and its members were known as Visha. Samiti was also attended by the King. One of the important functions of the Samiti was the election of the King. The most important work of the Samiti was to elect the king. The village head called Gramini attended the meetings of the Samiti.

Samiti has been mentioned in Rig Veda. Samiti gained importance towards the end of the Rig Vedic period. Samiti was a bit younger than Sabha. Earlier the Samiti was a folk assembly in which people gathered for business transaction. According to some historians the Samiti was a comprehensive confluence that included the common people, the brahmanas and the rich patrons. It was presided over by the King. As per the account of the Arthashastra even women also attended Samiti. Later the chiefs also attended Samiti.

Samiti also exercised several non political functions. They also discussed philosophical matters in the later Vedic period. It was also concerned with religion. At times prayers were done in order to reach a common decision.

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