The famous Vedic assembly known as 'Samiti' in the early Vedic period was primarily characterized as which of the following?

💡 Solution & Explanation

The Samiti in the early Vedic period functioned as a general assembly of the entire tribe where ordinary people gathered to discuss political affairs, tribal policy, and even participate in the election of the tribal chief. Unlike specialized administrative bodies or judicial councils, the Samiti represented popular tribal sovereignty and notably permitted the active participation of women, known as sabhavatis. The Sabha was a smaller, more exclusive council of elders, whereas the Samiti was the large popular assembly. Rigvedic hymns frequently mention both the Sabha and the Samiti as twin pillars of tribal governance.