In traditional Hindu contexts, kingship may be defined as the central institution of the state ruled by or centered upon the person of the king (for a definition and overview of kingship in different societies, see Riccardo [1]). A traditional Hindu society ruled as a kingdom was characterized by a complex and hierarchical internal structure. It often comprised different social classes for which the monarch represented the center or pivot of power and other institutions directly or indirectly helped to consolidate that power. The traditional Hindu kingdom was envisioned as formed of seven limbs (saptāṅga-rājya) – the king, country (land and people), associate ministers, army, fortified towns, treasure, and allies – and in this arrangement, the king was the apex and hub of power of the organic political system. (Viṣṇudharmottara Purāṇa (VDhP), II. 65.20–22. The seven limbs consist of the king (svāmī), ministers (amātyas), territory and people (janapada or rāṣṭra), fort (durga),...
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Chaulagain, N. (2019). Kingship (Hinduism). In: Jain, P., Sherma, R., Khanna, M. (eds) Hinduism and Tribal Religions. Encyclopedia of Indian Religions. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-024-1036-5_83-1
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