Talk:Sabhā
By Swami Harshananda
sabhā (‘assembly’)
The earliest meaning of this word seems to be the gambling hall (vide Rgveda 10.34.6). Later on, it seems to have acquired other meanings like an assembly of learned persons as well as other persons needed to be present and presided over by the king. The word samiti was also used in the same sense.
In all probability it was not an elected body but an ad hoc one.
The word has sometimes been used to indicate an assembly of learned people, probably to discuss and decide some important issues before the king.
Sabhā can also mean an auditorium or a building meant for meetings.
References[edit]
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore
OLD CONTENT[edit]
sabhā (‘assembly’) The earliest meaning of this word seems to be the gambling hall (vide Rgveda 10.34.6) . Later on, it seems to have acquired other meanings like an assembly of learned persons as well as other persons needed to be present and presided over by the king. The word samiti was also used in the same sense. In all probability it was not an elected body but an ad hoc one. The word has sometimes been used to indicate an assembly of learned people, probably to discuss and decide some important issues before the king. Sabhā can also mean an auditorium or a building meant for meetings.