Consider the following statements regarding the administrative machinery of the Later Vedic polity:
1. The Shatapatha Brahmana details a council of twelve high functionaries known as 'Ratnins' (jewel-bearers) who played a vital political role during royal consecrations.
2. The institutional list of Ratnins included female portfolios like the Mahishi (chief queen), proving their integration into early state mechanics.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Accepted Answer

Both statements are correct and align with Later Vedic administrative texts. The Shatapatha Brahmana maps the Ratnins who endorsed the king's legitimacy during the Rajasuya sacrifice. Notably, the king had to visit the homes of each Ratnin, including the Mahishi (chief queen) and the Vavata (favorite wife), highlighting early institutional check-and-balance systems.

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