Sabha or Mahasabha during the Chola empie referred to the exclusive assembly of Brahmans/gatherings of the adult male members in the agraharas, that is, the rent free brahmadeya villages. These assemblies enjoyed a large measure of autonomy.
Ashoka’s Dhamma emphasised on non-violence and mutual respect. It encompassed a social and intellectual code of ethics. It focused on primacy of ethical behaviour and the recognition of the dignity of human life.