Re: rex, ra_s.t.ra, nation

--- In cybalist@..., "S.Kalyanaraman" <kalyan97@...> wrote:

> I understand from Bartleby etyma that the IE root reg- had
> lengthened-grade form *re_g-, Indo-European word for a tribal king
> and that the root is cognate with Reichsmark, from Old High German
> and Latin rex, king, Sanskrit ra_ja_.
>
> Perhaps, historical and comparative linguistics will explain as to
> when the concept of 'nation' emerged in IE history.
>
> How is the form, ra_s.t.ra (nation) used in the R.gveda explained?
>
> I request help from members on bibliographical references where

this

> evolution of polity is discussed further. I tried to search the
> archives of the list and could not find messages on this IE root.
> Maybe, I have missed something.

Here is, if nothing else, a storehouse perhaps related roots:

http://www.angelfire.com/rant/tgpedersen/Hrg.html

Particularly I like the initial quote by Benveniste: the king not as
ruler, but as surveyor, the guy who sets things straight (or right).
Be aware that this is only my opinion.

Torsten