From: kishore patnaik
Message: 60537
Date: 2008-09-30
If you take other languages into account, the derivation becomes quite
clear. The root is *h3reg^- 'go in a straight line, stretch out' and
figuratively (already in PIE) 'guide, give directions, rule'. Note that
such verbs commonly have to do with drawing a straight line,
etymologically speaking (I suppose ruling tends to be identified with
planning or deciding the course for others).
I have not understood much about the second paragraph. While you need to explain it out, I can comment on the first paragraph.
I am not sure if you are understanding it in the context of a more primitive tribes, where the cattle raids are important aspect of the life.
For eg., one famous authority has commented to me that you should understand Rex, the straight line in a figurative way too. He has said Rex/Rajah were indeed royal titles, although the model of kingship was hardly that of later centuries, but emphasized political and moral leadership. The etymology of the title emphasizes the ability to set things right (straight lines being associated with morality and crooked ones with deviations from what is right). He goes on to agree with Benveniste.
But this is not what the modern historians of India, such as R S Sarma have in mind. For your information, the likes of R S Sarma are diametrically opposite to Hindutvan thinking.
I invite further comments.
Kishore patnaik