Public Administration in Ancient India c9.25

c9.25

Our knowledge of the political divisions of India in the fourth century B.C. is derived from the Greek accounts. These accounts inform us that, at the time of Alexander's invasion, the Punjab was occupied by a large number of independent nations, the most important of whom were called by the Greeks the Assakenoi, the Glausai, the Kathaioi, the Oxydrakai, and the Malloi. Besides these, there were two large kingdoms ruled over by Ambhi and Poros respectively. To the east were situated the countries of the Mandei, the Malli, the Modogalingae, the Modobae, the Molindae, the Colubae, and others. The Saurasenas were an important nation and possessed two large cities, Methora and Cleisobora. The region of the Ganges was inhabited by two powerful nations, the Prasii and the Gangaridae.¹ "The Prasii," says Megasthenes, "surpass in power and glory every other people, not only in this quarter, but one may say in all India."² The Calingae (the three Kalingas) were also a powerful race, who had their capital at Parthalis. To the south, the most important country was that of the Āndhras, a powerful race which possessed numerous villages, and thirty towns defended by walls and towers.