Hindu Polity: A Constitutional History of India in Hindu Times c18.36

c18.36

§ 97. It is evident that the *Rāshtrikas* of the West, who in Aśoka's inscriptions² are in the group of the Bhojas and Pitenikas, were a non-monarchical community. No king of theirs is noticed by Aśoka. Khāravela also mentions them in the plural, fighting him in league with the Bhojakas, and with paraphernalia of sovereignty.³ No doubt now remains as to their republican character. As pointed out above the Pāli Canon knows and names the *Rāshtrika* or *Ratthika* class of rulers.⁴