History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v1.c6.s14.45

v1.c6.s14.45

is not quite clear. It probably means that the organisation of the Licchavis and others was on democratic lines and that there was very keen competition for the honour of being elected the chief or president of those corporations, the latter being designated ‘rāja’.¹⁸⁰ The Nayacandrikā explains that they bear the proud designation of ‘rāja’ but are penniless (and so can be easily employed in military service as mercenaries). We are told that the breed of horses from Kāmbhoja, Sindhu, Āraṭṭa and Vanāyu was the best and that Bāhlika, Pāpeya, Sauvīra and Taitala breeds were of middle quality. The Kauṭilīya speaks of Mleccha tribes and tells us that among them one's own children could be sold or pledged without incurring punishment (III. 13).