The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c11.14

c11.14

The Jaina Âcârâṅga Sûtra preserves the old tradition that some regions were ruled by Gaṇas, some by two kings and so on while others had no rulers at all.² It is difficult to be sure of the meaning of this passage.³ Neither Buddhist nor Jaina literature furnishes any instance of dual kingship. If the rule of Gaṇas pertains to these states, it probably means the rule of clans. All the oligarchies are named after clans and founded on the idea of clan. Their assemblies are referred to as those of the Śâkiyas, Mallas, etc.⁴ All the inhabitants of any one of these states could hardly have belonged to a single clan and could not have come together for deliberation. Of representation, there is no trace or hint anywhere. Hence this type of polity is to be designated as oligarchy rather than republic. The Jâtakas mention seven thousand seven hundred and seven Licchavi kings. The number is too symmetrical to be authentic but it does indicate that the aristocratic families