The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c11.75.4

c11.75.4

The conversations which followed on this demand betray, on the part of Indians, a familiarity with Greek tradition, Alexander’s history and foundation of cities,² which is likely to be an effort of the Greek imagination. The only safe conclusion to be drawn from the interesting notice is that the Nysaeans had a ruling class and that Alexander demanded 100 members thereof as hostages for their good faith. The Agsinae or Agalassians (Agraśreṇī ?), in the neighbourhood of the Oxydrakai (Kṣūdrakas) had, according to Diodorus, an army of 40,000 foot and 3,000 horse. Their territory comprised large cities which offered house-to-house resistance to the Macedonians.³ The Sabarcae are said to have enjoyed a democratic form of government and to have mustered 60,000 foot, and 6,000 cavalry and 500 chariots, commanded by three generals elected for their valour and military skill.⁴