The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c11.91

c11.91

The Accae tribes had 40,000 men under arms; their towns had walls of the most formidable strength and were equipped with every means of defence.¹ Much further south, probably in Gujarât, the Automela on the coast had 1,600 elephants, 5,000 cavalry and 1,50,000 foot.² Mention is made of the Pandae, the only race in India ruled by women, who had 300 towns.³ It is, however, doubtful where this tribe lived or if it is to be identified with the Pâṇḍyas of the extreme south. There is an interesting notice that Brâhmaṇas instigated a city to revolt against Alexander who had subdued it. Alexander recaptured the town and put all the Brâhmaṇas concerned to death.⁴ Plutarch also says that Alexander hanged many philosophers for encouraging the free states to revolt from his authority.⁵ It appears that Brâhmaṇas exercised a good deal of political influence.