The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c20.130

c20.130

To the last age of ancient India belongs an interesting Apabhraṁśa Jaina work, Bhavisattakahâ by Dhana-pâla.¹ The incidental political references in the story, particularly in the thirteenth and fourteenth saṃdhis or chapters, show that the western half of North India was divided into a number of principalities, some of which were independent, while the rest acknowledged the suzerainty of others. Sâmanta is the term used to denote vassals of this character. A circle of suzerainty comprising an overlord and his vassals was known as a Maṇḍala.