Republics in Ancient India, c. 1500 B.C.–500 B.C. c10.s4.60

c10.s4.60

The *Mahājanaka Jātaka*³ also attests to the fact that the king was chosen by a qualified body of citizens. There may have been requisite qualifications for the candidate who became the *gaṇa-mukhya*, the chief or president of the republic. He was a Kṣatriya,⁴ claiming the backing of his clan and some influential people as his support, along with the necessary qualities of personal leadership, strength, eloquence and popularity.