Republics in Ancient India, c. 1500 B.C.–500 B.C. c11.62

c11.62

This can only lead one to conclude that Mahāvīra’s father was merely the chief of his clan. His status was probably no higher than that of the much later taluqdārs and zamindārs. He presumably held office for life and was perhaps assisted in his administration by a small council, the exact number of which cannot be determined.