Republics in Ancient India, c. 1500 B.C.–500 B.C. c12.s3.50

c12.s3.50

When sent by the Buddha to inform the Mallas of Kusinārā of his approaching death, Ānanda found them in session in their assembly-hall, engaged in some public business.⁵ When Ānanda went yet again to inform them that the Buddha had passed away, they were deliberating in the same assembly-hall about the funeral ceremony of the Exalted One.⁶ From the context it appears that it was the General Assembly of the Kosinārakas which was in session, as they are reported to have been afflicted and grieved at this loss, along with their sons, daughters and wives. It is, however, not possible that all their sons, daughters and wives participated in the deliberations of the assembly. Probably after hearing of the Buddha’s death in the assembly-hall, they went to their respective homes and told their families. It was at this time that all grieved. There is no definite evidence as to the exact number of the members who constituted the General Assembly, but it is not impossible that they had a large assembly, all the members of which seldom attended the meetings. From the Jaina tradition¹ it appears that they had a much smaller body which carried out the decisions of the assembly. This council met frequently and in practice was the sovereign body of the republic.