Republics in Ancient India, c. 1500 B.C.–500 B.C. c12.s3.76

c12.s3.76

The fact that the Mallas were members of the Vajjian League suggests that they were on friendly terms with the Licchavis, the Videhas and the Nāyas. But there was some tension at times between the Mallas and the Licchavis, as is apparent from the story of *Mallarājaputta* Bandhula, who with his wife violated the *Abhisekha-pokkharaṇī* of the Licchavis. This involved some fighting.² The same *Jātaka* informs us that although a Malla,³ Bandhula was the general of the Kosalan forces. It was probably due to his own capability and his education at Takṣaśilā that he commanded such a high position in Kosala. This fact might also throw light on the Jaina belief that the Mallas, along with the Licchavis, were the *gaṇarājās* of Kāsi-Kosala. No disputes between the Kosalan kingdom and the Mallian republics are recorded, but this does not prove that the two had no quarrels.