Republics in Ancient India, c. 1500 B.C.–500 B.C. c15.s1.2

c15.s1.2

The only source which contains an account of the origin and name of the Moriyas as a tribe, rather than as a ruling family, is the *Mahāvaṁsa Ṭīkā*.³ According to one explanation, the Moriyas were so called because they rejoiced, *modāpi*, in the prosperity of their city. The commentator explains that by changing the *da* of the *modāpi* to *ra*, the word Moriya is obtained.⁴ He further adds that being oppressed by king Viḍūḍabha, some Sakyas escaped into a delightful region of the Himālayas, which had the convenience of cool water, the shade of a grove of *pipphali* trees⁵ (*pipphalivana*) and the fresh breezes. At this pleasant spot they established a boundary wherein they measured out excellent cities.⁶