[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Polity, law and society](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity) › [Republics in Ancient India, c. 1500 B.C.–500 B.C.](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1968) › c15.s1.2 # Republics in Ancient India, c. 1500 B.C.–500 B.C. c15.s1.2 Republics in Ancient India, c. 1500 B.C.–500 B.C. c15.s1.2 - **Language:** English ### [c15.s1.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1968.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 - [Previous: c15.s1.1](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1968.c15.s1.1) - [Next: c15.s1.3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1968.c15.s1.3) - [Up: c15.s1](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1968.c15.s1) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1968.c15.s1.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1968.c15.s1.2) · Pramāṇa