Republics in Ancient India, c. 1500 B.C.–500 B.C. c15.s4.t2.19

c15.s4.t2.19

Jayaswal and Bhandarkar have both discussed the question of *nigama*, and the latter has given it a great deal of attention.⁴ We do not agree with either in all their views, but agree insofar as the Kālāmas ruled their town through government by discussion. The commentary says that the Kālāmas were Khattiyas.⁵ Probably the Kālāma-Khattiya elders formed an assembly which chose a few members who carried out the administration of the town. The process of government should have been fairly simple, probably simpler than the present Indian *tahsīl* town municipalities. There was probably a *santhāgāra* at Kesaputta which was the political, social and religious centre of the *nigama* community, and probably the simple local judicial cases were also tried in this town hall.⁶