Republics in Ancient India, c. 1500 B.C.–500 B.C. c16.17

c16.17

While their geographical location and climate made them more adventurous and better fighting men, it also inculcated in the republican citizens and leaders a false pride in their individual importance which could be exploited against their own interests as was most certainly the case with the Vajjians. Each member of the assembly was called a *rājā*, but none had the individual power to mould the decisions of the assembly. It is probable that some councillors or leaders of the republic either wished to rise above the rest and become virtual rulers, as was the case in the nobles-*samiti* aristocracies of the Vedic period, or that some preferred to betray the republic for their selfish interests, thus becoming lieutenants of a king. The latter could offer these betrayers substantial rewards either in the form of material gains or by entrusting them with important state offices,¹ which they could not expect while the republic continued and prospered. Personal ambition and party politics will also be remembered for the part they played in the downfall of the Roman and Athenian republics.