Republics in Ancient India, c. 1500 B.C.–500 B.C. c16.24

c16.24

At this point we must conclude our study of republican institutions in the India of the *Vedas* and the Buddha. We hope our efforts have been successful in presenting a clear historical survey which reveals some new facts relevant to this often vague and misunderstood topic. Our work has entailed a thorough re-examination and reinterpretation of the relevant texts. Yet often the ancient works have failed us and it has been necessary to formulate hypotheses in order to fill in the gaps and to present a more coherent study of these ancient republican institutions. With time, perhaps, these gaps may also be filled in by solid additions to the range of our historical knowledge of Ancient India.