Republics in Ancient India, c. 1500 B.C.–500 B.C. c7.15

c7.15

Some historians have emphasized the point that the invading Aryans needed a strong king who could lead successful expeditions against the indigenous Indians and help his people acquire new land and homes.⁴ No doubt a strong general was a great necessity in such a situation, but such a general could not fight successfully without the active support of all the male adults of the tribe. As great a king-commander as Alexander could not accomplish his ambition of the conquest of India up to the eastern ocean without the support of his armies.⁵ Under such circumstances, the active support of all able-bodied members of the community would be needed in the battle field and at least most elders would have wished to know and discuss the plans for battle and further movements. When the existence of an entire people was threatened each would devote the best of his abilities to preserving the freedom of himself and his fellow tribesmen.