[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) › c9.2 # Republics in Ancient India, c. 1500 B.C.–500 B.C. c9.2 Republics in Ancient India, c. 1500 B.C.–500 B.C. c9.2 - **Language:** English ### [c9.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1968.c9.2) The Licchavis formed the most powerful constituent of the Vajjian Confederacy¹ and Vesāli was the centre of their power.² At the time of the Buddha they rivalled the power of Magadha, and their capital, the metropolis of the Confederacy, was one of the biggest and most famous cities of India. Mahāvīra, the 24th Tīrthaṅkara of the Jainas, was born not far from Vesāli, and the Śākyamuni, the founder of Buddhism, often visited it. It is no wonder then that in the Jaina and Buddhist literature we find very frequent mention of the Licchavis, their origin, their country, their government, their judicial system, and their relations with neighbouring peoples. Thus, we know comparatively more about them than about any other republican peoples of the time. - [Previous: c8.37](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1968.c8.37) - [Next: c9.3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1968.c9.3) - [Up: c9](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1968.c9) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1968.c9.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1968.c9.2) · Pramāṇa