Republics in Ancient India, c. 1500 B.C.–500 B.C. c9.s1.50

c9.s1.50

There is yet another point which strongly supports the view that the Licchavis were linked with the Indo-Aryans. Throughout the Pāli literature the Licchavis are called by the *gotra*-names of the Brāhmaṇas, indicating the close connection of the two. Rhys Davids’ comment is pertinent in regard to this. He states that “all that we can fairly conclude is that the clans claimed, by the very use of these names (gottas), to be descended from the same ancestors as the Brahmans, who also bore the names; and that the claim was admitted to be well founded".¹ Of course, in later times many non-Aryan peoples accepted the *gotra*-system. But from this it is clear that the Licchavis, like other peoples of northeast India, were at least greatly influenced by the Aryan way of life and followed some of their customs. This strongly points to their kinship with the Indo-Aryan group of people.