[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.s2.6 # Republics in Ancient India, c. 1500 B.C.–500 B.C. c9.s2.6 Republics in Ancient India, c. 1500 B.C.–500 B.C. c9.s2.6 - **Language:** English ### [c9.s2.6](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1968.c9.s2.6) Rhys Davids twice calls them "the powerful confederation of the Licchavis"⁴ and once "the powerful Vajjian Confederacy."⁵ Jayaswal refers to them by both names indiscriminately,⁶ as do B.C. Law⁷ and D. R. Bhandarkar.⁸ R. C. Majumdar also employs both terms, but uses only "Licchavi" while making his own statements about them.⁹ Altekar refers to them mainly as Licchavis¹⁰ and he does not seem to believe that there was a more or less permanent confederation of republics.¹¹ Professor Basham calls them "Licchavis" when referring to one of the confederates and "Vajjian Confederacy" with reference to all the confederates.¹ Dr. A. K. Warder² similarly makes a very clear distinction between the use of the words when he says "the famous Licchavis and their Vajjian Confederates," "Vajjian Confederacy,"³ and "Magadha, the most powerful monarchy, and the Vajjis, the most powerful republican Confederacy."⁴ We believe that this discriminate use of the words is historically correct. - [Previous: c9.s2.5](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1968.c9.s2.5) - [Next: c9.s2.7](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1968.c9.s2.7) - [Up: c9.s2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1968.c9.s2) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1968.c9.s2.6](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1968.c9.s2.6) · Pramāṇa