Republics in Ancient India, c. 1500 B.C.–500 B.C. c9.s4.147

c9.s4.147

Probably nominations of names for the other eight posts of the council were invited separately, one to be elected for each of the eight clans of the Licchavis.⁵ It is not unlikely that the election for the council took place amongst the kings of each clan independently of the other clans. The voters in all probability were only those members of the clan who sat at the Assembly of 7,707 and were called *rājās*, and it seems feasible to suggest that the councillors could only be chosen from among their number. It also seems likely that all the elections took place in the *santhāgāra* and that the procedure of election was the same as for the election of the chief *rājā*. These eight councillors formed a jury of eight called the *aṭṭhakulikas*⁶ which dispensed justice. After the election of the successful candidates, it is likely that they were honoured with a traditional ceremonial bath and anointment in the *Pokkharaṇī* and thus solemnly consecrated. This ceremony, as we have seen above,⁷ probably took place during the spring festival. After the formalities each assumed his office and began the task of administration in conjunction with the Assembly.