Republics in Ancient India, c. 1500 B.C.–500 B.C. c9.s4.81

c9.s4.81

It is probable that the chief officer of the state, also called a *rājā*, was elected from amongst his fellow *rājās* because of his age,⁶ political wisdom, strength of character, bravery in battle, eloquence in the assembly and general popularity among the citizens.⁷ Normally, for a *rājā* to command such great admiration and affection from his people would imply that he was well into his forties or early fifties. If he was elected at about the age of 40 to 45, he would not have usually acted as chief or president of the republic for more than 10 to 15 years. In the meantime, some new, rising and popular figure must have replaced him in the public eye. The comparatively short life expectancy which we may assume for the Indian of those days,¹ would suggest that the term of office of a Licchavian *rājā* was fairly brief. It should be remembered that while among the most primitive peoples chiefs hold office for life, the period of chieftainship may be comparatively short, in some cases averaging no more than ten years.²