Republics in Ancient India, c. 1500 B.C.–500 B.C. c9.s5.66

c9.s5.66

When prince Kūṇiya (Ajātasattu) came to the throne, he was instigated by his covetous wife Paümāvaī to demand the treasures from Vehalla. Fearful for his life and belongings Vehalla fled with them to the court of Ceḍaga, his maternal uncle who was head of the Licchavian republic. Ajātasattu sent his messenger repeatedly, but the negotiations failed. War broke out between Magadha and the Licchavis over the two treasures and a great battle took place. The outcome is not clearly stated in the text, but the battle is said to have been fiercely fought. In it a prince Kāla was killed by Ceḍaga and the forces under his command completely destroyed. It would appear from the death and destruction of Kāla and his contingent at the hands of Ceḍaga that all did not go well for the Magadhan invaders.⁴ We suggest that in the *Rahamusala* battle the Licchavis were victorious and Ajātasattu suffered great humiliation.