Republics in Ancient India, c. 1500 B.C.–500 B.C. c9.s5.70

c9.s5.70

A later Jaina source, Jinadāsa's *Āvaśyaka Cūrṇi*,² continues the story. The *gaṇarājās* (heads of the Confederate republics) were demoralized by the two defeats and abandoned Ceḍaga, and returned to their own capitals. Ceḍaga retreated to Vesāli and made preparations for a siege. The city held out for twelve years and was then betrayed by the treachery of the ascetic Kūlavālaya, whose religious merit had formerly protected it. He is reported to have been won over by a beautiful prostitute in the employ of Kūṇiya, persuaded to break his vows and thus to betray the city. Ceḍaga committed suicide by drowning and the surviving Licchavis emigrated to Nepal.³