Republics in Ancient India, c. 1500 B.C.–500 B.C. c9.s5.95

c9.s5.95

This might also have been a hint from the aged king as to his choice of successor. The bold refusal of Vehalla to return the treasures shows that the young prince had enough confidence in his strength, while he shrewdly made his way to Vesālī where he was sure to be protected. The story seems to conceal the tradition of a revolt against Ajātasattu on the part of his younger brothers, who were given active support by the Licchavis and used Vesāli as their base. We may well surmise that if the Vajjians had been successful in the war, Vehalla might have been placed on the throne of Magadha. The scented elephant, like the splendid necklace, might have been the symbol of royalty and both such desirable objects might well have been the cause of war. They were not valued intrinsically, but more for their importance as insignia and bringers of power and fortune to the royal house.