Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c34.215

v2.c34.215

The young men among the Licchavis were evidently fond of archery, for mention is made⁸ of large numbers of them roving about in the Mahāvana, with bows and arrows, the strings set, and surrounded by hounds. They were a martial people and fond of "sport," but we find one of their Elders, Mahānāma,⁹ complaining of them to the Buddha: “The Licchavi youths are quick tempered, rough and greedy fellows; such presents as are sent by the members of their tribe—sugar-cane, jujubes, sweet cakes, sweetmeats, etc.—they loot and eat; they slap the women and girls of their tribe on the back.” Violation of chastity was considered a serious offence among the Licchavis, and the assembly would even give its consent to a husband’s request that his unfaithful wife should be murdered.¹⁰