Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c36.250

v2.c36.250

Sakyā, Sakka, Sākiyā.—A tribe in North India, to which the Buddha belonged. Their capital was Kapilavatthu. Mention is also made of other Sākyan settlements—*e.g.*, Cātumā, Khomadussa, Sāmagāma, Devadaha, Silāvatī, Nagaraka, Medatalumpa, Sakkhara and Uḷumpa (*q.v.*). Within the Sākyan tribe there were probably several clans, *gottā*. The Buddha himself belonged to the Gotamagotta. It has been suggested¹ that this was a brahmin clan, claiming descent from the ancient *isi* Gotama. The evidence for this suggestion is, however, very meagre. Nowhere do we find the Sākyans calling themselves brahmins. On the other hand, we find various clans claiming a share of the Buddha’s relics on the ground that they, like the Buddha, were *khattiyas*.² It is stated³ that the Sākyans were a haughty people. When the Buddha first visited them, after his Enlightenment, they refused to honour him on account of his youth. The Buddha then performed a miracle and preached the Vessantara Jātaka, and their pride was subdued. They were 163. Hiouen Thsang, however, found them obliging and gentle in manners (Beal, *op. cit.*, ii. 14).