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124 INDIA. AS DESCRIBED 'IN EARLY TEXTS
This alliance existed not only at the time of Mahāvīra's demise but also when a war ensued between Kūņika Ajātasattu and the Licchapis. As for the remaining confederate olans, one may mention the name of Nayas, Nătas or Jñatrikas,1 who lived in a suburb of Vesālī, the Vajjian capital, and the Bhaggas who settled between Vesālī and Sāvatthi. Thus it may be supposed that the eight or nine confederate clans with the exception of the Videhas resided hear about Vesālī which was at the time one of the most flourishing and beautiful cities in northern India. According to the Ekapaņņa Jātaka, the city of Vesāli was surrounded by a triple wall, each wall standing at the distance of a league from the next and was provided with three gates and watch-towers. The Vrjisor Licohavis possessed a bright complexion; they were luxurious and at the same time most warlike, and strong in their national unity. Theirs was an oligarchical republic and they had a common Mote-hall in which all important questions of administration were decided. So long as they were able to maintain their unity, no power could conquer their country.
1 See B.D. Law, Some Ksatrya Tyrbes of Anorent Indra, Ch. II. 2 Vinaya Texts, S.B.B., 11, 171; Lalitovratara, Ch. III, p. 21. & Jataka, 1, p. 504. 4 3. O. Law, Some Ksatriya Tmbes of Ancient India, Licohavis, & Ibid., Oliapter on Licchavis, Sec. V.
