________________
735
of Koshalas Of course, Bauddha Literature records often that Shakyas were a Vain tribe still it goes beyond understanding why objection could have been raised in marriage.
History records that the Lichhavi tribe of Vaishali equally Vain had given the King's (Chetaka's) daughter to Bimbisar the King of Magadhas. (Ref. Prof Jacobi in Jain Sutras Vol I ). It is also proved beyond doubt that the royal dynasty of Savatthi were allowed a sovereign hereditarity in Koshals as feudatory princes of Koshalas were known as Kings, an epithet generally used for small chiefs and princes of republican empires then.
It is quite natural that Buddha and Jain Writers may have been disposed to attach heavy importance to the families of their founders as subsequent writings differ from the previous ones on this point. In light of above, the reason inspiring Vidudabha to wage a battle with Shakya tribe is hardly probable. Possibly he could have invaded due to Vanity of the Shakyas but there must be some other political motive for Vidudabha in waging a fight with Shakyas united with nim matrimonially. History record in support of this surmise is that Ajätshatru of Magadhas had also fought with Lichhavi rules for political reasons.
Why Ajatshatru carried invasion on Lichhavi tribe is clear from one of the Buddha Sutras. It is reconciled that Buddha had foretold that Lichhavi rulers were indulgent in luxury and Ajatshatru would easily accomplish his desire. About three years after, a dissension arose in the family of Vaishali due to the fraudulent underhand working of a Brahmin named Vassakar. Ajātshatru with an unwieldy force took its possession and
desoiated it.
Besides, as recorded in the Buddha Literature, Ajātshatru fortified his capital Rajgriha as he anticipated an invasion from ChandaPradyota. It will be very interesting to know if such attack was made and with what result, but Bauddha Rooks give no further clue to it. Later on in the 4th century R. C. history
an
Jain Education International
For Private Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
