Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

Author(s): J C Sikdar
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology & Ahimsa Mujjaffarpur

Page 161

136 STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATI SŪTRA [Ch. III
This feature of Gana polity is also evidenced in the Sabhā. Parva of the Mahābhārata' in connection with the constitutional practice of the Republic mentioned and signified by the statement “Gșhe gļhe hi rājānah" as distinguished from the imperial government "Samrājaśabdo hi kştsnabhāk”.
The interpretation of the word "Ganarāja' as referred to in the Bhs, the Lalitavistara and the Mahābhārata is also corroborated by the Arthaśāstrain which it is explained that the members of the corporations, such as, Licchavis, Mallas, etc., bore the title 'Rājā' (rāja-sabdopajīvinah)
The Licchavi Ganarājas of Vaiśālī are a lso referred to in the Jātaka' in connection with the coronation tank, the sacred water of which was used by them in their consecration ceremony for rulership. "Vesāli-nagare-Gaņa-rājakulānām abhiseka-mangala-pok
kbaraṇīm." The above evidences clearly show that the hereditary character of rulership was maintained in the Gaņa polity of the Licchavis and other Ksatriya republics having the sovereignty vested in some ruling families which constituted the governing class, as it is found in the case of 7707 members of the Licchavis designated as 'Rājā' (king).
It is clear from all sources of the Jaina, Buddhist and Brāhmaṇical works that the Gaña-polity of the Licchavis, the Mallakis, and other republics was based on the equality of the members of some ruling Kşatriya families vested with the sovereignty of the state. Confederation-Federal Council
The BhS? gives an idea of the constitution of the confederation formed of nine Mallakis, nine Licchavis and other
1 Mahābhārata Sabha-Parva, 14-2. Vide India as known to
Pāņini, p. 428. ? Arthaśāstra, XI, 378. 16, XI. I., p. 378. Jātāka, IV, 148. 5 This abhiseka pokkharani has been located and the four
corners of its embankments have been excavated by Dr.
Altekar in April, 1958. 6 Jataka, (Fausboll) I, p. 504,
? Bhs, 7.9, 300-301,