Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

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

Page 164

Sec. IX] STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATÍ SŪTRA 139
(i. e. follow the established practice and keep out
Brahmanic religious systems). 8. So long may the Vajjians be expected not to decline
but to prosper”).
It is said that Lord Buddha himself founded his religious order or congregation (Sangha) on these fundamental principles of the Vajjian political system (ie. Gaña polity). Liccbavi Constitution
The constitution of the Licchavi Republic which was a part of the Vajjian confederacy was also framed on the same fundamental principles as revealed in the above dialogue of Lord Buddha with Ananda.
According to Athakathā (a later work) the supreme executive body of this state was composed of a president-king (Rāja), Vice-president (or deputy-king, Uparājā), general (Senā. pati) and treasurer (Bhāndāgārika).
The parliament (federal assembly) consisted of 7707 Rājās who represented the founder ruling families residing in Vaiśālī.
"Tattha niccakālam rajjam kāretvā vasamtānaṁ ye va rājūnarh satta sahassāni satta sattāni sattā ca (.) rājāno homti tatta kā; ye va uparājano tattakā; senapatino tattakā; tattakā bhamdāgārikā."
The literal translation of the passage is this "of the kings who permanently residing and ruling there (i. e. in Vaisalz) the number was seven thousand, seven hundred and seven. The number of Uparājās was the same, as also the number of Senāpatis and Bhandāgārikas." From this it appears that the Licchavi Republic had 7707 kings, 7707 deputy-kings (or heirapparents), 7707 generals and 7707 treasurers who were entitled to govern the state.
1 Dighanikāya (Mahāparinivvāna Suttanta)-Dailogues of the
Buddha Pt. II, p. 79-85. Cf. S.B.E, Vol, XI, pp. 3-6, Rhys Davids. Turnour.Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal VII (1838) p. 993 et seq.
3 Jataka Ì, 504. 4 Homage to Vaiśālī; C. H. of Vaiśāli, Dr. Altekar.