Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

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

Page 166

Sec. IX
STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATI SÚTRA
141
Moreover, the Executive Council of this Republic consisted of eight members (Aşfakula) representing the interests of different sections, having their respective uniform and colour.
Probably the external affairs were conducted by nine Licchavis, while the internal administration including justice was run by the Astakulas.
Each young Licchavi prince had to be consecrated with the sacred water of the coronation tank of Vaiśāli at the time of his succession to his father's title and status of "Gañarāja'.? Functions of the Gana
The Buddhist works throw some light upon the working of the republican assembly of the Licchavis as depicted therein.
Thus it is stated in the Atthakathā that an alarm signal used to be given at the appearance of the Vaiśālian Ganarājas in the Santhāgāras (assembly house).
An officer designated as Asanapannā paka (Regulator of seats) used to seat the members of the assembly at their appointed place according to the order of seniority in age and experience."
A Mahattaka or a distinguished member among those ganarājas was appointed by the parliament in session to declare the message thus "on behalf of the Licchavis of Vaiśālī" in order to conduct the legislative business of the state.
«Vaiśālakānām Licchivīnām vacanena”.5 The Buddhist works reveal that a systematic legislative procedure was followed by this supreme assembly of the Licchavis in the matter of transaction of its business.
First of all, the rule of quorum of a required number of members was observed by this house of representatives before beginning the legislative work, as it is evidenced in the duty of
1 Mahā parin vvāna Suttanta, S. B. E, X1-31 ; Angu, P. T. S. II,
239 ; Mahāvastu-1, 259 ; Dighanikaya II, 96. ? Jataka-(Fausboll) IV, p. 148. 8 Turnour-J. A. S. B. VII, pp. 994.95. 4 Vinaya Text-S. B. E., Vol. XX, p. 408 in. (See the account
of the congress of Vesāli, Cullavagga, XII--2-7). Mahāvastu, 1, 254.