The Lichchhavis (also Lichchavi, Licchavi) were an important member of the Vajjian confederacy. The early Indian traditions describe the Lichchhavis as Kshatriyas. Scholars reject the theory of foreign origin of the Lichchhavis on the strength of these traditions. But they were degraded to the status of fallen Kshatriyas due to their championship of non-Brahmanical creeds like Jainism and Buddhism-2/”>Buddhism.
Rise of the Licchavi Power
In the 6th century B.C. the Licchavi power was firmly established. Though the Lichchhavis belonged to the Vajji confederacy, they had autonomous status. Their capital was Vaisali.
Originally, they seem to have an independent status. The Buddhist records preserve the names of important Licchavi leaders among whom the name of Chetaka deserves special mention. Chetaka’s sister Trisala was the mother of Mahavira, the preacher of Jainism. Chetaka’s daughter Chellana was married to king Bimbisara of Magadha. The Lichchhavis thus appear to be highly connected.
The Magadha-Licchavi Struggle-fall of the Licchavis
The Licchavis turned to be great rivals of Magadhan Monarchy. In the reign of Bimbisara of Magadha, they invaded the Magadhan kingdom. Inthe reign of Ajatasatru, a protracted war began between Magadha and the Lichchhavis. The latter were united with the Vajjis in a confederacy. In the struggle that followed the Lichchhavis and the Vajjis were destroyed.
The causes of the Magadha-Lichchavi war were many. Ajatasatru wanted to take revenge on the Lichchhavis, as their chief Chetaka had refused to extradite Ajatasatru’s step brothers. They had escaped to Vaisali (Licchavi capital) with the royal elephant and family jewels and were granted political asylum. The real cause of the Magadha-Licchavi war was the aggressive imperialism of Magadha against the neighboring republic. The war continued for sixteen years. The Lichchhavis built a mighty alliance with the Vajjis and the other thirty six Ganarajas and also with the kingdom of Kasi-Kosala against Magadha. But the ministers of Ajatasatru sowed seeds of discord among the members of the anti-Magadhan confederacy and destroyed their unity. Ultimately the Vajjian confederacy was destroyed by Ajatasatru. The Vajji territory was annexed to Magadha.
The Licchavi’s republican constitution
There were two Systems of government in the Eastern region. The states of Anga, Magadha, Vatsa etc. were monarchies. Those of Kasf, Kaulala, Videha etc. on the other band were republics. Two of these republics were quite well known, the Republics of the Vajjis or Licchavis and that of the Mallas. Republics were later developments of monarchies and the precursors of democracies. The Licchavis founded their Republic with a view to consolidating their political power. The credit for its foundation goes to Cetaka, who was a wise and valorous king of Videha. He was also the President of the whole Republic. This Republic was the union of eighteen political units, nine of which belonged to the Licchavis and the remaining nine to the Mallas.
The Kings of each unit comprising the Vajji Republic were called Gananayakas. The council of the Gananayakas was called Gana Sabha or Republican Council. It made the constitution and the laws. The individual units were governed in accordance with the constitution of the Gana or the Union. The Vajji Republic was rich and well developed in the fields of Politics, Economics, Society and Religion. The monarchists were highly jealous of this powerful Republic. They were bent upon destroying it. But they were helpless in the face of the powerful Vajjian army.
Videha with its capital at Vaisali was the biggest unit. Vaisali was divided into three zones. The first zone consisted of seven thousand residential houses with golden domes. The middle of the town consisted of fourteen thousand houses with silver domes. The third zone consisted of twenty-one thousand houses with copper domes.
These zones were inhabited by the high, middle and lower classes respectively. Vaisali was not only the capital of the Licchavis, it was the capital of the entire Vajji Republic. It was enclosed within four city walls, each at a distance of two miles from the others. It had several ramparts and entrance-gates. The Republic was a confederation of six clans viz. the Ugras, the Bhojas, the Rajanyas, ihe Iksvakus (the Licchavis), the Jnatasand the Kauravas.
,
The Licchavi were a powerful clan that ruled over the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal from the 6th to the 8th centuries CE. They were known for their military prowess and their sophisticated political system. The Licchavi were the first people in Nepal to establish a republican government. Their constitution was based on the principles of Democracy and Equality. The Licchavi were also patrons of the arts and literature. They built many temples and monasteries, and they supported many artists and writers. The Licchavi were a major force in the development of Nepali culture. Their legacy can still be seen in the Kathmandu Valley today.
The Licchavi clan was originally from the Licchavi Kingdom in India. They migrated to Nepal in the 6th century CE and established their capital at Kathmandu. The Licchavi were a warrior clan, and they quickly conquered the surrounding areas. They ruled over a vast empire that included parts of India, Nepal, and Tibet.
The Licchavi government was a republic. The head of state was the king, but he was elected by the people. The Licchavi constitution was based on the principles of democracy and equality. All men were equal before the law, and they had the right to vote and hold office. The Licchavi were also tolerant of other religions. They allowed Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains to practice their faith freely.
The Licchavi were patrons of the arts and literature. They built many temples and monasteries, and they supported many artists and writers. The Licchavi were also responsible for the development of the Nepali language. They created a new script for the language, and they wrote many important texts in Nepali.
The Licchavi were a major force in the development of Nepali culture. They introduced many new ideas and customs to Nepal, and they helped to shape the country’s identity. The Licchavi legacy can still be seen in the Kathmandu Valley today. Many of the temples and monasteries that they built are still standing, and their language and culture are still practiced by many people.
The Licchavi were a remarkable people who made a significant contribution to the history of Nepal. They were a powerful and sophisticated people who were also tolerant and open-minded. Their legacy can still be seen in the Kathmandu Valley today.
The Licchavi were an ancient Indian dynasty that ruled over the Kathmandu Valley from the 6th to the 8th centuries CE. They were known for their republican constitution, which was one of the most progressive political systems of its time.
The Licchavi constitution was based on the principle of Decentralization. The kingdom was divided into several provinces, each of which was ruled by a council of elders. The council was responsible for making laws and overseeing the administration of the province.
The Licchavi constitution also guaranteed the rights of the people. The people had the right to elect their representatives to the council, and they had the right to appeal to the council if they felt that they had been wronged by the government.
The Licchavi constitution was a remarkable document for its time. It was one of the first constitutions in the world to guarantee the rights of the people, and it was one of the most progressive political systems of its time.
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Licchavi and their republican constitution:
Who were the Licchavi? The Licchavi were an ancient Indian dynasty that ruled over the Kathmandu Valley from the 6th to the 8th centuries CE.
What was their republican constitution? The Licchavi constitution was based on the principle of decentralization. The kingdom was divided into several provinces, each of which was ruled by a council of elders. The council was responsible for making laws and overseeing the administration of the province.
What were the rights guaranteed by the Licchavi constitution? The Licchavi constitution guaranteed the rights of the people. The people had the right to elect their representatives to the council, and they had the right to appeal to the council if they felt that they had been wronged by the government.
Why was the Licchavi constitution so progressive? The Licchavi constitution was one of the first constitutions in the world to guarantee the rights of the people, and it was one of the most progressive political systems of its time.
What was the impact of the Licchavi constitution? The Licchavi constitution had a profound impact on the development of democracy in Nepal. It was one of the first steps in the country’s long journey towards democracy.
The Licchavis were a powerful clan that ruled over the kingdom of Vaishali in ancient India. They were known for their strong military and their democratic government.
The Licchavis were one of the first groups in India to adopt a republican form of government. Their constitution was based on the principle of equality, and all citizens had the right to participate in government.
The Licchavis were also known for their Tolerance and their respect for other religions. They welcomed people of all faiths to their kingdom, and they built temples and monasteries for all religions.
The Licchavis were a powerful and influential kingdom, and their culture and traditions had a lasting impact on India.
Which of the following is NOT true about the Licchavis?
(A) They were a powerful clan that ruled over the kingdom of Vaishali in ancient India. (B) They were known for their strong military and their democratic government. (C) They were one of the first groups in India to adopt a republican form of government. (D) Their constitution was based on the principle of equality, and all citizens had the right to participate in government. (E) They were known for their tolerance and their respect for other religions.
The answer is (D). The Licchavi constitution was not based on the principle of equality. Only the wealthy and powerful were allowed to participate in government.
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the Licchavi government?
(A) It was a republic. (B) It was based on the principle of equality. (C) It was tolerant of other religions. (D) It was a monarchy. (E) It was a democracy.
The answer is (D). The Licchavi government was a republic, not a monarchy.
Which of the following is NOT a contribution of the Licchavis to Indian culture?
(A) They built temples and monasteries for all religions. (B) They welcomed people of all faiths to their kingdom. (C) They were one of the first groups in India to adopt a republican form of government. (D) They were known for their strong military. (E) They were known for their tolerance and respect for other religions.
The answer is (D). The Licchavis were not known for their strong military.