Vajji


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Vajji

Vajji: Vajji or Vajji was a confederacy of neighbouring clans including the Licchavis and one of the principal mahājanapadas of Ancient India. The area they ruled constitutes the region of Mithila in northern Bihar and their capital was the city of Vaishali.

While Magadha became a powerful kingdom, vajji, with its capital at vaishali (Bihar), was under a different form of government, known as gana or sangha.in a gana or a sangha there were not one, but many rulers. Sometimes, even when thousands of men ruled together, each one was known as a raja. These rajas performed rituals together.

They also met in assemblies, and discussion and debate. For example, if they were attacked by an enemy, they met to discuss what should be done to meet the threat. However, women, dasas and kammakaras could not participate in these assemblies. Both the Buddha and Mahavira belonged to gana or sanghas.

Some of the vivid descriptions of life in the sanghas can be found in Buddhist books. Rajas of powerful kingdoms tried to conquer the sanghas were conquered by the Gupta rulers.

Ajastasattu and the Vajjis:  Ajatasattu wanted to attack the Vajjis.He sent his minister named Vassakara to the Buddha to get his advice on the matter.

The Buddha asked whether the Vajjis met frequently ,in full assemblies. When he heard that they did ,he replied that the Vajjis would continue to prosper as long as:

  • They held full and frequent public assemblies.
  • They met and acted together
  • They followed established rules.
  • They respected ,supported and listened to elders.
  • Vajji women were not held by force or captured.
  • Chaityas (local shrines) were maintained in both towns and villages.
  • Wise saints who followed different beliefs were respected and allowed to enter and leave the country freely.
  • Sample Questions
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    Question : 1

    What is meant by Lichchhavis ?

    Right Option : A
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