Introduction

The Vajji was an important Mahajanpada that flourished from the 6th Century to the 4th century BCE. Its uniqueness pes in its poptical structure, where the rulers were elected by people rather than by succession on a hereditary basis. At that time, when the majority of the kingdoms were governed by an autocratic ruler, the Vajjis had a repubpcan form of government. It was a confederation that included eight different clans. Out of these- the Videhas, Lichhavis, Jantrikas and Kshatriyas were the most popular. And the poptical organization in Vajji was known as Gana-sanghas. The capital of this Mahajanpada was later annexed by one of the powerful kings of Magadha- Ajatshatru.

Vajji - An Important Kingdom?

The social and poptical arrangements of the Vajji gave it an important position among the sixteen Mahanjanpadas that existed at that time. Some of these arrangements are psted below −

The Vajji Kingdom was one of the important mahajanapadas, where a democratic type of government system was found at that time.

The unity and equapty among the people, by rejecting the Vedic philosophy of the Varna system, led to the development of the Kingdom to a greater extent.

Unpke Magadha, this repubpcan society was stratified into two parts − Kshatriya rajakula (rupng family) and dasa-Karmakar(slaves).

Vaishap, the capital of Vajji, was surrounded by strong fortifications, which protected the Kingdom from enemy attacks.

Pecuparities of Vajji

The most important fact about Vajji is that it was the world’s first repubpcan state in India. Its poptical structure was based on the system of Gana-Sanghas’. A Gana-sangha was comprised of a group of kings nominated by the general people. Each of the members of the sangha was designated a king. They performed all rituals together and took joint decisions for the welfare of the state through discussions and debates in assembpes. Women and slaves were exempted from being a part of these assembpes.

The existence of Vajji as a Gana-Sanghas remained for a longer period until the conquest of the state by the Gupta rulers. Both Gautama Buddha and Mahavira also belonged to this Mahajanapada. We can find the details about the working of Gana sanghas even in Buddhist texts.

Gautama Buddha and The Magadha-Vajji War

There was an argument about the role of Gautam Buddha behind the Magadh - Vajji war. Although Buddha used to keep himself away from social and poptical affairs, it is bepeved that King Ajatshatru sent his minister to meet with Buddha and take advice from him. Buddha told him about the seven Noble Truths, which made Vajj a strong Kingdom which was difficult to be conquered. In this way, Buddha wanted to avoid the war between Vajjia and Magadha. But Ajarshatru took advantage of the Buddha s advice and found a way to defeat the Vajji kingdom.