Kshatriyas in Buddha’s Age: Ruling Races in Buddhist India

The present publication "Kshatriya’s in Buddha’s age" is an exhaustive and comprehensive historical account of the powerful and great Kshatriya clans of Buddhistic time including Licchavis, Moriyas, Shakyas, Koliyas, Videhas, Mallas etc. These clans existed and mostly as republics ruled over a vast land in the south of the foothills of Himalayas and the borders of Nepal as well eastern part of India. The first part of the study is devoted to the Licchavis, the glory of their capital Vaishali, their socio-economic life, religion and philosophy, government and administration, and political rise and growth. In the second part there is historical description of some minor but important Kshatriya clans, like Bulis, Moriyas, Bhaggas, Jnatriyas, Shakyas, Koliyas, Videhas and Mallas. The Buddha belonged to Shakya clan and Shakyas had blood relations with Koliyas. Mahavira was a Jnatri Kshatriya and Moriyas were connected with the Shakyas of Kapilvastu. Maurya dynasty has its origin to the Moriyas of Pipphalivana. The clans of Shakyas, Koliyas, Mauryas and Mallas are still alive but there is no trace of Licchavis and other clans. The book also provides a clear picture of the society of the Buddhist and post-Buddhist eras, besides the deep impact of the Buddha’s teachings on these tribal republics. Basically, this study is based on the early account of noted scholar B.C. Law with additions of fresh chapters and research materials. Buddhist Pali texts, Jaina scriptures, Tibetan and Nepali sources along with English, French and German works have been referred to in this scholarly study.