Gaṇa sangha

Gana-Sangha[1] (Sanskrit: गणसङ्घ, lit. equal assembly) or Gana-Rajya[2] (Sanskrit: गणराज्य, lit. equal government), refers to a type of republic or oligarchy in ancient India.

The gana sanghas were generally found on the periphery of the Indian kingdoms, and tended to occupy the higher ground.[1]

Their general make-up was either that of a single clan (e.g. Shakya), or a confederacy of clans (e.g. Koli).

References

  1. 1 2 Thapar, Romila (2002). "Early India: From the Origins to AD 1300". Google Books. University of California. pp. 146–150. Retrieved 28 October 2013.
  2. Majumdar, Asoke Kumar (1977), Concise History of Ancient India: Political theory, administration and economic life, Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers, p. 140

Further reading


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