Gana-Sanghas and Republican Systems in Ancient India
Gana and Sangha referred to corporate polities where sovereignty was vested in a body of people rather than a single monarch; these are often translated as “oligarchic republics” or “clan-republics.” The terms indicate a collective or assembly-based rule, typically dominated by kshatriya lineages, with decision-making through councils and popular gatherings.
- They coexisted with monarchies from the late Vedic period into the Mahajanapada age (6th–4th century BCE) and persisted, in pockets, into early historical times.
Geographical Spread & Major Republics
- Gana-Sanghas thrived primarily in north and north-west India, including the Vajji/Licchavi confederacy, Malla, Shakya, Koliya, Kamboja, and some Punjabi and Himalayan ....
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Indian History
- 1 Mughal Architecture, Music & Painting
- 2 Gupta Period: Classical Age of Art, Literature, Science & Architecture
- 3 Post-Mauryan Artistic Traditions
- 4 Temple-Building Traditions of Pallavas, Cholas & Hoysalas
- 5 Buddhist and Mural Paintings
- 6 Medieval Writers on Art and Culture
- 7 Literary Works of Medieval India
- 8 Classical Languages & their Status in Ancient India
- 9 Temple Architecture Styles
- 10 Rise and Decline of Artisan Industries in India
