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 ....