Abstract

Ancient Indian texts acknowledge the difference between the political structure and character of states and ganas or unions. Two of the mahajanapadas, the Bajji and the Malla, were unions, Buddhist texts speak of the Sakyas of Kapilavastu, the Koliyas of Devada and Ramagrama, the Bulliyas of Allakappa, the Kalamas of Kesaputta, the Moris of Piplivan and the Bharga or Bhagga whose capital was located on the Sunsumara hill. All the 7ganas which were politically important were located in the foothills of the Himalayas while all the major states were located in the Gangetic valley.