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UPSC » UPSC CSE Study Materials » Ancient History » Vajji

Vajji

Vajji was a backbone of an organisation of surrounding tribes, including the Licchavis and one of the great mahajanapadas of Ancient India. In this article, we discuss vajji.

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The Vajji confederacy was formed in the sixth-century B.c. by the Licchavis and their neighbours in Bihar, India, and lasted until the 4th century CE. Vaishali is the capital of the Vajji people. A king in an aristocratic republic ruled it. Buddhist monks have taken inspiration from the Vrijji government’s organisational structure for their religious order. Chandragupta built the Mauryan Empire by marrying a Licchavi princess in the 4th century BCE. In this post, we’ll go over everything there is to know about Vajji and Vajji capital.

Capital of Vajji

Vaishali, the capital of the Vajji dynasty, is located in modern-day Bihar. Meanwhile, Vajji was ruled democratically while Magadha was ruled monarchically. People used the term sangha for the government. A game was ruled by a group known as the raja rather than a single individual.

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About Magadha

From the sixth century BC onwards, the country of Magadha made a name for itself in ancient India. India’s northern section, known as Bihar, is where Magadha’s ancient kingdom was unearthed in the eastern region of India. During its time, it stood out from other kingdoms and republics because of its geographical elaboration and control. Bimbisara’s administration in 543 BC  marked the beginning of a period of expansion and strife. Dhana Nanda, the last emperor of the Nanda dynasty of the Indus Valley civilisation, ruled from 322 BCE until the Mauryans took power.

In battle, the Magadhan warriors, led by these terrible majesties, used the conventional multiple army configuration of mounted cavalry, infantry, and elephants, as did every other kingdom’s army in ancient India. Siege warfare was used because of the fortifications. Intrigue was used as a weapon of war on a regular basis by the military. Due to its kingly rule and desire to expand its territory, Magadhan’s prosperity was largely influenced by its military structure and warfare methods. Emperors fail when they are ineffective or disliked. Conspiration led to the downfall of his allies, not a military effort.

The Battle between Vajji and Magadha 

During the Magadha vs Vajji War, the Haryanka dynasty of Magadha and the Vajji confederacy, led by the Licchavis, engaged in a battle. Buddhism and Jainism recall the fight in the latter’s time. The Magadha defeated the Vajji confederacy and annexed their territory.

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War between Jains and Buddhists

According to the Jain and Buddhist traditions, the Magahdans were victorious in the fight, although both sides agreed that Magahdans eventually conquered the territory.

Buddhism and History

A Buddhist legend holds that a diamond mine once stood near a village on the banks of the Ganges. The Licchavis of Vajji and the Ajatashatru of Vajji would receive an equal part. It was only on one occasion when Ajatashatru was unable to collect his share of the weight, and it was taken over by the Vajjians instead. Ajatashatru was sick with this and thought it’s time to give up. Vaishali’s confederacy is so powerful that it is nearly difficult to take on the entire group. These mighty Vajjis must be exterminated off the face of the Earth. As a matter of fact. Vaishali’s invincibility was explained to Vadakara by Buddha, who gave him seven reasons, including Vajji’s punctuality, their respect for elders, their respect for women, and they do not marry their daughters forcefully, and the Chaityas inside the town.

To break the Vajji confederacy and destroy the altars at Vaishali, Ajatashatru sent his chief minister Vassakara as an infiltrator. It was an easy victory for Ajatashatru, who attacked the town from both sides with a scythed chariot and a swinging mace and blades.

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Vajji Commanded Army Divisions

Priority was given to the Vajji Commanded Army Divisions Infantry, which had the greatest number of personnel. When the army couldn’t deploy its other divisions due to geographical limits like forests, hills, and inaccessible regions, foot soldiers fought instead.

On the battlefield, the horseback riders fought as a unit and were deployed as such. As a result, the royal family relied on a well-trained cavalry force. Requirements of the horse riders included cutting off and destroying enemy supply lines, reconnaissance, and attacks, as well as guarding other army units, covering and escorting the enemy as it fled, escorting other army units, and scouting the enemy. Although chariots were used, cavalry and elephants were given more emphasis during the Magadha-Vajji war than in earlier decades.

Conclusion

Vajji confederacy was formed in the sixth-century B.c. by the Licchavi and their neighbours in Bihar, India. Vaishali is the capital of the vajji peoples, and a king in an aristocratic republic ruled it. Meanwhile, Vajji was ruled democratically while Magadha was ruled monarchically. In this post, we’ll go over everything there is to know about Vajji and Vajji capital.

The Magadha defeated the Vajji confederacy and annexed their territory. According to Jain and Buddhist traditions, the Magahdans were victorious in the fight. Vadakara’s invincibility was explained to him by Buddha, who gave him seven reasons, including Vajji’s punctuality and their respect for elders.

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Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the UPSC Examination Preparation.

What is Vajji's current name?

Answer: The Licchavis were part of the Vajji...Read full

Vajji Class's capital was located in what city?

Answer: Vaishali In modern-day Bihar, Vajji is the capital...Read full

Who was the Vajjis's slayer?

Answer: During the Magadha Vajji War, the Haryanka dynasty of Magadha and the ...Read full

Class six was administered to Vajji in what manner?

Answer: Vajji had a type of government known as Gana or sangha, a form of democracy. Vajji was ruled by more than on...Read full

Answer: The Licchavis were part of the Vajji or Vriji confederacy, one of Ancient India’s most important mahajanapadas. Mithila, a region of northern Bihar, was the capital of the Mithila dynasty, and the city of Vaishali was their seat of power.

Answer: Vaishali

In modern-day Bihar, Vajji is the capital at Vaishali, the site of the former Vajji kingdom. Meanwhile, Vajji was ruled democratically while Magadha was ruled monarchically.

 

Answer: During the Magadha Vajji War, the Haryanka dynasty of Magadha and the Vajji confederacy, led by the Licchavis, engaged in a battle.

Answer: Vajji had a type of government known as Gana or sangha, a form of democracy. Vajji was ruled by more than one dynasty. Raja was the title given to all of India’s kings. All of the rites were conducted by these rajas all at once.

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