1921.] The Licchavis in Ancient India. 269 
at the foot of the mountain there was a mine of precious gems. 
Some precious gems were washed away by the Ganges, and there 
was a contract between the Licchavis and Ajatasatru that they 
B 
much. He thought of punishing them for this act. He 
realized, however, that the Licchavis being numerically 
stronger, he would fail to carry out his purpose. He tried to 
be friendly with the Licchavis, but he had to give up this idea. 
At last he resorted to the device of sowing dissensions and he 
) 
Ajatasatru took advantage of the internal dissensions amongst 
the Licchavis and attacked the Vajjibhimi. The weak Lic- 
-chavis refused to stand against him and said, ‘“ Let the strong 
* Thus it was easy for 
to the Licchavi country, the Licchavis went out ina body to 
receive him a im honour. They did not impose new 
taxes. Old taxes were abolished. The young Vajjians used 
to learn Rdjaniti from the old experienced Vajjians. Chastity 
was not to be violated by force. ee violation of chastity 
eo 
to attend and having done their work they dispersed at the 
same time.! : 
A Licchavigana could select a suitable wife for a Liechavi 
when asked for. It was for the Licchavigana to decide cases 
marry only in the first district and not in the second or the 
third. One born in the middle district could marry only in 
the first and the second. One born in the 3rd district could 
marry in any one of the three. Marriage outside Vaisali was 
not allowed. + Beat 
As regards the administration of justice when a thief is 
| Sumangalavildsini, Burmese Edition, pp. 103-105. 
2 Bhikkhunivibhanga Sanghadidesa, Vol. II, p. 225. 
3 Vaisali was divided into three districts. 
+ The Life of the Buddha by Rockhill, p. 62 
