What is "licchavi"

Licchavi (also Lichchhavi, Lichavi) was an ancient kingdom in Nepal, which existed in the Kathmandu Valley from approximately 400 to 750 CE. Centuries earlier, at the start of the Buddhist era a powerful republic known as Licchavi existed in what is today Kathmandu. There is no conclusive evidence of any ethnic or historic links between the two states. The language of Licchavi inscriptions is Sanskrit, and the particular script used is closely related to official Gupta scripts, suggesting that the other major kingdoms of the Classical Period to the south were a significant cultural influence. This was likely through Mithila - the southern part of modern Nepal. The term 'Licchavi' probably derives from Rikshavi possibly Sanskritized to Rkshvavati. Riksha or Rksha in Sanskrit means Star. A table of the evolution of certain Gupta characters used in Licchavi inscriptions prepared by Gautamavajra Vajrācārya can be found online.

The Licchavis were the most famous clan amongst the ruling confederate clans of the Vajji mahajanapada of ancient India. Vaishali, the capital of the Licchavis, was the capital of the Vajji mahajanapada also. It was later occupied by Ajatashatru, who annexed the Vajji territory into his kingdom.

Kautilya in his (ch. XI), describes the Licchavis as a tribal confederation , whose leader uses the title of . A Buddhist text, the refers them as Kshatriyas and one of the claimants of the relics of Buddha. They have claimed Kshatriya status themselves. According to the , the Licchavis were of the gotra. In the Manusmriti (X.22), the Licchavis are placed in the category of the Vratya Kshatriyas.

in his , traced the origin of the Licchavis to Benaras. The date of the establishment of the Licchavi domination over the area consisting of present day north Bihar and terai region of Nepal is not known. By the time of Mahavira and Gautama Buddha this clan was already well settled in the area around their capital . Buddhist tradition has preserved the names of a number of eminent Licchavis, which include prince Abhyaya, , generals, and Ajita, Dummukha and Sunakkhata. The of refers to the nine Licchavi s (chieftains) who along with the nine Malla s and the eighteen - s formed a league against Magadha. The leader of this alliance was Chetaka, whose sister Trishala was the mother of Mahavira.

Licchavi can refer to two historic states in South Asia:

• Licchavi (clan), lasted until the 4th century BCE
• Licchavi (kingdom), ruled Nepal beginning in the 4th century CE