Licchavi, also spelled Lichchhavi are people of northern India. They settled in the 6th-5th Century BC on the north bank of the Ganga River in what is now Bihar state; their capital city was at Vaishali. The Licchavis were renowned for their republican government, which had a general assembly of the heads of the leading Kshatriya-caste families. They were, for a time, of considerable importance and rivalled the rising power of Magadha, forming a confederacy with other tribal groups.

Origin of Licchavi Tribe
It has been recorded in the history that the Licchavis were present in India from the times of Lord Buddha and Lord Mahavira preached. The Licchavis were also associated with the Sakya Tribes. Rather, it can be said that the Licchavis and the Sakyas were branches of the same origin.

Society of Licchavi Tribe
They were recognised as Kshatriyas with whom the highest-born princes of eastern India considered it an honour to enter into matrimonial alliance. It has been said that during the times of Chandragupta Maurya the Licchavis enjoyed equal rank and position with the great Kshatriya people of Northern India.

Religion of Licchavi Tribe
According to Buddhist literature, the Licchavis belonged to the Aryan ruling caste that is the Kshatriya. In fact, it can be said that Licchavis belonged to a similar caste as that of Lord Buddha. That the Licchavis were Kshatriyas appears also from the Jain sacred literature. Just as the Licchavis of Vaishali had honoured Buddha at his death by erecting a noble monument (stupa) over their share of the remnants of his body, so they had done to honour Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism. The Licchavis were Kshatriyas of the Vashistha gotra, and were addressed as "Vashisthas" by Lord Buddha.

Administration of Licchavi Tribe
Licchavi Tribes were a great and powerful people of Eastern India in the 6th century B.C. Their peculiar form of government, their free institutions, their manners and customs, their religious views and practices give glimpses of India of the transition period. From various Buddhist literatures it was found that the Licchavis followed democratic ideas into their governance and state craft.