The society and political subdivisions of India at the time of the Buddha was largely influenced by clan membership. Some areas were ruled by mahārājas, rājas, minor dutchies or even democratic republics. Politically motivated marriages, intrigues, vendettas, petty wars etc. among the various kingdoms were not at all unusual. Numerous suttas of the Theravāda tradition refer quite specifically to these social and political events and refer to specific rulers, towns, kingdoms etc.

For those interested in figuring out the "who's who" of ancient India, you find below a table showing details of kingdoms, clans, republics, and rulers in central India contemporaneous with Sakiyamuni Buddha.