| NAG / NAGA Nag / Naga is gotra of Jats found in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh,Haryana and Punjab. Dilip Singh Ahlawat has mentioned it as one of the ruling Jat clans in Central Asia.
Origin
:
History
of Nagas :
Dr. Kashi Prasad Jaiswal writes at Page 29 of his book entitled 'India of the Dark Ages' that the Nags had three capitals ie Mathura, Kashipur and Padmavati after first century AD. The King of Padmavati was known by the name of Nag. The eldest of his dynasty was King Gajvarkar.
Nagas were a group of Mongoloid people, who had spread throughout India by the advent of the period of the epics Mahabharat and Ramayan. The demi-god tribe called Suparnas (to which Garud belonged) were arch-rivals of the Nagas. However, the Nagas near Kashmir seem to be the original abode of all of them. Places like Anantnag attest this theory.
Nag
Anant was the first among all the Naga kings.
Naga race was almost exterminated by Janamejay, the Kuru king in Arjun's line, which conducted the massacre of Nagas at Takshasila. This massacre was stopped by Astik, a Brahmin whose mother was a Naga (Vasuki's sister Jaratkaru).
According to a story in Matsya Puran, quoted in chapter X of a book India of the Dark Ages the Nagas ruled for 100 years as renegades (this because they were Buddhist). Later, it is said they purified themselves with water of the Ganga, performed ten Asvamedh Yagyas and were thus accepted, into the folds of Vaishnavism.
In Mahavansh :
Mahavahs , provides a continuous historical record of over two millennia, and is considered one of the world's longest unbroken historical accounts. [8] It is one of the few documents involving material relating to the Naga and Yakkh peoples, indigenous residents of Lanka prior to the legendary arrival of Prince Vijaya from Singh Pur.
Mahavansh / Chapter 1 writes about the Visit of Buddh to Nagadip. Now the most compassionate teacher, the Conqueror, rejoicing in the salvation of the whole world, when dwelling at Jetavana in the fifth year of his Buddhahood, saw that a war, caused by a gem-set throne, was like to come to pass between the nagas Mahodara and Cülodara, uncle and nephew, and their followers; and he, the Sambuddha , on the uposathaday of the dark half of the month Citta, in the early morning, took his sacred alms-bowl and his robes, and, from compassion for the nagas, sought the Nagadip.
That same naga Mahodar was then a king, gifted with miraculous power, in a naga-kingdom in the ocean, that covered half a thousand yojans. His younger sister had been given (in marriage) to the naga-king on the Kannavaddhamana mountain ; her son was Culodara . His mother's father had given to his mother a splendid throne of jewels, then the naga had died and therefore this war of nephew with uncle was threatening; and also the nagas of the mountains were armed with miraculous power.
The dev named Samiddhisuman took a rajayatan-tree standing in Jetavan, his own fair habitation and holding it like a parasol over the Conqueror, he with the Teacher's leave attended him to that spot where he had formerly dwelt. That very deva had been, in his latest birth, a man in Nagadipa . On the spot where thereafter the rajyatan-tree stood, he saw paceekabuddhas taking their meal. And at the sight his heart was glad and he offered branches to cleanse the alms bowl. Therefore he was reborn in that tree in the pleasant Jetvan-garden, and it (the tree) stood afterwards outside at the side of the gate-rampart. The God of all gods saw (in this) an advantage for that deva, and, for the translates of the good which should spring (therefrom) for our land, he brought him hither (to Lafik) together with his tree.
Hovering there in mid-air above the battlefield the Master, who drives away (spiritual) darkness, called forth dread darkness over the nagas. Then comforting those who were distressed by terror he once again spread light abroad. When they saw the Blessed One they joyfully did reverence to the Master's feet. Then preadied the Vanquisher to them the doctrine that begets concord and both nagas gladly gave up the throne to the Sage. ' When the Master, having alighted on the earth, had taken his place on a seat there, and had been refreshed with celestial food and drink by the naga-kings, he the Lord, established in the (three) refuges and in the moral precepts eighty kotis of snake-spirits, dwellers in the ocean and on the mainland.
The naga -king Maniakkhik of Kalyani mother's brother to the naga Mahodar who had come thither to take part in the battle, and who, aforetime, at the Buddha 's first coming, having heard the true doctrine preached, had become established in the refuges and in the moral duties, prayed now to the Tathagata: `Great is the compassion that thou hast shown us here, O Master! Hadst thou not appeared we had all been consumed to ashes. May thy compassion yet light also especially on me, O thou who art rich in loving-kindness, in that thou shalt come yet again hither to my dwelling-country, O thou peerless one. ' When the Lord had consented by his silence to come thither, he planted the rajayatana-tree on that very spot as a sacred memorial, and the Lord of the Worlds gave over the rajayatana-tree and the precious throne-seat to the naga-kings to do homage thereto. `In remembrance that I have used these do homage to them, ye naga-kings!
This, well beloved, will bring to pass blessing and happiness for you. ' When the Blessed One had uttered this and other exhortation to the nägas, he, the compassionate savior of all the world, returned to Jetvan.
In
Rajtarangini :
Rajtarangini tells us ... In 1127 AD King of Kashmir Sussal was murdered and Sussal's head brought to Bhikshu. Bhikshu lost his sense of right and wrong, on account of his inhumanity. He sent the head of the late king to Rajapuri. Nagpal who lived in friendship with his brother could not brook the insult offered to the bead of his benefactor; and farsighted men apprehended defeat from the Kashmirians and advised Nagpal to perform the last rites to his master's head. [[VIII (i), p.125-126] (Nagapal Naga).
Rajtarangini tells us ... Somapal, driven by his son named Bhupal and grieved at the faction which prevailed for a long time in his own kingdom, went to the king of Kashmir and sought his protection. The king who loved those who asked for his shelter, promised safety to Somapala and also to Nagpal who had given away his wealth to his two sons. The king, whose character was ennobled by real magnanimity, did not at this time of danger resent the crafty conduct of Somapal who was the cause of calamity to a great kingdom. But in order to help Nagpal, the king gave him his own army, crushed the pride of his enemies and re-established the stability of the kingdom. (p.197)
Rajtarangini tells .... Rajvadan was born of Ojas, a leader in the army and in the womb of a chaste woman. This Ojas beamed with prowess, and during the civil war, adorned Sussala 's army which was, as it were, a test stone of heroism for the principal warriors. Rajvadana was, during his childhood, called the long-blanket-clad. Owing to the faithfulness of his father, he was retained by the king in his service, and the possession of the estates of Ebenaka & c. was gradually given to him. But Naga , born in the hermitage of Khuya, turned the king against Rajavadana, whereupon the latter, with a view to fight, held him in subjection. All feared that being a servant, he would not act cruelly towards the king, and not being a Lavanya, would not stand against the sovereign. [VIII (ii), p.245]
Rajtarangini tells us ... the great Naga attained such fame that his own countrymen did not feel ashamed to serve him. He was adorned with the virtues of charity, forgiveness, activity and want of avarice, and he shone as one who always enjoyed riches, and he was accessible to men. [VIII (ii), p.247]
Rajtarangini tells us ... The king in order to bring his enemies to his side, asked Naga with an assumed composure, to leave Rajavadan and to come under his protection. Naga, who was like a milch cow addressed [the soldiers] saying, - "Here is Rajvadan, the son of Tejas, a leader in the army, riding in the carriage in your presence. Why do you wait for him, as a sentinal waits, for his time?" [VIII (ii), p.261]
Rajtarangini tells us ... In the civil war during which two sovereigns were removed and which is now carried on by the remaining one, the king became confounded, as in chess play. The Valahar intended to win over Naga, but had neither infantry nor cavalry to execute his purpose; he nevertheless persisted in his aim without such assistance. He deceived his enemies by craft. The villains (party of the Valahar) were addicted to dice, and were waiting for the end of the winter season. The Valahara consequently apprehended the destruction of his own men by Naga who was strong and remained unslackened in his enmity and had commenced to commit unfriendly acts. Nagaand Dhanya ran (after the Valahar) who trembled with fear. He then consulted Bhoj and sent a message to Dhanya to the following effect: - "Bring Naga bound to me, and I will give up Bhoj." [VIII (ii), p.272]
Rajtarangini tells us ... Since the time of Bhikshu, Naga was always rebelling, and on account of his hostility, the king was waging war, for self interest, and had become indifferent towards him. The king arrested Naga without taking any pledge for receiving Bhoj. Sensible men became for this reason angry with him. This action of the king was ultimately productive of good results, but such results were not foreseen by him, and could not be foreseen except by superhuman intelligence. Bhoj, as if estranged [from the Valhar] sent information to Naga that "the Valaharaintends to give me up to the king after taking from the king a pledge for his surrendering you to the Valahar. " Bhoj did not believe that he would be seized, but said this to Naga in the hope that Naga, out of fear of the king, might remain neutral. [VIII (ii), p.273]
Rajtarangini tells us ... when Shashthachandra died, the king caused Naga to be brought to him, by means of Jayachandra whom he had won over to his side. Fearing that Jayachandra whom the king had brought over to his side would kill him, the minister Naga was preparing to depart, but Bhoja caused him to be obstructed. Even after knowing that he had been drawn there by these two men, Naga lost his self control, and sent a message, through messengers, to Bhoj. When a man sinks in the womb of the stream of fate, his cars can not hear the voice of one warning him, from the banks, of his condition.
When Naga was arrested, his terrified relatives came and took protection of the crafty Valahar who could with difficulty be seen. Dhanya took with him Naga who was the price for buying Bhoj, ran together with Rilhan, and went to the Valahar. The Valahar who was deceiving them, laughed internally and misled them saying: - "Give up Naga to me first, and I will give up Bhoj to you." [VIII (ii), p.274]
Rajtarangini tells us ... Murder of Naga and the rise of the Damaras : Loshtak, son of Naga's brother, was a determined man and had obtained property when Naga was afar; and was secretly [Naga's] enemy. He caused Naga to be killed by Dhanya and others. When Naga was destroyed by the ministers blinded by causeless enmity, [the king's] own men and others blamed the ill advised act. The Damaras, followers of Naga, became angry at the murder of their own tribes-men, and set themselves up against [the king) and took refuge of the powerful Valahar. When a man gets confused at the approach of danger, and wanders from his object, and does evil deeds, Fate determines his work. Auspicious Fate puts an end to the miseries of the man who, having obtained money, finds it difficult to enjoy it, who first allows his mind to travel in evil ways, loses self control and then turns about hastily into a hollow, and who shows on his person the marks produced by the stroke of the scabbard of other wen. Bhoj did not know the fate of Naga, after whom none enquired, and who was thus murdered, by the wise ministers. [VIII (ii), p.275]
Rajtarangini tells .... In order to prevent the destruction of the Damaras, Bhoj sent letters with a small detachment of foreigners under Naga and a body of Rajputs. Neither by his own cunning followers nor by tumults could the patient Bhoj be moved from his cool determination and fixed purpose. [VIII (ii), p.291]
Khandv Van :
History
of Nagvansh :
Nagavanshj Jats - In Central Asia, there was a Neurian race with the Shakavansh Jats, which was attacked by the Nag Jats.
Dalip Singh Ahlawat has described the history of Nagavansh in this way :
Nagavansh is a well-known dynasty which is a group of descendants of many Kshatriya Aryans just like Suryavansh and Chandravansh. Historians are of the opinion that these Kshatriyas are part of their 'Nag' flag.
The reason became famous under the name Nag. It was a cultured lineage of the Yakshs, Gandharvs and the gods. Different views regarding the origin of this Nagvansh are as follows -
Elarav
had two sons, Caiyan and Nagas, in the ninth generation of the age
(Chandravanshi Samrat). It is from this Nagas that the origin of
the Nagavansh appears (Vedic wealth p. 426, author S. Raghunandan
Sharma Sahityabhushan).
Narad ji further says that Matale! It is a Puri named His Bhogavati secured by Nagraj Vasuki of Nagalok. Like Amaravati, the best city of Devraj Indra, it is also blessed with happiness and prosperity. Sars's son Naggan resides in Naglok devoid of grief. Many snakes are the descendants of Kashyap (M.S. Chapter 103, verses 1–4).
Narad Uvach - Matale! It is Nagraj Sumukh, which originated in the clan of Airavat. It is the grandson of Aryak and the grandson of Vaman. His father was Nagaraja Chikur who was killed a few days ago by Garud. (M.P. Chapter 103, verses 23–25).
On Matali's suggestion, Aryak sent his grandson Sumukh with Narad and Matali to Indra.
History of Jat Veers : Dalip Singh Ahlawat, pg-239
There was also Lord Vishnu. Sumukh was married to Gunkeshi there. Vishnu and Indra bid him farewell. Sumukh marries and goes to her home at will. (M.P. Chapter 103, Verse 22, 23-29).
This Nagavansh had great fame even during the Ramayan period. Organization of this huge Nagavansham in this period was by several small famous Jat dynasties which Vasati or VAS, Takshak, black (Kalidhamn), Punia (Punia), Awlk, Murmur, Barshiv (Braic are etc). These Jatvans are famous as the branch of Nagavansh. Of these, the description of the Paunia dynasty has been written on the previous pages of this third chapter, the description of the remaining lineages will be written at the appropriate place.
On the occasion of Ravan's Digvijay, after conquering many countries, Ravan entered the Jalanidhi sea protected by Rakshash and Nagas with the desire to go to the abyss, seated with him on the Pushpak Viman, the demons etc. (V. Uttarakhand, Canto 23rd, Verse 4).
Sa
tu bhogavatiin gatwa purin vasukipalitam. Note - This Manimayipuri is today's Manipur state.
Dr. Ayodhya scandal, fiftieth canto, verse 14 -
Devadanava
Gandharvai: Kinnaraupashobhitam.
Kishkindha Canto Iktaliswan Canto - to discover Sita Sugriv sent south to apes and gave them orders that large-serviced by large serpents delightful Narmada river, picturesque Godavari, Mahanadi, Krishnveni and serviced Mahabag Vard of big snakes Seek Sitaji everywhere on the banks of rivers, etc., and in the snakes of Mekhal (Mekal), Utkal and Dasharana country and also in Avravanti and Avanipuri.
And it is written in verse 41, verse 39 -
Sarparajo
Mahapragyo Yasya Vasati Vasuki:
It is different from Bhogwati Puri of Patala (America).
Ramayankal in Nagavansham major power in India's. According to the legend of the Purans, Parashuram, who defeated the entire Kshatriyas, had to make a treaty with these undefeated Nagavanshis and the Brahmins were ordered to respect the serpents.
Even in the Mahabharat period, the Nagavans had authority in many places in India except for Patalalok (America). In the Mahabharat Adiparv these Nag Kshatriyas are described as having a war with the Pandavs. On behalf of the Kauravs, the Pandavs got the Khandav forest to make it the capital, where the famous branch of Nagvansh was the authority of the king of Takshak caste (Jat). These serpent people faced Sri Krishna and Arjun with great valor. Arjun set fire around this forest. When Khandav forest was being burnt, Mahabali Nagraj went to Takshak Kurukshetra at that time. But his strong son Ashwaseen remained there who survived the fire. Arjun managed to burn this forest 1. Takshakraj defeated here and along with his descendants, made Takshashila the capital and settled there. In the Uttarakhand 101, Canto 101, it is written that "Bharat conquered the Gandharvs and settled his city Taksh in King Gandhara by making a city called Taxila."
Due to this defeat, Nagvanshi Takshas fought towards Pandyas against Duryodhan. After this, the defenders killed Arjunputr Parikshit in his palace. The son of Parikshit Janamejaya the Taxila caused so much harm to Tkshkon attacked, but they could not completely destroyed. (Mahabharata Adi Parv Chapter 226th)
Based on the book "Hormsworth History of World", the book "Namveer Adi Janmabhoomi" Bangla has proved that Nagapuja is still continuing in many castes in America. From the mythological era, 'Nagpanchami' became as famous as Ramnavami and Krishna Janmashtami.
The Pandavs Chandravanshi considered themselves to be bigger than the Nag people, and used to marry their girls but did not give them their girls. The proof of this is that three of the eight queens of Shri Krishna Maharaj belonged to Nagavansh. Yayatiputra was the Empress of Yadu from Nagavansh. Arjun married Gandharv to Nagin Ulupi, the daughter of Kauravya of the Nagavansh, and gave him a powerful son named ' Iravan ' ( Mahabharat Adi Parv, chapter 95). Astik was the mother of the sage Nagavansh. According to Vayu Purana 99/36, seven kings like Nagavanshj Navnag etc. ruled over Padmavati, Kantipuri, and Mathura. KushanshaktiNagashakti Shaiva revived religiously before the rise of the Chistas and Guptas . At this time, these people started keeping the snake or snake of Shivji wrapped around their neck. These budding Nagvans established a new tradition of Shivpuja by holding the Shivling on the shoulder. Hence his name Bharasiva became famous. An article explaining this name is found in Balaghat. It is referred to as' Epigraphica
1. Mahabharata Adiparva, Chapter 226th.
India 'Part 1 page 269 and' Fleet Secret Inscriptions' 245 have done as follows -
“By carrying the weight of Shivaling , who had thoroughly satisfied Shiv, who was crowned with the holy water of the Bhagirathi Ganga, who had attained his might, and who had bathed the Avatrith by performing the Das Ashwamedh Yagna, thus the dynasty of those‘ Bharashiv’Maharajas. Started."
In Bharat Kalabhavan Kashi, there is also an old human idol, which has a Shivling on its shoulder. He established Das Ashwamedh Yagya by setting up his centers all over the country, in whose memory Dashashwamedh Ghat was built in Kashi. Ashwamedhaji did not destroy other states according to Vedic practice even after getting the post of 'Paramvijayee' but took tax (tax) from them.
On the Indian Antiquary Book 14, p. 45, it is written that the inscription of the Nagavansh kings at the gate of Shergarh (Kota State), has been excavated on 15 January 791 A.D., which ruled at that place the four Naga kings named Vindunag, Padmanam, Sarvanag, Devadatta Proves to be.
The kingdom of these Nagavanshi Jats were on Kantipur, Mathura, Padmavati, Kaushambi, Ahikatpur, Nagpur, Champawati (Bhagalpur), Bundelkhand and Madhya Pradesh in western Malwa, Nagaur (Jodhpur). In addition to this, Shergarh was the state of this dynasty in the ancient land of Kota state, Chutia in Madhya Pradesh, Nagpur, Khairagarh, Chakrakotay and Kawardh. Mother of Mahavidwan Maharaj Bhoj Parmar (Jat) Sasiprabha was the daughter of Nagavansh. Rajasthani Mahasant Veevar Teja ji (Dholya Gotri Jat) died while fighting a Nagvanshi hero named Balu along with his brave wife Bodal. The tomb of Veer Teja ji remains there. Even today Rajasthan has more number of Jats of this dynasty. UP Zi 0 Badaun in Rmpuria, Khudaganj, Dharampur, Bulandshahr the unhappy village Nagavanshi Jat in. This 'Ahar' is the same ancient village where Achet Bhimsen was thrown into the Ganges by Duryodhana feeding poison, which was saved by the Nagavans.
After reading the above, readers should understand that Nagvanshi snakes etc. are not animals but actually they are human beings. Nag Jatveer is that lineage of Aryans who has been well-known in the Kshatriya history of Bharatvarsha due to his intense venom like anger, sharpness, might, brilliance, beauty, learning and splendor.
Shakhagotr the Nagavansham - 1. Vsati or vice 2. Takshak 3. Awlk 4. promontory 5. Black Kalidhamn } Kalknde 6. Sweet 7. Barshiv 8. Braic.
The Naga Rulers of the North and Central India.
Dr
Naval Viyogi
At this period the Andhra Kings '2' had taken Susarman (The, last Kanva King) a prisoner and destroyed whatever had been left of the Sunga power at at time (at Vidisa). This statement of Purans refer to the Andhra or Satavahan period, when they became emperors of Aryavart in addition to their being the emperors of Dakshinpath at about 31 BC 3 It means, perhaps due to pressure from Satavahans they shifted their capital to Padmavati.
Before proceeding further let us see how the Vayu Purana has called these Vidisa Nagas, Vrisha or Shiv's bull ie Nandi with which, the names of the kings coming after the close of the Sunga dynasty, end. It seems that the title Bharsiva which was taken up later is connected conceptually with the Vrisha of the Vayu and the Nandi. 4 It means these Nagas were ethnically 5 related to Bharsivas or Nav Nagas.
Foot notes :
1.Mahajan VD, "Ancient India" P-377.
2. Jayaswal KP . "History of India" P-9.
3.JBORS I P-1l6.
4. Jayaswal KP . P-lO.
5. Jayaswal KP P-18.
[p.331]: of Panjab see Chapter VI P-144 of later priod. We know Indus Valley people were also worshipers of God Shiv.
The second part of these Nagas belonged to those kings who flourished after the end of the Sungas. The names of these post Sunga Nagas were Bhuta Nandi or Bhutinandi, Sisunandi and Yasonandi. It appears that from the time of Bhutanandi, when the dynasty was reestablished, they made Padmavati their capital. There is a positive confirmation of the existence of these post Sunga Nagas in the first century AD at Padmpawaya, which is the site of Padmavati, a statue of Yaksh Manibhadrawas dedicated by some members of a public body in the fourth year of the reign of "King Svami Sivanandi". Similarly a famous Sivalingam called Swarn-Vindu was also established there. The plat form of the Swarn-Vindu Siva has been discovered by Mr. Garde at Pavaya . An image of Nandi, with human body and Bull's head has been found there.
Let us take series of coins which according to Jayaswaal belongs to this early Nag dynasty. Some of the Coins are generally assigned to Mathura. In the British Museum there are coins of Seshdat, Ramdat and Sisuchandra-data. The script of the Seshdat's coinage is the oldest and belongs to the first century BC . In the same series, there are coins of Ramdat. These coins, according to the opinion of Jayaswal, are identical with Sesha-Naga , Ram-chandra and Sisu Nandi of this dynasty.
As the Purans generally omit the names when a dynast comes under an over lordship, Shiv nandi was probably the king superseded by Kanishk. It is stated in the Purans that Padmavati passe under a ruler named Vinvasphani, who is to be identified with the viceroy of Kanishk, Mahakshatrap Vanaspar. 11 It proves that during the period 80–175 AD comes the Kushan rule with the withdrawal of the Naga Kings to Purik and Nagpur-Nandi-Vardhan in the central provinces.
After a lot of discussion KP Jayaswal gave the following pedigree and chronology of the Nagas of Vidisha :
1. Shesh Naga 110-90 BC
2. Bhogin 90-80 BC
3. Ramchandra 80-50 BC
4. Dharma Varman 50-40 BC
5. Vangar 40-31 BC
Kings ( S.No. 1-5) ruled at Vidisha before the end of the Shungs
At this time Satavahanas destroyed Shung Kanvas.
6. Bhut Nandi 20-10 BC
7. Sisu Nandi 10 BC-25 AD
8. Yash Nandi 25- ~ 0 AD
Kings
(S.No. 6-8) ruled at Padmavati after the end of Shungs
6. Rao SR, "Lothal and the Indus civilization" P-190.
7. ASR 1915-16 P-106 Plate LXI.
8. ASR 1915-16 PP-lOO FF.
9. Jayaswal KP. P-12.
10. ASR Vol XII P-43.
11. Jayaswal KP. poll.
12. Jayaswal KP P-14.
[p.332] :
9. Purush dat
10. Uttam dat
11. Kam dat
12. Bhav dat
13. Shiv Nandi or Shivdat 78 AD. superseded by Kushans
These
five kings (S.No. 9-13) are known from the inscriptions & coins
and their order of succession is also uncertain.
The Nagas had, under the evident pressure of the Kushanas left Padmavati. We have the definite statement in the Purans that Vinvasphani ruled at Padmavati and ruled upto Magadh. Therefore, we may take it that about 80-100 AD the Nag dynasty takes shelter, away from the trunk road between Mathura and Vidisa , into the inner jungles of the central provinces.
The Bharsivas, re-issuing from the jungles of Hoshangabad and Jabalpur seem to have reached the Ganges through Baghelkhand. They established their capital at Kanti or Kantipuri. Now it is a large mud fort about a mile long on the Ganges. The fort was destroyed in the muslim period and the king's seat was removed into the neigbouring hills at Vijaypur and an Manda, where the family, now in two branches: resides. The local tradition at Kanti is that long before 'the Gahadwala ' the fort belonged originally to the BharKings. The ' Bhar ' kings here are evidently a corruption of the ' Bharsiva ' kings or Bharshiv.
The origin of the word ' Bharhut ' or ' Bharhut ' would have been from 'Bhar-Bhukti', which means 'country of Bhars '. 18 Till today-the people of Bhar tribes reside in this region, who seem to be the remnants of ' Bhar Naga tribe' to which ruling family belonged. Jayaswaldoes not agree to this view, but I am its strong supporter: in view of new archaeological findings and their scientific interpretation, as glven in previous chapters. However some evidences are produced below: It is to be noted, that in ancient period, the indigenous Naga people in particular used to organize themselves into guilds. (See chapter VI PP 124-25) As the system in origin, was a tribal evolution, hence guild's people and their elders or chiefs (Khalifah, or Sresthis) infact were from a single blood. These Khalifah or Sresthis in later, Mauryan period were known as kings. These kings, some times later, became more powerful and hereditary too, who being non-Aryan Kshatriyas, were known as Raj-putra or Rajputs of medieval period. 20Sometimes this period of evolution, from tribe to royal Rajput family, is very long and uncountable.
Foot notes :
13. Jayaswal KP. -15.
14.VP (Wilson) II P-659.
15. Jayaswal KP. P-16.
16. Jayaswal KP. P-29.
17. Ibid.
18. Ibid.
19. (a) Jayaswal KP . "Hindu Polity" P-46 ..
(b) Bhandarkar DR "Lecture on the Ancient History of India" PP-169-70.
20. Katyayan comments on Panini IV -1-168.
JANAPAD SHABDAT KSHATRIYATDN.
KSHATRIYA DEKARAJA TSANGHA PRA TISHE DHARTHAM".
Nagas, the Ancient Rulers of India, their Origin and History 363
[p.333]: belonging to the same blood or tribe became kig. Others who were pushed to Jungles or hills still remained tribe. Some of the Bhars and the Rajbhars of this region (UP) are still known as Rajputs 21 others are still Sudras by caste. Hence Jayaswal cannot say that Bhar tribes of this region cannot be blood relatives of royal families of Manda and and Vijayapur.
Another argument of Jayaswal goes in my favorite. He says. "The Bhar Deul Shiv's temple, as indicated by learned scholar is covered all over with the figures of naga (serpent) kings. As recorded by Kittoe in whose time it was called the temple of KarKota Nag". ThiS evidently supports this view that the Bhar here stands for Bharsivas . 22 This is to be noted that Karkota Nag was worshipped by the Takas 23, who were progenitor of Bharshivas. These Takas or Takka or Takshak Nagas according to the Mahabharat account were non-Aryan Native Naga tribe and sworn enemies ot Aryan Pandavas {See chapter VI P-144 and X P-261 for detail.
Re-establishment of Nagas :
Naga temple at Chinta (Bhadarvah), Courtesy: Vogel JPH
The Bharshivs, in the later days of imperial Kushans or about 150 AD reached Kantipur on the Ganges, they performed there Ashwamedh and coronations at or near Banaras where is located the place known as Nagwa, the present site of the Hindu University seems to be associated with their name. From Kantipur, they moved westwards under Virsena, who strikes coins extensively and whose coins are found from Ahichchhatra, regains Padmavati and Mathura.
Is It Stated In The Vayu And Brahmand Purans That Rule Of Navanag Was Not Only Confined To Samayukta Prant Alone But Also To The East And The Western Bihar Also Because Their Capital Was In Mathura As Well As In Champavati - Bhglpur. The Purans, give to the Padmavati and the Mathura Nagas or in view of the Vishnu, to the Padmavati, Kantipuri - Mathura Nagas, -seven successions. This is fully borne out by the names gathered from the coins and inscriptions as tabulated below after Jayaswal :
Gautamiputra, son of the Emperor Pravarsen an ather of Rudrasen I , did not succeed, but Rudrasen I, both as the grand-son of Pravarsen and as the gran son of the Bharshiv-Maharaj Bhavnag, succeeded. The Nav Nag ruled from three capitals Padmavati, Mathura and Kantipuri. But Rudrasena I judged from Purika .
Sometimes before Samudragupt, (335-375 AD) the Naga kings were ruling over Eran. As, Padmavati, Kantlpuri and Mathura were three centers of their rule, the Eran-Vidisa was fourth. Naga coins have been recovered in a very large number from this region. All these four kingdoms were inter-related with each other and perrhaps, they all unitedly encountered the attacks of Kushans and Scythians and pushed them back from their motherland. These Naga kings were great warriors. According to Cunningham, from the lonly finding of a coin, from the remains of Eran, we get information from its writing, which is in Brahmi, that ancients name of the city was 'Erikiran' which was most porobable named after some famous Naga King of similarr name. The coins of Ravli-Naga, Basu-Naga and Ganapati-Nagas have been recovered in a very large number from Vidisha and Eran.
Bharshivas
of Padmavati; A confederacy of Naga Rulers of North
Foot notes :
26. Jayaswal KP. P-17.
27. Jayaswal KP.. P-15.
28. Bajpai Atima, "Madhyapradesh Ke Nagbanshi Sikke" PP 115-17.
29. Hawkes Jacquetta, "The First Great Civilization" PP 160-161.
[p.335]: We know that the West Asia was the original home of Nagas from where this tradition was transferred to Indus Valley along with their migration in Neolithic-Chalcolithic Age and was prevalent among the native people in Vedic and later Vedic period.
During the life time of Buddh and later period there were many such confederacies of Naga people in North as well as in South India such as Malava - Kshudraka, Andhak - Vrishani, Vaishali - Videh, Videha - Lichchhavi, Lichchavi - Malla, Vujji, Trigarttashashtha (in north and west), Naga (chera) Mandal in south.
Jayaswael KP gives an account of political organization of Bharshivas as follows :
"The
system of the Naga government was a federation consisting of (1)
tree mam monarchial Naga families, one of which, the Bharashiva,
was the imperial leader (chief), with a number of gubernatorial
families under him, (2) a number Of Republics. Two Branches At Padmavati
And Mathura were Set Up By the Bharshivas, With Distinguishing Dynastic
Titles Of Their Own. the Padmavati Dynasty had the Official Designation
the Taka Bansh, Which Is Given In the Bhavasatak A Book Dedicated
To Ganapati-Ng. was Mathura family had the official title-the Yadu-Bansh
which is mentioned in the drama Kaumudimahotsav writtten about the
same time as the Bhavasatak. The two titles incidentally furnish
ethnological data of the Nav Nags .... Padmavati family was thus
a sovereign family, and their subordination to the Bharshiv was
evidently of an imperial type. The Mathura family and the family
to which Nagdatt (father of Maharaj Mesvara Naga of the Lahore seal)
beelonged and who ruled somewhere in Ambala district probably at
the old capital Shrughna, seem to have been under the direct control
of the Bharsiva . There was a ruling family nearIndrapur (Indorker)
In The District Of Bulandshahar K As regards Bharsivas they had
their two centers, Kantipuri and Padmavati. The Mathura family never
minted any coin but the Padmavati family did so from the beginning
to the end. They were thus a sovereign family. "It is obvious
Bharsivas were racially - Yadavas and of Taka Bansha. Political
confederacy system was their peculiarity.
Foot notes :
30. Jayaswal KP. "Hindu Polity" PP 38, 50-52, 54-55.
31. Jayaswal KP., "History of India" PP 33-34.
32. Jayaswal KP., "Hindu Polity" P-119.
33. Jayaswal KP., "Hindu Polity" PP-54-55.
[p.336]: had a civilian army. Each state was a nation-in-arms. Conversely, the other class, where the 'king' consul constitution obtained, probably had, like monarchs a regular or hired army. The nation-in-arms class, however, did not become purely military, for their constitution also required their citizens to devote attention to industry and agriculture (VARTIASASTROPAJIVINAH, AS XI-I-160 P-376). Hence they were most wealthy as well as powerful "It shows while in peace, citizens were kept engaged in craft activities and trade which was their main occupation.
Padmavati;
the Capital of Bharshivs :
Bhavabhuti has stated that 'Padmavati is located near the junction of the rivers Sindhu, Para' Lavan and Madhumati. Later following the information given by MB Lele in his Marathi book titled 'Malatimadhava sar ani kiwar', the Department of Archeology discovered this ancient site. According to a critical study of coins, Virsen was the founder of the kingdoms of Padmavati and Mathura .
Nav Nagas founded a large mint in Padmavati, from where coins were issued in a very large number, on the basis of which it is surmised that the Navnags, in addition to their high virtues of being most expert and talented rulers, were also most prosperous. One of the well known peculiarities of Naga coins is that they are all dated. They have figures of palm trees and a human figure seated on a throne. 40 The palm tree is a Naga symbol. Since Sanskrit word for mint is Tak-shala [Taka] (Bharshiv) + Shal this shows these Taka-Bharsiva had some hand in taking new technique or workshop of casting of coins.
The demolished remains of strong fort on the junction of the rivers still give a reminiscent view. From the defense point of view, because it, was surrounded by in-exhaustable flow of river water from two sides and, on the other two sides by deep trenches, it was most safe and invincible. The trenches were 20 feet deep and were occupied by either furious lions or river water. The traces of these trenches are still visible.
Foot notes :
34. ASR (1915–16) P-103.
35. ASR (1915-16) P-105.
36. VP (Wilson) II P-659.
37. Jayaswal KP. - "History of India" PP 20-21 and 35.
38. ASR (1915-16) P-102.
39. ASR (1915-16) P-103.
40. (a) Jayswal KP. PP 20-27. (b) Smith VA, "Coins of Indian Museum" P-191.
41. ASR 1915-16 P-lOO Footnote.
[p.337]: Bhavabhuti, the famous Sanskrit poet of seventh century AD composed his valuable scripture, at Padmavati. Bhavabhuti got constructed a large Yajnashala (sacrificial lace) at the bank of river Paravati, its remains are still in good condition.
Virasen
:
Bhav
Nag :
Foot notes :
42. ASR 1915-16 P-lOl.
43. Jayaswal KP. P-19.
44. Jayaswal KP. -21.
45. Jayaswal KP. -23.
46. Jayaswal KP. P-27.
47. Jayaswal KP. P-17.
Nags
in Hinduism :
Anant Vasukin Sheshan Padmanabhancha Kambalam. Anantam Vasukim Shesham Padmanabham cha Kambalam
Shankhpalam Dhartarashtra Takshakam Kalyan and. Shankhapalam Dhartarashtram Taxakam Kaliyam tatha
Ethani Navnamani Ch Mahatmanam. Etani navanamani cha mahatmanam
Nags
in Mahabharat :
Vasuki and Takshak and the Nag called Airavat; Krishna and Lohit; Padma and Chitra endued with great energy; the Nags called Kamval and Aswatar; and Dhritarashtr and Valahak; Matimat and Kundadhar and Karkotak and Dhananjay; Panimat and the mighty Kundaka, O lord of the Earth; and Prahlad and Mushikad and Janamejay - all having auspicious marks and mandalas and extended hoods these and many other snakes. These have been described from shloka 8 to 11 as under :
Vasukis Takkshak Chave Nagash Charavatsas Tada
Kshesh, Wasuki, Arawati, Tkshk, Krcotk, Dntrrjay, Kalia, Naninath, Ayurana (Funiy), Fitrgrk, Alawat, Wamn, Nil, Anil, Klmas, Kshbl, Aryk, Ugrak Kalash, folk, Sumnd, Diigmuk, Nimal Pindak, Shankh, Bial Shiv, Vishtavc, Imeguh, Nhus, Fidagl, Bahya Vart, ?astipd, Nunder, Findk, mortar, Ashwatr, Kalisk, Fhl, Tiun Danvartak, Kshnkmuk, Khushmandk, Semk, Chindark, Krwir, Fuspdnd, Vilvak, Fandhur, Nuskadi, Kshnksira, Furnamdra, ?aridrak, Aprajit, Jotik, Fnng, Shravh, Kurwy, Dritrstr, Kshnkpind, Virja, Suvhu, Kshalipind, ?aritpind, Fithrk, Sumuk, Konaya, edition, Kuthr, Khutrgr, Frbakr, Khusd, ?alk, Khumudaksh, Tittr, Mahasarp, Kadanm, Bahumulak, Karkar, Kundaudar, Mahodar.
Nagavanshi
kings in Mahabharat :
The Nagavanshi kings had a symbol of Nag or serpent on their coins and flags. The coins of Nagavanshi rulers are still found at village Ahar in Bulandshar district in Uttar Pradesh. These coins depict symbols of Nagas on them. There is mention of Nagas in Mahabharata in a story in which Duryodan poisoned Bhim to kill and thrown into Ganga River. When he was foating inriver he reached village Ahar where the Nagavanshi rulers took him out from Ganga River and gave treatment to cure. After treatment he was sent to Hastinapur.
The
names of the principal Naga Chiefs in Mahabharat :
Sesh
(Nag Anant) was the foremost, and then Vasuki. Then were born Airavat,
Takshak, Karkotak (linked with Nal, king of Nishadh), Dhananjay,
Kalakeya (was also mentioned as an Asur clan), the serpent Mani,
Puran, Pinjarak and Elapatra, Vaman, Nil, Anil, Kalmash, Saval,
Aryak, Ugra, Klspotk, Surmuk, Ddimuk, Vimalapindak, APTA, Krotk,
Smk, Valisikh, Nisthank, ?mguh, Nhus
Mahabharat : At (5,103) ( Matali 's history) the name of principal Naga chiefs were mentioned as :
Vasuki, Tkshk, Krcotk, Dnjay, Kliy (Linked With River Yamuna And Krishna In The Mahabart, Nhus (Also A King Belonging To Lunar Dynasty), Aswatr, Vakyakund, gem, Apurn, Khg, Vaman, Elptr, Khukur, Khukun, Aryk (linked with Bhim), Nandaka, Kalas, Fotk, Klilsk, Fitrgrk, Airwat, Sumnmuk, Ddimuk, Snk, Nnd, Upnandk, Apta, Khotrk, Siki, Nisthurk, Tittiri, ?astibdra, Khumud, Naylpindk, The Two Padmas, Funderik, floral, Nudgarprnk, Krvir, Fithrk, Smwritt, Vritta, Finder, Vilwapatra, Nushikd, Sirisk, Dilip, Snk-Sirs, Jyotisk, Aprjit, Kurwy, Dritrstr, Khuhr, Krisk, Virajas, Drn, Svhu, Nukr, transported, Vidhira, blind, Visundi, Viras and Saras.
Mahabharat : At (14,4) (Last moments of Bal Ram ) the name of principal Naga chiefs were mentioned as :
Karkotak and Vasuki and Takshak and Prithusravs and Varun and Kunjar and Misri and Sankh and Kumud and Pundarik, Dhritarashtra and Hrad and Krath and Sitikanth of fierce energy and Chakramand and Atishanda, Durmukh and Amvarish and king Varun.
Mahabharat : At (1,65) (Genesis) the names of the sons of Kadru were mentioned as :
Sesh or Anant, Vasuki, Takshak, Kumara and Kulik are known to be the sons of Kadru.
Mahabharat : At (2,9) Nagas linked with Varun were mentioned as :
Vasuki, Tkshk and The Nag Called Airavat, Krishna and Lohita, Fdm, Chitr Kmwl, Aswatr, Dritrstr, Valahaka, Natimt, Khunddhar, Krcotk, Dntrrjay, Fnimt, Khundk, Frhld, Mushikad, and Janamejay and Varun. Many asurs also is mentioned as Varuna. Nagas, Daityas (a clan of Asurs), Sadhyas and inferior Devas were mentioned to follow Varun (3,41).
Naga
clan of Jats :
In chapter 29 of "India of the Dark Ages" the ancestor of Tanks is mentioned as Raja Gajavaktra. In chapter 42 of the same book it is mentioned that Malla Jat Republic extended from Eastern Punjab to the Ganga and Yaudheya republic extended into Rajasthan. Nagpur belonged to the Nagas the Nagar Brahmins also originated from there.
The Pauranic prejudice in the story is understandable. The Jats who followed Buddhism were considered renegades and those who adopted Vaishnavism became staunch Hindus.
Nag gotra (clan) of Jats are found in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab.
Source :
https://www.jatland.com/ |