Mitra dynasty (Mathura): Difference between revisions

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{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2018}}
{{Infobox country
{{Infobox former country
| conventional_long_name = Mitras of Mathura
| common_name = Mitra dynasty
| common_name    = Mitra dynasty
| conventional_long_name = Mitra dynasty<br>(Mathura)
| year_start     = 150 BCE
| image_map=
| year_end       = 50 BCE
{{South Asia in 150 BCE|center||{{Annotation|114|85|[[File:Location arithmetic horizontal.svg|25px]]}}}}
| year_start = 150 BCE
| year_end = 50 BCE
| event_end      = Conquest of Mathura and Saketa by the [[Northern Satraps]] around 60 BCE
| event_end      = Conquest of Mathura and Saketa by the [[Northern Satraps]] around 60 BCE
| capital         = [[Mathura]]
| government_type =
| government_type = Monarchy
| capital =[[Mathura]]
| p1              = Datta dynasty
| p1              = Datta dynasty
| p2              =  
| p2              =  
| s1              = Northern Satraps
| s1              = Northern Satraps
| s2              = Indo-Scythians{{!}}Scythian Empire
| s2              = Indo-Scythians
| s3              =  
| s3              =  
| religion        = [[Hinduism]]
| today = [[India]]
| today          = [[India]]
|image_coat            =
{{multiple image| align = center | direction = horizontal | header_align = left/right/center | footer_align = left | image1 =Gomitra of Mathura.jpg| total_width= 300 | caption1  = | image2 =Brahmamitra.jpg | caption2 = }}
|coa_size              =
|symbol_type            = '''Left image''': Coin of [[Gomitra]] of [[Mathura]] (reverse): Standing figure with symbols around, probably goddess [[Lakshmi]].<ref name="BI">{{cite journal |last1=Paul |first1=Pran Gopal |last2=Paul |first2=Debjani |title=Brahmanical Imagery in the Kuṣāṇa Art of Mathurā: Tradition and Innovations |journal=East and West |date=1989 |volume=39 |issue=1/4 |page=117 |issn=0012-8376|jstor=29756891 }}</ref> Inscription ''Gomitasa'' in [[Brahmi]]. <br> '''Right image''': Coin of [[Brahmamitra]] (reverse): Standing figure with raised arm, probably Lakshmi holding a lotus,<ref name="BI"/> surrounded by symbols. Legend ''Brahmamitasa''  in [[Brahmi]].
}}
}}
The '''Mitra dynasty''' refers to a group of local rulers whose name incorporated the suffix "-mitra" and who are thought to have ruled in the area of [[Mathura]] from around 150 BCE to 50 BCE, at the time of [[Indo-Greek]] hegemony over the region, and possibly in a tributary relationship with them.<ref name="SRQ9">{{cite book |last1=Quintanilla |first1=Sonya Rhie |title=History of Early Stone Sculpture at Mathura, ca. 150 BCE – 100 CE |date=2007 |publisher=BRILL |isbn=978-90-474-1930-3 |pages=9–10 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rtqvCQAAQBAJ&pg=PA9 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Rhie"/><ref name="Baipai">Indian Numismatic Studies K. D. Bajpai, Abhinav Publications, 2004, p.105 [https://books.google.com/books?id=chGrJUMarHoC&pg=PA105]</ref>  They are not known to have been [[satrap]]s nor kings, and their coins only bear their name without any title, therefore they are sometimes simply called "the Mitra rulers of Mathura". Alternatively, they have been dated from 100 BCE to 20 BCE.<ref>On the Cusp of an Era: Art in the Pre-Kuṣāṇa World, Doris Srinivasan BRILL, 2007, p.320 [https://books.google.com/books?id=dCz8NczNbcMC&pg=PA320]</ref> The Mitra dynasty was replaced by the [[Indo-Scythian]] [[Northern Satraps]] from around 60 BCE.


{{multiple image| align = right | direction = horizontal | header_align = left/right/center | header=Mitra dynasty| footer = '''Left image''': Coin of [[Gomitra]] of [[Mathura]] (reverse): Standing figure with symbols around, probably goddess [[Lakshmi]].<ref name="BI">{{cite journal |last1=Paul |first1=Pran Gopal |last2=Paul |first2=Debjani |title=Brahmanical Imagery in the Kuṣāṇa Art of Mathurā: Tradition and Innovations |journal=East and West |date=1989 |volume=39 |issue=1/4 |page=117 |issn=0012-8376|jstor=29756891 }}</ref> Inscription ''Gomitasa'' in [[Brahmi]]. <br> '''Right image''': Coin of [[Brahmamitra]] (reverse): Standing figure with raised arm, probably Lakshmi holding a lotus,<ref name="BI"/> surrounded by symbols. Legend ''Brahmamitasa''  in [[Brahmi]].| footer_align = left | image1 =Gomitra of Mathura.jpg| width1 = 200 | caption1  = | image2 =Brahmamitra.jpg| width2 = 186 | caption2 = }}
Some sources consider that the Mitra dynasty ruled at a later date, during the 1st or 2nd century CE, and that they ruled from Mathura to [[Saketa]], where they replaced the [[Deva dynasty (Saketa)|Deva dynasty]].<ref name="Kishore">Ayodhya Revisited by Kunal Kishore p.24 [https://books.google.com/books?id=gKKaDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA24]</ref>
{{Location map
| India
| width      = 200px
| float      =
| border    =
| caption    = Location of the Mitra dynasty in [[Mathura]], [[India]].
| alt        =
| relief    = yes
| AlternativeMap =
| overlay_image =
| label      =
| label_size =
| position  =
| background =
| mark      =
| marksize  =
| link      =
| lat_deg    = 27.5
| lon_deg    = 77.65
}}
The '''Mitra dynasty''' refers to a group of local rulers whose name incorporated the suffix "-mitra" and who are thought to have ruled in the area of [[Mathura]] from around 150 BCE to 50 BCE, at the time of [[Indo-Greek]] hegemony over the region, and possibly in a tributary relationship with them.<ref name="SRQ9">{{cite book |last1=Quintanilla |first1=Sonya Rhie |title=History of Early Stone Sculpture at Mathura, ca. 150 BCE - 100 CE |date=2007 |publisher=BRILL |isbn=978-90-474-1930-3 |pages=9–10 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rtqvCQAAQBAJ&pg=PA9 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Rhie"/><ref name="Baipai">Indian Numismatic Studies K. D. Bajpai, Abhinav Publications, 2004, p.105 [https://books.google.com/books?id=chGrJUMarHoC&pg=PA105]</ref>  They are not known to have been [[satrap]]s nor kings, and their coins only bear their name without any title, therefore they are sometimes simply called "the Mitra rulers of Mathura". Alternatively, they have been dated from 100 BCE to 20 BCE.<ref>On the Cusp of an Era: Art in the Pre-Kuṣāṇa World, Doris Srinivasan BRILL, 2007, p.320 [https://books.google.com/books?id=dCz8NczNbcMC&pg=PA320]</ref> The Mitra dynasty was replaced by the [[Indo-Scythian]] [[Northern Satraps]] from around 60 BCE.
 
Some sources consider that the Mitra dynasty ruled at a later date, during the 1st or 2nd century CE, and that they ruled from Mathura to [[Saketa]], where they replaced the [[Deva dynasty (Saketa)|Deva dynasty]].<ref name="Kishore">[https://books.google.com/books?id=gKKaDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA24 Ayodhya Revisited by Kunal Kishore p.24]</ref>


In addition to the Mitra dynasties of Saketa ([[Kosala]] kingdom) and Mathura, there were Mitra dynasties in [[Ahichchhatra]] ([[Panchala]] kingdom) and [[Kosambi|Kaushambi]] ([[Vatsa]] kingdom). During the 1st century BCE to 2nd century CE, the [[Mitra dynasty (Kosambi)|Mitras of Kaushambi]] also appear to have extended their hegemony over [[Magadha]] (including [[Pataliputra]]), and possibly [[Kannauj]] as well.<ref name="Bajpai2004">{{cite book|author=K. D. Bajpai|title=Indian Numismatic Studies|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=chGrJUMarHoC&pg=PA39|date=October 2004|publisher=Abhinav Publications|isbn=978-81-7017-035-8|pages=37–39, 45}}</ref>
In addition to the Mitra dynasties of Saketa ([[Kosala]] kingdom) and Mathura, there were Mitra dynasties in [[Ahichchhatra]] ([[Panchala]] kingdom) and [[Kosambi|Kaushambi]] ([[Vatsa]] kingdom). During the 1st century BCE to 2nd century CE, the [[Mitra dynasty (Kosambi)|Mitras of Kaushambi]] also appear to have extended their hegemony over [[Magadha]] (including [[Pataliputra]]), and possibly [[Kannauj]] as well.<ref name="Bajpai2004">{{cite book|author=K. D. Bajpai|title=Indian Numismatic Studies|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=chGrJUMarHoC&pg=PA39|date=October 2004|publisher=Abhinav Publications|isbn=978-81-7017-035-8|pages=37–39,45}}</ref>


==The dynasty==
==The dynasty==
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In the archaeological excavations of Sonkh, near Mathura, archaeological levels of the Mitra rulers were identified.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Hartel |first1=Herbert |title=On The Cusp Of An Era Art In The Pre Kuṣāṇa World |date=2007 |publisher=BRILL |pages=[https://archive.org/details/OnTheCuspOfAnEraArtInThePreKuaWorldDMSrinivasanEdBrill_201807/page/n326 320]–326 |url=https://archive.org/details/OnTheCuspOfAnEraArtInThePreKuaWorldDMSrinivasanEdBrill_201807 |language=English}}</ref>
In the archaeological excavations of Sonkh, near Mathura, archaeological levels of the Mitra rulers were identified.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Hartel |first1=Herbert |title=On The Cusp Of An Era Art In The Pre Kuṣāṇa World |date=2007 |publisher=BRILL |pages=[https://archive.org/details/OnTheCuspOfAnEraArtInThePreKuaWorldDMSrinivasanEdBrill_201807/page/n326 320]–326 |url=https://archive.org/details/OnTheCuspOfAnEraArtInThePreKuaWorldDMSrinivasanEdBrill_201807 |language=English}}</ref>


Coins of the Mitra dynasty were found in [[Sonkh]] especially, in layers dated to about 150-50 BCE.<ref name="SRQ9"/> The earliest Mitra coins are those of Gomitra (150-50 BCE).<ref name="SRQ9"/>
Coins of the Mitra dynasty were found in [[Sonkh]] especially, in layers dated to about 150–50 BCE.<ref name="SRQ9"/> The earliest Mitra coins are those of Gomitra (150–50 BCE).<ref name="SRQ9"/>


==Relation with the Indo-Greeks==
==Relation with the Indo-Greeks==
[[File:Menander with elephant.jpg|thumb|Coin of [[Menander I]] with elephant and [[Herakles|Heraklian]] club.]]
[[File:Menander with elephant.jpg|thumb|left|Coin of [[Menander I]] with elephant and [[Herakles|Heraklian]] club.]]
From numismatic, literary and epigraphic evidence, it seems that the [[Indo-Greeks]] had control over Mathura at some time, especially during the rule of [[Menander I]] (165–135 BCE).<ref name="Rhie"/> The control of Mathura seems to have continued for some time under the successors of Menander, with [[Strato I]], [[Antimachus]] and [[Apollodotus II]], where they were facing the territory of the [[Sungas]].<ref name="Rhie"/>  Coins of Menander and Strato can be found in the area of Mathura, and [[Ptolemy]] records Menander as having ruled as far as Mathura (Μόδουρα) in Book VII, I, 47 of his [[Geography (Ptolemy)|Geographia]].<ref name="Rhie"/>  An inscription in Mathura discovered in 1988 mentions "The last day of year 116 of Yavana hegemony (''Yavanarajya'')", also attesting presence of the Indo-Greeks in the 2nd century BCE. The inscription would date to the 116th year of the [[Yavana era]] (thought to start in 186–185 BCE) which would give it a date of 70 or 69 BCE.<ref name="Rhie"/> The [[Yavanarajya inscription]] reads:<ref>Published in "L'Indo-Grec Menandre ou Paul Demieville revisite," Journal Asiatique 281 (1993) p.113</ref>
From numismatic, literary and epigraphic evidence, it seems that the [[Indo-Greeks]] had control over Mathura at some time, especially during the rule of [[Menander I]] (165–135 BCE).<ref name="Rhie"/> The control of Mathura seems to have continued for some time under the successors of Menander, with [[Strato I]], [[Antimachus]] and [[Apollodotus II]], where they were facing the territory of the [[Sungas]].<ref name="Rhie"/>  Coins of Menander and Strato can be found in the area of Mathura, and [[Ptolemy]] records Menander as having ruled as far as Mathura (Μόδουρα) in Book VII, I, 47 of his [[Geography (Ptolemy)|Geographia]].<ref name="Rhie"/>  An inscription in Mathura discovered in 1988 mentions "The last day of year 116 of Yavana hegemony (''Yavanarajya'')", also attesting presence of the Indo-Greeks in the 2nd century BCE. The inscription would date to the 116th year of the [[Yavana era]] (thought to start in 186–185 BCE) which would give it a date of 70 or 69 BCE.<ref name="Rhie"/> The [[Yavanarajya inscription]] reads:<ref>Published in "L'Indo-Grec Menandre ou Paul Demieville revisite," Journal Asiatique 281 (1993) p.113</ref>


Line 70: Line 53:
On this day, the year one hundred sixteen, 116, of the Yavana kingdom, in the fourth month of winter on the thirtieth day...<br>
On this day, the year one hundred sixteen, 116, of the Yavana kingdom, in the fourth month of winter on the thirtieth day...<br>
[This is] the well and tank of Ahogani, the mother of the merchant Virabala, who was the son of Ghosadatta, a brahmin of the Maitreya clan, with [her] son Virabala, daughter-in-law Bhaguri, and grandsons Suradatta, Rsabhadeva, and Viraddata.<br>
[This is] the well and tank of Ahogani, the mother of the merchant Virabala, who was the son of Ghosadatta, a brahmin of the Maitreya clan, with [her] son Virabala, daughter-in-law Bhaguri, and grandsons Suradatta, Rsabhadeva, and Viraddata.<br>
May (their) merit increase|Mathura Yavanarajya inscription.<ref>History of Early Stone Sculpture at Mathura: Ca. 150 BCE - 100 CE, Sonya Rhie Quintanilla, BRILL, 2007, p.255 [https://books.google.com/books?id=X7Cb8IkZVSMC&pg=PA255]</ref>}}
May (their) merit increase|Mathura Yavanarajya inscription.<ref>History of Early Stone Sculpture at Mathura: Ca. 150 BCE – 100 CE, Sonya Rhie Quintanilla, BRILL, 2007, p.255 [https://books.google.com/books?id=X7Cb8IkZVSMC&pg=PA255]</ref>}}


The Indo-Greeks may have been supplanted by [[Indo-Scythians]] around that date, who would then rule in Mathura as the [[Northern Satraps]].<ref name="Rhie"/>
The Indo-Greeks may have been supplanted by [[Indo-Scythians]] around that date, who would then rule in Mathura as the [[Northern Satraps]].<ref name="Rhie"/>
Line 76: Line 59:
From this time also (circa 150 BCE), archaeological research at Mathura reports an important growth of the city and extensive building of fortifications.<ref name="Rhie"/> Stone sculptures in Mathura are also known from this period onwards, although Indo-Greek artistic influence cannot be readily seen.<ref name="Rhie"/>
From this time also (circa 150 BCE), archaeological research at Mathura reports an important growth of the city and extensive building of fortifications.<ref name="Rhie"/> Stone sculptures in Mathura are also known from this period onwards, although Indo-Greek artistic influence cannot be readily seen.<ref name="Rhie"/>


Given the suggestions of Greek presence and control concomitantly with the rule of the Mitra dynasty in the same time frame (150–50 BCE), it is therefore thought that there may have been a sort of tributary relationship between the Mitra dynasty and the Indo-Greeks to the west.<ref name="Rhie"/> Numerous coins of Rajuvula have been found in company with the coins of the [[Strato II|Strato]] group in the [[Eastern Punjab]] (to the east of the [[Jhelum]]) and also in the [[Mathura]] area.<ref>Mathurā and Its Society: The ʼSakæ-Pahlava Phase, Bratindra Nath Mukherjee, Firma K.L.M., 1981, p.9</ref>
Given the suggestions of Greek presence and control concomitantly with the rule of the Mitra dynasty in the same time frame (150–50 BCE), it is therefore thought that there may have been a sort of tributary relationship between the Mitra dynasty and the Indo-Greeks to the west.<ref name="Rhie"/> Numerous coins of Rajuvula have been found in company with the coins of the [[Strato II|Strato]] group in the [[Punjab, India|Eastern Punjab]] (to the east of the [[Jhelum]]) and also in the [[Mathura]] area.<ref>Mathurā and Its Society: The ʼSakæ-Pahlava Phase, Bratindra Nath Mukherjee, Firma K.L.M., 1981, p.9</ref>


==Shungas to the east==
==Shungas to the east==
[[File:Sunga map.jpg|thumb|It is thought that the [[Shungas]] did not rule in [[Mathura]].]]
[[File:Sunga map.jpg|thumb|It is thought that the [[Shungas]] did not rule in [[Mathura]].]]
The period in which the Mitra dynasty ruled in Mathura roughly corresponds to the [[Hindu]] [[Sunga dynasty]] (180 BCE–80 BCE), however it doesn't seem that the Shungas ruled in Mathura or  [[Surasena]] since no Shunga coins or inscriptions have been found there.<ref name="Rhie">History of Early Stone Sculpture at Mathura: Ca. 150 BCE - 100 CE, Sonya Rhie Quintanilla, BRILL, 2007, p.8-10 [https://books.google.com/books?id=X7Cb8IkZVSMC&pg=PA8]</ref>
The period in which the Mitra dynasty ruled in Mathura roughly corresponds to the [[Hindu]] [[Sunga dynasty]] (180 BCE–80 BCE); however, it doesn't seem that the Shungas ruled in Mathura or  [[Surasena]] since no Shunga coins or inscriptions have been found there.<ref name="Rhie">History of Early Stone Sculpture at Mathura: Ca. 150 BCE – 100 CE, Sonya Rhie Quintanilla, BRILL, 2007, p.8-10 [https://books.google.com/books?id=X7Cb8IkZVSMC&pg=PA8]</ref>


The Mitra dynasty was replaced by the [[Indo-Scythian]] [[Northern Satraps]] around 60 BCE.
The Mitra dynasty was replaced by the [[Indo-Scythian]] [[Northern Satraps]] around 60 BCE.
Line 86: Line 69:
=="Datta" rulers of Mathura==
=="Datta" rulers of Mathura==
{{main|Datta dynasty}}
{{main|Datta dynasty}}
Another dynasty of local rulers, named the "[[Datta dynasty|Datta kings]]" is also known to have ruled in Mathura.<ref name="Rhie 170">History of Early Stone Sculpture at Mathura: Ca. 150 BCE - 100 CE, Sonya Rhie Quintanilla, BRILL, 2007, p.170 [https://books.google.fr/books?id=rtqvCQAAQBAJ&pg=PA170]</ref> These rulers are known as Seshadatta, Ramadatta, Sisuchandradatta and Sivadatta.<ref name="Abbasi">Dimensions of Human Cultures in Central India, A. A. Abbasi, Sarup & Sons, 2001, p.145-146 [https://books.google.com/books?id=jUwFL3IipK0C&pg=PA145]</ref> The coins of Ramadatta usually represent a [[Lakshmi]] standing, and facing elephants.<ref name="Abbasi"/> It is thought that they came just before, and were replaced by the Mitra dynasty.
Another dynasty of local rulers, named the "[[Datta dynasty|Datta kings]]" is also known to have ruled in Mathura.<ref name="Rhie 170">History of Early Stone Sculpture at Mathura: Ca. 150 BCE – 100 CE, Sonya Rhie Quintanilla, BRILL, 2007, p.170 [https://books.google.fr/books?id=rtqvCQAAQBAJ&pg=PA170]</ref> These rulers are known as Seshadatta, Ramadatta, Sisuchandradatta and Sivadatta.<ref name="Abbasi">Dimensions of Human Cultures in Central India, A. A. Abbasi, Sarup & Sons, 2001, p.145-146 [https://books.google.com/books?id=jUwFL3IipK0C&pg=PA145]</ref> The coins of Ramadatta usually represent a [[Lakshmi]] standing, and facing elephants.<ref name="Abbasi"/> It is thought that they came just before, and were replaced by the Mitra dynasty.


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 14:57, 16 May 2022

For other uses, see Mitra dynasty.

Mitra dynasty
(Mathura)

150 BCE–50 BCE
Left image: Coin of Gomitra of Mathura (reverse): Standing figure with symbols around, probably goddess Lakshmi.[1] Inscription Gomitasa in Brahmi.
Right image: Coin of Brahmamitra (reverse): Standing figure with raised arm, probably Lakshmi holding a lotus,[1] surrounded by symbols. Legend Brahmamitasa in Brahmi.
Template:South Asia in 150 BCE
CapitalMathura
History 
• Established
150 BCE
• Conquest of Mathura and Saketa by the Northern Satraps around 60 BCE
50 BCE
Preceded by		 Succeeded by
Datta dynasty
Northern Satraps
Indo-Scythians
Today part ofIndia

The Mitra dynasty refers to a group of local rulers whose name incorporated the suffix "-mitra" and who are thought to have ruled in the area of Mathura from around 150 BCE to 50 BCE, at the time of Indo-Greek hegemony over the region, and possibly in a tributary relationship with them.[2][3][4] They are not known to have been satraps nor kings, and their coins only bear their name without any title, therefore they are sometimes simply called "the Mitra rulers of Mathura". Alternatively, they have been dated from 100 BCE to 20 BCE.[5] The Mitra dynasty was replaced by the Indo-Scythian Northern Satraps from around 60 BCE.

Some sources consider that the Mitra dynasty ruled at a later date, during the 1st or 2nd century CE, and that they ruled from Mathura to Saketa, where they replaced the Deva dynasty.[6]

In addition to the Mitra dynasties of Saketa (Kosala kingdom) and Mathura, there were Mitra dynasties in Ahichchhatra (Panchala kingdom) and Kaushambi (Vatsa kingdom). During the 1st century BCE to 2nd century CE, the Mitras of Kaushambi also appear to have extended their hegemony over Magadha (including Pataliputra), and possibly Kannauj as well.[7]

The dynasty[edit]

Seven rulers of Mathura are known:[4]

These rulers are never mentioned as "Kings" or Raja on their coins: there is therefore a possibly that they may only have been local rulers and vassals to larger king. Gomitra II and Brahmamitra especially are known for their large number of coins, which is not so much the case for other rulers.[4]

In the archaeological excavations of Sonkh, near Mathura, archaeological levels of the Mitra rulers were identified.[8]

Coins of the Mitra dynasty were found in Sonkh especially, in layers dated to about 150–50 BCE.[2] The earliest Mitra coins are those of Gomitra (150–50 BCE).[2]

Relation with the Indo-Greeks[edit]

Coin of Menander I with elephant and Heraklian club.

From numismatic, literary and epigraphic evidence, it seems that the Indo-Greeks had control over Mathura at some time, especially during the rule of Menander I (165–135 BCE).[3] The control of Mathura seems to have continued for some time under the successors of Menander, with Strato I, Antimachus and Apollodotus II, where they were facing the territory of the Sungas.[3] Coins of Menander and Strato can be found in the area of Mathura, and Ptolemy records Menander as having ruled as far as Mathura (Μόδουρα) in Book VII, I, 47 of his Geographia.[3] An inscription in Mathura discovered in 1988 mentions "The last day of year 116 of Yavana hegemony (Yavanarajya)", also attesting presence of the Indo-Greeks in the 2nd century BCE. The inscription would date to the 116th year of the Yavana era (thought to start in 186–185 BCE) which would give it a date of 70 or 69 BCE.[3] The Yavanarajya inscription reads:[9]

The Yavanarajya inscription, dated to "year 116 of Yavana hegemony", probably 70 or 69 BCE. Mathura Museum.

On this day, the year one hundred sixteen, 116, of the Yavana kingdom, in the fourth month of winter on the thirtieth day...
[This is] the well and tank of Ahogani, the mother of the merchant Virabala, who was the son of Ghosadatta, a brahmin of the Maitreya clan, with [her] son Virabala, daughter-in-law Bhaguri, and grandsons Suradatta, Rsabhadeva, and Viraddata.

May (their) merit increase

— Mathura Yavanarajya inscription.[10]

The Indo-Greeks may have been supplanted by Indo-Scythians around that date, who would then rule in Mathura as the Northern Satraps.[3]

From this time also (circa 150 BCE), archaeological research at Mathura reports an important growth of the city and extensive building of fortifications.[3] Stone sculptures in Mathura are also known from this period onwards, although Indo-Greek artistic influence cannot be readily seen.[3]

Given the suggestions of Greek presence and control concomitantly with the rule of the Mitra dynasty in the same time frame (150–50 BCE), it is therefore thought that there may have been a sort of tributary relationship between the Mitra dynasty and the Indo-Greeks to the west.[3] Numerous coins of Rajuvula have been found in company with the coins of the Strato group in the Eastern Punjab (to the east of the Jhelum) and also in the Mathura area.[11]

Shungas to the east[edit]

It is thought that the Shungas did not rule in Mathura.

The period in which the Mitra dynasty ruled in Mathura roughly corresponds to the Hindu Sunga dynasty (180 BCE–80 BCE); however, it doesn't seem that the Shungas ruled in Mathura or Surasena since no Shunga coins or inscriptions have been found there.[3]

The Mitra dynasty was replaced by the Indo-Scythian Northern Satraps around 60 BCE.

"Datta" rulers of Mathura[edit]

Main article: Datta dynasty

Another dynasty of local rulers, named the "Datta kings" is also known to have ruled in Mathura.[12] These rulers are known as Seshadatta, Ramadatta, Sisuchandradatta and Sivadatta.[13] The coins of Ramadatta usually represent a Lakshmi standing, and facing elephants.[13] It is thought that they came just before, and were replaced by the Mitra dynasty.

References[edit]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Paul, Pran Gopal; Paul, Debjani (1989). "Brahmanical Imagery in the Kuṣāṇa Art of Mathurā: Tradition and Innovations". East and West. 39 (1/4): 117. ISSN 0012-8376. JSTOR 29756891.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Quintanilla, Sonya Rhie (2007). History of Early Stone Sculpture at Mathura, ca. 150 BCE – 100 CE. BRILL. pp. 9–10. ISBN 978-90-474-1930-3.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 History of Early Stone Sculpture at Mathura: Ca. 150 BCE – 100 CE, Sonya Rhie Quintanilla, BRILL, 2007, p.8-10 [1]
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Indian Numismatic Studies K. D. Bajpai, Abhinav Publications, 2004, p.105 [2]
  5. ↑ On the Cusp of an Era: Art in the Pre-Kuṣāṇa World, Doris Srinivasan BRILL, 2007, p.320 [3]
  6. ↑ Ayodhya Revisited by Kunal Kishore p.24 [4]
  7. ↑ K. D. Bajpai (October 2004). Indian Numismatic Studies. Abhinav Publications. pp. 37–39, 45. ISBN 978-81-7017-035-8.
  8. ↑ Hartel, Herbert (2007). On The Cusp Of An Era Art In The Pre Kuṣāṇa World. BRILL. pp. 320–326.
  9. ↑ Published in "L'Indo-Grec Menandre ou Paul Demieville revisite," Journal Asiatique 281 (1993) p.113
  10. ↑ History of Early Stone Sculpture at Mathura: Ca. 150 BCE – 100 CE, Sonya Rhie Quintanilla, BRILL, 2007, p.255 [5]
  11. ↑ Mathurā and Its Society: The ʼSakæ-Pahlava Phase, Bratindra Nath Mukherjee, Firma K.L.M., 1981, p.9
  12. ↑ History of Early Stone Sculpture at Mathura: Ca. 150 BCE – 100 CE, Sonya Rhie Quintanilla, BRILL, 2007, p.170 [6]
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Dimensions of Human Cultures in Central India, A. A. Abbasi, Sarup & Sons, 2001, p.145-146 [7]
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