Historical Elements in the Matsya Purana

by Chaitali Kadia | 2021 | 91,183 words

This page relates ‘Dynasty of Shunga’ of the study on the historical elements of the Matsya-purana: one of the eighteen Mahapuranas which are Sanskrit texts that have preserved the cultural heritage, philosophy, religion, geography, etc of ancient India. This Matsyapurana was originally written in 20,000 verses and deals with topics such as architecture, ancient history, polity, religion and philosophy.

There was a king named Agnimitra, who ruled for the eight years. After that Vasujyeṣṭha ruled his kingdom for seven years. Then there was a king named Vsumitra who ruled for ten years. After that Andhaka became the king and ruled for two years. Then Andhaka’s son Pulindaka ruled for three years. After him a king named Vajramitra ruled for fourteen years. After that there was a king named Samābhāga who ruled for thirty-two years. After Samābhāga, his son Devabhūmi became the king and ruled for ten years. These ten little kings consumed this earth for three hundred years. After this, the kingdom passed on the Sunga dynasty. King Devabhūmi’s Amatya killed the Śuṅga dynasty’s king Vāsudeva and became the ruler of the earth. He was famous by the name Kāṇvāyana who ruled for nine years. His son was Bhūmimitra who ruled for fourteen years. His son Nārāyana remains king for twelve years. Then his son Suśarmā ruled for ten years. These kings Śuṅgabhṛtya were famous as Kāṇvāyana. These forty Dvija who were known as Kāṇva enjoyed their kingdoms for forty-five years. During their ruling time the earth passed on the hands of Āndhra dyanty.[1]

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

Matsya Purāṇa, Ch.–273/18–24

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