The people who belonged to the Scythian tribe of Central Asia were called Sakas in India. They invaded India at various times and established five independent kingdoms.
- Kapisa Kingdom : It was founded with Kapisa in Afghanistan as its capital.
- Taxila Kingdom: Another Saka Kingdom was established with Taxila in Pakistan as its capital. They struck coins with the images of Buddha, Shiva and Abhisheka Lakshmi engraved on them. Moga, a king of this dynasty took the title of ‘Maharaja Mahatma’.
- Mathura Kingdom: The third Saka kingdom in India was established with Mathura in Uttar Pradesh as its capital. The founder of this kingdom, Ranjuvulu took the title of Apratihatachakra.
- Ujjain Kingdom: The Kardamaka Saka dynasty ruled over Malwa and Gujarat with Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh as their capital. This was the most important of all the five Saka kingdoms founded in India. Chastana was the founder of this dynasty.
- Rudradaman was the greatest ruler of Kardamaka dynasty. He ruled between A.D.130-A.D.150. His Junagarh / Girnar inscription is the earliest Sanskrit inscription in India. It provides the history of the Sudarsana lake located in Junagadh (Gujarat). According to this inscription, Sudarsana lake was built during the reign of Chandragupta Maurya and was repaired during the reign of Asoka. Further, the inscription says that Rudradaman got the lake rebuilt when it was destroyed in the floods. This inscription also reveals his victories and his matrimonial alliances with Satavahanas.
- Saka Kingdom of Deccan: The fifth Saka dynasty ruled over Deccan with Mandasore as its capital. This dynasty is called the Kshaharata dynasty.
- Bhumaka – Founder of the Kshaharata dynasty.
- Nahapana – He was the greatest of all Kshaharata kings. He was referred as Mambaras in Greek records. The following pieces of evidences show that the Satavahana king Gautamiputra Shatakarni killed Nahapana and occupied his kingdom.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who were the Scythians/Sakas?
Answer: The Scythians/Sakas were ancient nomadic warrior peoples who inhabited the Eurasian steppes from the 9th century BCE to the 4th century CE. They were known for their skilled horsemanship, metalwork, and a distinctive culture that left a significant impact on the ancient world.
2. What regions did the Scythians/Sakas inhabit?
Answer: The Scythians/Sakas originally lived in the Central Asian steppes, spanning from the Black Sea to Mongolia. Over time, they migrated and established a presence in regions such as the Pontic-Caspian steppe, Central Asia, and even parts of the Near East, leaving behind a rich archaeological legacy.
3. What archaeological evidence exists for the Scythians/Sakas?
Answer: Archaeological discoveries have provided valuable insights into the Scythian/Saka cultures. These include elaborate burial mounds (kurgans) containing well-preserved artifacts, such as intricately designed gold jewelry, weapons, and horse trappings. These findings have helped reconstruct aspects of their social structure, beliefs, and daily life.
4. What was the role of the Scythians/Sakas in ancient trade networks?
Answer: The Scythians/Sakas played a crucial role in ancient trade, acting as intermediaries between different civilizations. Their nomadic lifestyle and strategic location allowed them to control key trade routes, facilitating the exchange of goods and ideas between the East and West. They were especially involved in the trade of luxury items such as silk, precious metals, and spices.
5. How did the Scythians/Sakas contribute to military history?
Answer: The Scythians/Sakas were renowned for their formidable military skills, particularly their expertise in mounted archery. They were a constant challenge to settled civilizations, including the Persian Empire. Their hit-and-run tactics and mobility on horseback made them a significant military force. Their influence on subsequent nomadic groups and their impact on shaping the military strategies of surrounding empires are notable aspects of their historical legacy.
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