Political History of Ancient India, from the Accession of Parikshit to the Extinction of the Gupta Dynasty c17.s1.8

c17.s1.8

The discovery of a clay seal with the legend *Mokhaliṇam*² suggests that at one time the Gayā region was under the sway of Maukhari chiefs. But the precise date of the record is not known. Equally uncertain is the date of *Mahārājā* Trikamala who ruled in the same region in the year 64 of an unspecified era. Epigraphic evidence of a late date points to some connection between the Lichchhavis and Pushpapura (Pāṭaliputra). But it is difficult to say how far the tradition is genuine. The only rulers of note in the centuries immediately preceding the Christian era, whom we know from epigraphic evidence to have ruled in Magadha and the neighbouring provinces, are the so-called **‘Mitras’**. The prevalence of ‘Mitra’ rule is also hinted at by references in Jaina literature to Balamitra and Bhānumitra among the successors of Pushyamitra. From a study of available epigraphs Dr. Barua has compiled a list of ‘Mitra kings’. It includes the names of Bṛihatsvātimitra, Indrāgnimitra, Brahmamitra, Bṛihaspatīmitra (Dhar)mamitra and Vishṇumitra. To these should perhaps be added the names of Varuṇamitra and Gomitra.¹ Of these only Indrāgnimitra, Brahmamitra and possibly Bṛihaspatimitra are definitely associated with Magadha in addition to other territories. The rest are connected with Kauśāmbī and Mathurā.