Kings of Mithila

Mithila (Sanskrit: मिथिला, "mithilā") was capital of Videha kingdom in ancient India situated between foothills of Himalayas and River Ganga. Videha Kingdom is erroneously more popularly known as Mithila Kingdom. The ancient region of Mithila is today split into adjacent part of two countries – India and Nepal. Mithila was the capital of Videha Kingdom as per epic Ramayana. This city is identified as modern day Janakpur (also called Janakpurdham) in Dhanusa district of Nepal. This region was also called Tairabhukti, the ancient name of Tirhut. [ Reading Asia: New Research in Asian Studies; Author - Frans Hüsken, Dick van der Meij; Chapter 12 – The Maithili Language by Yogendra P. Yadav at page 240 ] The Videha or Mithila Kingdom is believed to be bounded on the north by the Himalaya, on the south the Ganga, on the east the Kosi, and on the west the Gandak. It was also the region where two most venerated names in the religious history of the world - Gautama Buddha and Vardhamana Mahavira, spend considerable time.

Ancient History and Myths

Ancester of the first mythical King of this region was Nimi,who ruled in Sarasvati river region. As per the mythological tales, Nimi died due to curse placed on him by his Guru - Sage Vashista. After his death there was a period of anarchy. The sages then gathered and implored the spirit of Nimi to reassume human form. The dead body of Nimi was placed in a churn in hope that the dead body of Nimi would reaasume human form. Sages succeeded in their effort and MITHI (means soil) emerged from churn.The tribe, initially ruled by Nimi, left the Sarasvati region under the leadership of Mithi and after long period of wandering finally settled on the banks of Sadanira,now identified as Gandaka.There after this region is known as Mithila.The name Mithila is derived after Mythical King MITHI. He established the capital of his kingdom at Mithilapuri and hence the region came to be called MITHILA. [Encyclopaedia of Hinduism: Author - Nagendra Kumar Singh at page 3239] Since he was born out of body of his father, he was called JANAK. After this, the Kings of Mithila were called Janak. The most famous Janak was Seeradhwaja Janaka, father of Sita. He was 21st Janak of Mithila. This Dynasty was also called VIDEH JANAKS. There were 52 kings in the dynasty of Videh Janak. [ http://www.bihar.ws/info/Cultural-regions-of-Bihar/A-Brief-History-of-Mithila-State.html accessed on Jan 10, 2008 ] . However, archaeological evidence is lacking to realistically assess the period of their migration.

The region was originally known as Videha. The kingdom of Videha is mentioned for the first time in "Yajurveda Samhita". Mithila, the capital of Videha is mentioned in Buddhist "Jatakas", the "Brahamanas" the "Puranas" (described in detail in "Brhadvisnu Purana" and various epics such as Ramayana and Mahabharata. A list of Kings is mentioned in Mahabharata and Jatakas. All the kings we known as Videha or Janak. There were total of 52 kings in this dynasty. [Encyclopaedia of Hinduism; Author - Nagendra Kumar Singh ]

Lineage of Janaks

"Janaks till Ramayana"

The lineage of Janaks is mentioned in Valmiki Ramayana. In Valimiki Ramayana, King Seeradhwaja Janaka, himself mentioned his ancestral list to King Dasratha, Father of Rama. The list of Janakas who ruled Mithila as per Valmiki Ramayana is as under:
* Nimi
* Mithi - Founder of Mithila and the first Janaka
* Udavasu
* Nandivardhana
* Suketu
* Devavrata
* Brihadvrata
* Mahavira
* Sudhriti
* Dristaketu
* Haryasva
* Maru
* Pratindhaka
* Kritiratha
* Devamidha
* Vibhuta
* Mahidhrata
* Kirtirata
* Mahorama
* Swarnorama
* Hrisvaroma
* Seeradhwaja - Father of Sita. The list of Janaks has been compiled from Valmiki Ramayana. [ [http://acharya.iitm.ac.in/mirrors/vv/literature/ramayana/ba071a.html The Valmiki Ramayana ] ]

"Janaks after Ramayana" [http://www.geocities.com/hindupuraan/3vishnu/4chaturth/5nimi.htm accessed on Jan 25, 2008]
* Bhaanumaan
* Shatadyumn
* Shuchi
* Oorjnaamaa
* Kriti
* Anjan
* Kurujit
* Arishtnemi
* Shrutaayu
* Supaarshwa
* Srinjaya
* Kshemaavee
* Anenaa
* Bhaumarath
* Satyarath
* Upagu
* Upagupt
* Swaagat
* Swaanand
* Suvarchaa
* Supaarshwa
* Subhaash
* Sushrut
* Jaya
* Vijaya
* Rit
* Sunaya
* Veetahavya
* Dhriti
* Bahulaashwa
* Kriti

Mithila after Janaks

It is said that the last King of Janak Dynasty – Kirti Janak was atrocious ruler who lost control over his subjects. He was dethroned by public under leadership of Acharyas (Learned Men). During this period of fall of Mithila empire, the famous republic of Lichavis was rising in {Vaishali] and Mithila region came under control of Lichavis in around seventh century BC. In 6th century BC, Lichavis were defeated by Ajatshatru of Magadha and thus Mithila region came under control of Magadhan empire. [ Anthropology of Ancient Hindu Kingdoms: A Study in Civilizational; Author Makhan Jha at page 113 ] Thereafter several dynasties such as Shaishunag, Nand, Maurya, Shung, Kant, Gupta, Vardhan etc. ruled there from time to time. There was no significant ruler in Mithila after Janaks till 5th-6th century when Jaywardhan Raja Salhesh became King. He made his capital at Mahisautha-Sirha (presently in Nepal). He defended the region against attacks by Tibetans several times. Hence, he was called Shailesh (king of Mountains) from Jaywardhan which in local dialect was called Salhesh.

Around 6th Century to 9th century- Pal Dynasty

Mithila was ruled by Pal Dynasty for almost three centuries. Pal Dynasty were followers of Buddhism, There capital is believed to be located at present town of Balirajgarh (Babubarhi-Madhubani district). The last king of Pal Dynasty was Madanpal. Madanpal was a weak king, as he was defeated by Adishur Samant Sen’s army.

The main rulers of Pal Dynasty were:
*Gopala (750-770)
*Dharmapala (770-810)
*Devapala (810-850)
*Shurapala/Mahendrapala (850 - 854)
*Vigrahapala (854 - 855)
*Narayanapala (855 - 908)
*Rajyapala (908 - 940)
*Gopala II (940-960)
*Vigrahapala II (960 - 988)
*Mahipala (988 - 1038)
*Nayapala (1038 - 1055)
*Vigrahapala III (1055 - 1070)
*Mahipala II (1070 - 1075)
*Shurapala II (1075 - 1077)
*Ramapala (1077 - 1130)
*Kumarapala of Bengal (1130 - 1140)
*Gopala III (1140 - 1144)
*Madanapala (1144 - 1162)
*Govindapala (1162 - 1174)

The founder of the Pala Empire was Gopala. He was the first independent Buddhist king of Bengal and came to power in 750 in Gaur by democratic election, which was unique at the time. He reigned from 750-770 and consolidated his position by extending his control over all of Bengal. His successors Dharmapala (r. 770-810) and Devapala (r. 810-850) expanded the empire across the northern and eastern Indian subcontinent. The Pala Empire eventually disintegrated in the 12th century under the attack of the Sena dynasty.

Around 9th Century to 11th century- Sena Dynasty

Sena Dynasty were followers of Hinduism and hence people of Mithila , being followers of Hinduism, helped Samant Sen in defeating Madanpal..Eminent scholar Vachaspati Mishra (from Village Thardhi in Madhubani district) was from this period, Sen Dynasty had five kings:
*Hemanta Sen (1070 AD)
*Vijay Sen (1096-1159 AD)
*Ballal Sen (1159 - 1179 AD)
*Lakshman Sen (1179 - 1206 AD)
*Vishvarup Sen (1206 - 1225 AD)
*Keshab Sen (1225-1230 AD)

Around 11th Century to 14th Century - Karnat Dyanasty

Nanya Deva defeated the last King of Sen Dynasty, Laxman Sen and became King of Mithila. Nanya Deva had come from west and had his first capital at Simraun Garh (Birganj). After conquering entire Mithila, he shifted his capital to Kamaladitya Sthan (Kamladan). Another village named Andharatharhi village in Madhubani district is also mentioned to be capital of Karnats. In the said village, there are six dozen ponds of which 27 ponds constitute the beads of a picturesque garland. The ponds are interconnected amongst themselves and also with the Sugarwe river for smooth recharging with the flood water. These ponds constructed by Karnat Kings constitute a unique irrigation system and is proving its relevance even today, spanning over eight centuries.Karnat Dynasty also had five kings namely:

* Nanya Dev - Nanya Dev apart from being a great warrior, also had a keen interest in music.He classified and analyzed the Ragas and opines Madhya laya is chosen for Hasya (humorous) and sringar (libido) rasa, Bilambit is chosen for karun (compassion) rasa and Drut is chosen for veer (brave), Rodra (anger), Adbhut (marvelous) and Bhayanak (fearful) rasas. He wrote a treaty on music'Saraswati Hridayalankar' which is preserved in the Bhandarkar Research Institute of Pune. [http://www.mithilaonline.com/music.html accessed on Jan 25th, 2008 ]
* Gang Dev
* Narshingh Dev
* Shakrasingh Dev
* Hari Singh Dev - King Hari Singh Dev is the most famous. He was instrumental in initiating and implementing PANJI VYAVASTHA in Maithil Brahmins and Maithil Kayasthas (Karn Kayasthas). He was also great patron of art and literature.

In the court of Hari Singh Dev the Royal Priest was Pt. Kameshwar Thakur the author of VARNA RATNAKAR, which is considered to be the first prose, an encyclopedia in any north Indian language. Pt. Kameshwar Thakur later became founder of OINWAR DYNASTY)

Kings from 1326 AD to 1526 AD- Oinwar Dynasty

In 1326, Firoz Shah Tughlak attacked and conquered Mithila region. The last king of Karnat Dynasty Harisingh Dev fled to Nepal. According to historian Dr. Upendra Thakur anarchy prevailed in Mithila region for next 27 years. In 1353 Firoz Shah Tughlak appointed Pt. Kameshwar Thakur as KARAD RAJA (Tax Paying King - They were appointed as Kings by Emperors and had to collect and pay taxes as well as maintain army for the Emperor). Kameshwar Thakur belonged to village named Oini, which is presently in previously it is known as Pusa Road Wainni. Now It is known as Khudiram Bose Railway station, Samastipur District. The dynasty was named after the village Oini as Oinwar Dynasty. Kameshwar Thakur, being of scholarly nature, was unable to collect and pay tax to Firoz Shah Tughlak. Thus, Kameshwar Thakkur was dethroned and his son, Bhogishwar Thakur was made next King of Mithila region. This dynasty was one of the few ruling dynasties of India who were Brahmins. Thereafter, the Mithila region had Kings from Brahmin caste only. The list kings of Oinwar Dynasty is as under:
* Kameshwar Thakur - In 1353,Pt. Kameshwar Thakur was appointed by Firoz Shah Tughlak himself as KARAD RAJA (Tax Paying King).
* Bhogishwar Thakur - Kameshwar Thakkur did not prove to be able ruler and was unable to collect and pay tax to Firoz Shah Tughlak. Thus, Firoz Shah Tughlak dethroned him and made Bhogishwar Thakkur the King in place of Kameshwar Thakur. Bhogishwar Thakur was son of Kameshwar Thakur.
* Ganeshwar Singh - Ganeshwar Singh became king after death of his father Bhogishwar Thakur. He was mortally stabbed by a person named Aslan in 1361 AD in a conspiracy to usurp the throne. Aslan wanted to kill his two sons-Vir Singh and Kirti Singh as well, but did not succeed since they had been safely hidden somewhere.
* Kirti Singh - Kirti Singh enlisted help of Tughlaks, who send his army to recapture Mithila. In the battle that ensued, Aslan and Vir Singh were killed. Kirti Singh became King but died after shortly thereafter.
* Bhavesh Thakur (also known as Bhav Singh) – He was younger son of Kameshwar Thakur. Since Kirti Singh died issueless, the kingdom passed over to Bhavesh Thakur.
* Dev Singh
* Shiv Singh – He declared himself to be independent King and stopped paying taxes to Tughlak empire. Due to his decision to challenge authority of Tughlaks empire, Ibrahim Shah Tughlak attacked Mithila. In the battle, Shiv Singh was killed.
* Padma Singh – He was younger brother of Shiv Singh.
* Queen Bishwas Devi – Padma Singh died died issueless at an early age. After his death, his wife Queen Bishwas Devi ruled Mithila region, but she too died soon after taking over reign of Mithila.
* Hari Singh – He was cousin of Padma Singh. Since Padma Singh died issueless, the throne passed to Hari Singh.
* Nar Singh
* Dhir Singh (ruled 1459 to 1480)
* Bhairav Singh (ruled 1480 to 1515) _ He was a very popular king and initiated several development works like digging of ponds construction of roads, wells, temples, etc. He was a great patron of art and culture as well.
* Rambhadra Singh Dev
* Laxminath Singh Dev – He was the last King of OINWAR dynasty. Sikandar Lodhi attacked Mithila region in 1526 and Maharaja Laxminath Singh Dev was killed in the ensuing battle.

1526 to 1577 - Period of Anarchy

Sikandar Lodhi made his son-in-law, Alauddin, the ruler of this area. During this period, Mogul Empire was beginning to take its root in Delhi. Alauddin was not a successful ruler and for next 50 years, anarchy prevailed in Mithila region. When Akbar became emperor, he tried to bring normalcy to Mithila region. He came to the conclusion that only after a Maithil Brahmin was made King, peace can prevail and rent can be collected in Mithila. In 1577, Emperor Akbar declared Pt. Mahesh Thakkur as the ruler of Mithila. Pt. Mahesh Thakkur was of the mool, Kharaure Bhaur and hence that dynasty was called ‘Khandwala Kul’ and the capital was made at Rajgram in Madhubani District.

1577 to 1947 – Khandavala Dynasty

* Raja Mahesh Thakur (expired 1558).
* Raja Gopal Thakur He was eldest Son of Raja Mahesh Thakur. He died suddenly and was king for a very small period only.
* Raja Parmanand Thakur He was second son of Raja Mahesh Thakur. He too ruled for a brief period before his death.
* Raja Subhankar Thakur (expired 1607) - He was fifth son of Raja Mahesh Thakur. He was a great patron of music and art. He wrote a treatise on music "Sri Hastamuktavali" that deals with a companion art of dance. [www.mithilaonline.com/music.html]
* Raja Purushottam Thakur (ruled - 1607 to 1623)
* Raja Narayan Thakur (ruled 1623 to 1642)
* Raja Sundar Thakur (ruled - 1642 to 1662)
* Raja Mahinath Thakur (ruled - 1662 to 1684)
* Raja Nirpat Thakur (ruled - 1684 to 1700)- He shifted his capital to Darbhanga from Rajgram. Darbhanga remained their seat of power till independence of India.
* Raja Raghu Singh (ruled - 1700 to 1736)
* Raja Bishnu Singh (ruled - 1736 to 1740)
* Raja Narendra Singh (ruled 1740 to 1760)
* Raja Pratap Singh (ruled - 1760 to 1776)
* Raja Madho Singh (ruled - 1776 to 1808)
* Maharaja Chhatra Singh Bahadur (ruled - 1808 to 1839)
* Maharaja Rudra Singh Bahadur (ruled 1839 to 1850)
* Maharaja Maheshwar Singh Bahadur (ruled - 1850 to 1860)
* Maharaja Lakshmeshwar Singh Bahadur (ruled 1860 to 1898)
* Maharaja Rameshwar Singh Bahadur (ruled 1898 to 1929)
* Maharaja Kameshwar Singh Bahadur (ruled 1929 to 1947 i.e. till independence of India on 15th August, 1947 when all the kingdoms merged with Union of India)For more details on this dynasty see Raj Darbhanga.

References