Mandhata

Mandhata was the king of the Solar Dynasty. His name meant the `Indian Indra`. The Rig Veda named him as Durgaha and Purana called him Suvindu. He was known as one of the greatest emperors of India. He was an honest man and a great conqueror. He was a glorious ruler and also a patron of arts, industries and learning. He organised a very strong army and then conquered the whole of Indian, Ceylon and other islands of the Indian Ocean. He is credited with defeating most distinguished Indian kings like Angara, Janamejaya, Gaya, Vrihadratha of Anga, Sudhanva, Asita, Puru, Marutta, Rama, and many others. Meanwhile the ancient Afghans had become very mighty and riotous. They frequently invaded the northern part of India and harassed the people there. With his strong army Mandhata overpowered them and captured the region of Gandhara. Mandhata was a royal and dynamic ruler. Under his rule the land was free from all hassles and attacks. It is noted that once on an account of low rain in north-west India famine has broke out but the king combated it successfully.

In the sacred field of Kurukshetra (Karnal) Mandhata performed his royal horse sacrifice and presented the Brahmins with many cows and goldfish. He made heaps of boiled rice and curry, excavated tanks of ghee, curd, honey, and milk for the famine-stricken people. His main queen was Vindumati, daughter of King Sasavindu. The king had three sons and fifty daughters. Those princesses were all married to sage Saubhari. His grandson, Prince Gaura from the daughter`s side has constructed a kingdom with Gaur as capital.

Earlier Mathura was ruled by the powerful Daitya kingdom. Once when Mandhata, with his army, was travelling through Mathura the Daityas attacked him. Mandhata and his army were defeated at their hands. This ended the glorious reign of the great emperor.

This article is a stub. You can enrich by adding more information to it. Send your Write Up to content@indianetzone.com