Encyclopaedia on India

The Murundas, a tribe of intriguing provenance, are believed to have emerged as a foreign influence in India, particularly during the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE. Primarily settled towards the east of the Ganges, they played a substantial role in the historical tapestry of the Utkal region, which corresponds to modern-day Odisha. The Murunda dynasty is thought to have succeeded the Mahameghavahana dynasty , creating a notable period of governance until their eventual supersession by the Nagas of Vindhyatabi and the Gupta Empire. Geographically, the Murundas emphasized their presence across six critical cities: Boraita, Koryagaza, Kondota, Kelyana, Aganagora, and Talarga. Their influence extended over the Chota-Nagpur plateau and parts of Central India, marking their significance in ancient Indian polity. The Vishnu Purana references the Murundas, associating them with a lineage of eleven princes who succeeded the Tusharas or Tokhari, further establishing their historical presence. Addi...

The Jnatrkas tribe, also recognized as the Natha or Naya clan, holds profound historical significance in the Indian subcontinent, primarily due to its connection with Mahavira, the founder of Jainism. Mahavira, known as the last Tirthankara of the Jains, emerged from this tribe and made substantial contributions to religious reform, establishing Jainism as one of the major religions in India. Settling in regions such as Vaishali, Kundagrama, and its suburb Kollaga, the Jnatrkas cultivated a lifestyle characterized by ethical adherence and spiritual discipline. They were known for their profound fear of sin, which motivated them to abstain from wicked deeds and refrain from causing harm to any living being. Consequently, the Jnatrkas practiced vegetarianism, aligning their dietary choices with their moral philosophy. The Jnatrkas also housed a religious establishment known as Duipalasa, located outside their settlement at Kollaga, which reflects their commitment to spiritual practi...

  The Daradas were a prominent tribe from the north-western part of ancient India, particularly associated with the region that encompasses parts of modern-day Kashmir. Historical texts, including the Mahabharata, articulate the involvement of the Daradas in significant military conflicts, notably their alliance with the Kauravas during the great Kurukshetra War. The Mahabharata describes their defeat at the hands of Vasudeva Krishna, who led an alliance against the Kauravas that included various tribes such as the Khasas, Sakas, Yavanas, Trigarttas, and Malavas. This indicates the strategic importance of the Daradas in the political and military landscape of their time. Epic and Puranic traditions suggest that the Daradas occupied the north-west frontier of Kashmir, illustrating their geographical and cultural significance within the region. Their historical relevance is further underscored by various names attributed to them, including Dardae and Derdai, reflecting their integr...