Kuninda Kingdom : History of Uttarakhand

&<2/”>a >nbsp;

The Kuninda warrior clan is mentioned in ancient texts under the different forms of its name: Kauninda, Kulinda, and Kaulinda. Their coins have been found mostly in the Himalayan foothills, between the Rivers Sutlej and Yamuna. The Kuninda were therefore neighbors of the Kuluta and Trigarta clans.

Their coins have the figure of Bhagwan Shiva holding a trident, with the legend: Bhagwatah Chatresvara-Mahatmanah, translating to Bhagwan Shiva, tutelary deity of Ahichhatra, the Kuninda capital. On the obverse the coins portray a deer, six-arched hill, and a tree-in-railing.

These coins are made of copper, silver, and bronze, and are found from the 1st century BCE to the 3rd century CE. This suggests that the Kuninda gained independence from both the Indo-Greek and Kushan invaders. A Raja named Amoghabhuti features prominently in the later coins, which bear a striking resemblance to the coinage of the Yaudheya clan. It seems that the Kunindas in alliance with the latter ejected the Kushans in the 3rd century CE.

By the 5th century the clan-state of the Kuninda disappeared, or more accurately, broke-up into tiny fragments under the families of Ranas and Thakkuras just as their neighbors the Kuluta. The region of Simla Hills, down to the 20th century, was littered with tiny entities ruled by such petty chieftains, which were grouped by the British Empire into the Simla Hill States.

Yaudheya

Yaudheya were the rulers of South-Eastern Punjab and Rajasthan. Like many other tribes they declared their independence after the death of Pushyamitra Sunga in the middle of the second century B.C.E. Yaudheya clan has also been mentioned in Ashtadhyayi of Panini as well as in Ganapatha. They have also been referred in Mahabharata, Brihatsamhita Puranas, Chandravyakarana and Kashika. From about 200 BCE to 400 CE they were at the peak of their power. The existence of this powerful clan has come to Light from their coins and coin-moulds found in large number in Sutlej, Multan, Bhatner, Sirsa, Hansi and Panipat. Most of these coins depicted the god Karttikeya or also known as Brahmanyadeva.

Yaudheya as we know it were an ancient republican city state or tribe of traders and warriors. The name ‘Yudha’ itself means a proficient fighter. Yaudheyas claim that they descended from Yudhishthira. Many ancient texts have mentioned this tribe; also historians of Alexander wrote about people ‘living in exceedingly fertile territory and good at agriculture and brave in war’. Ancient accounts of Kautilya mention many ganas(republic states) living by the profession of trades and arms and after the death of Pusyamitra Sunga started moving south wards, probably under the pressure of Indo-Greeks and occupied the region of North of Saraswati. Yaudheya had a high social and political status; thus surviving the longest reign. Yaudheya’s were probably at the height of their power and glory during the period extending from circa mid-second century BCE to the fouth century CE when they struck coins as well.

Coinage

Though coins are small in size they open up window various aspects of culture, political life, economic progress, Trade and Commerce of people. Especially the coins of ancient cultures where there are barely any other evidences available. The movement of various tribes can be traced from its coin. The Yaudheya issued their earliest coinage in copper, bronze and potin with the brahmi legend ‘Yoaudheyanam’. Karttikeya being the warrior god was the main deity on coins of Yaudheya and also peacock is widely depicted (vehicle of the war-god karttikeya).

  1. Allan extensively studies coins from Indian subcontinent and has segregated the Yaudheya coinage in 6 broad categories.
  2. Obverse containing combination of some of the symbols – Ujjain symbol, double trident, star or sun, triangle headed staff and legend in Brahmi ‘Maharajasa’ and inverted trident on the reverse. These coins are only found in Potin.
  3. Bull before sacrificial post on obverse with Brahmi legend ‘Yaudheyanam Bahudhanaka’ with elephant with a nandipada above and a flowing pennon behind.
  4. Coins with legend Bhanuvarmasa found along with coins of class 6.
  5. Represened by a single small square copper coin with the legend ‘Yaudheyanam’ above a bull to right in characters of the first century with plain or illegible reverse.
  6. Showing Unicephalous Karttikeya with legend ‘Yaudheya-ganasya jaya’ on the obverse and his spouse Devasena on the reverse. There are varieties with the legend followed by dviand tri and some additional symbols on the reverse.
  7. The obverse of the coin shows six-headed Karttikeya with brahmi legend ‘Bhagavata-svamino Brahmanya’ and reverse contains six-headed Shashthi standing facing between multi-arched chaitya surmounted by a nandipada on left with multi-branched tree in railing on right and wavy line below. This coinage is closely connected with the coinage of the Kuninda tribe. Varieties of this coinage show Siva replacing Karttikeya and deer below temple.

,

The Kuninda Kingdom was a kingdom that existed in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India, from the 2nd century BCE to the 6th century CE. The kingdom was founded by the Kunindas, a tribe of Indo-Aryan origin. The Kunindas were a powerful kingdom and had a significant influence on the history of Uttarakhand.

The Kuninda Kingdom was a major center of trade and commerce. The kingdom was also a center of Learning and culture. The Kunindas were patrons of the arts and sciences. The kingdom was also a center of Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism and Buddhism-2/”>Buddhism.

The Kuninda Kingdom was eventually conquered by The Gupta Empire in the 6th century CE. However, the Kunindas left a lasting legacy on the history of Uttarakhand.

History of Uttarakhand

The history of Uttarakhand is long and complex. The region was first inhabited by the Indo-Aryans in the 2nd millennium BCE. The Indo-Aryans were a group of people who migrated from Central Asia to India. They brought with them their language, culture, and religion.

The Indo-Aryans settled in the Kumaon region and founded the Kuninda Kingdom. The Kuninda Kingdom was a powerful kingdom and had a significant influence on the history of Uttarakhand.

The Kuninda Kingdom was eventually conquered by the Gupta Empire in the 6th century CE. However, the Kunindas left a lasting legacy on the history of Uttarakhand.

Indo-Aryans

The Indo-Aryans were a group of people who migrated from Central Asia to India in the 2nd millennium BCE. They brought with them their language, culture, and religion.

The Indo-Aryans settled in the Kumaon region and founded the Kuninda Kingdom. The Kuninda Kingdom was a powerful kingdom and had a significant influence on the history of Uttarakhand.

The Indo-Aryans were a warrior people and were skilled in horsemanship and archery. They were also skilled in agriculture and trade.

The Indo-Aryans were polytheistic and worshipped a number of gods and goddesses. The most important god was Indra, the god of war.

The Indo-Aryans spoke a language called Sanskrit. Sanskrit is the oldest language in India and is the ancestor of many modern Indian languages.

Trade and commerce

The Kuninda Kingdom was a major center of trade and commerce. The kingdom was located on the trade route between India and Central Asia. The Kunindas traded in a variety of goods, including gold, silver, spices, and textiles.

The Kunindas also traded in horses. The Kuninda horses were known for their speed and strength. The Kunindas exported horses to many parts of India and Central Asia.

Learning and culture

The Kunindas were patrons of the arts and sciences. They built temples, palaces, and libraries. The Kunindas also supported a number of scholars and artists.

The Kunindas were also tolerant of other religions. They allowed Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains to live in their kingdom.

Hinduism

Hinduism is the oldest religion in the world. It is a polytheistic religion and has a long and complex history.

Hinduism originated in India in the 2nd millennium BCE. The religion was influenced by the Indo-Aryans, who brought with them their language, culture, and religion.

Hinduism is a complex religion with a variety of beliefs and practices. The most important Hindu gods are Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.

Hinduism is also a tolerant religion and accepts a variety of beliefs and practices.

Buddhism

Buddhism is a religion that originated in India in the 6th century BCE. The religion was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, who is also known as the Buddha.

Buddhism is a non-theistic religion, which means that it does not believe in a supreme god. The Buddha taught that the cause of suffering is desire and that the way to end suffering is to follow the Eightfold Path.

Buddhism is a popular Religion in India and is also practiced in many other parts of the world.

Gupta Empire

The Gupta Empire was an Indian empire that existed from the 4th to the 6th centuries CE. The empire was founded by Chandragupta I and reached its peak under the reign of Ashoka the Great.

The Gupta Empire was a golden age for India. The empire was a major center of learning and culture. The Guptas were patrons of the arts and sciences. The empire also saw a revival of Hinduism and Buddhism.

The Gupta Empire was eventually conquered by the Huns in the 6th century CE. However, the Guptas left a lasting legacy on the history of India.

The Kuninda Kingdom was an ancient Indian kingdom that existed in the region of present-day Uttarakhand. The kingdom was founded in the 6th century BCE by the Kuninda dynasty, and it lasted until the 4th century CE. The Kuninda Kingdom was a powerful and influential kingdom, and it played a significant role in the history of India.

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Kuninda Kingdom:

  1. When was the Kuninda Kingdom founded?
    The Kuninda Kingdom was founded in the 6th century BCE.

  2. Who founded the Kuninda Kingdom?
    The Kuninda Kingdom was founded by the Kuninda dynasty.

  3. Where was the Kuninda Kingdom located?
    The Kuninda Kingdom was located in the region of present-day Uttarakhand.

  4. When did the Kuninda Kingdom end?
    The Kuninda Kingdom ended in the 4th century CE.

  5. What was the capital of the Kuninda Kingdom?
    The capital of the Kuninda Kingdom was at Ahichatra.

  6. What was the religion of the Kuninda Kingdom?
    The religion of the Kuninda Kingdom was Hinduism.

  7. What was the language of the Kuninda Kingdom?
    The language of the Kuninda Kingdom was Sanskrit.

  8. What was the economy of the Kuninda Kingdom based on?
    The economy of the Kuninda Kingdom was based on agriculture, trade, and manufacturing.

  9. What was the government of the Kuninda Kingdom like?
    The government of the Kuninda Kingdom was a Monarchy.

  10. What was the culture of the Kuninda Kingdom like?
    The culture of the Kuninda Kingdom was a mix of Hindu and Buddhist cultures.

  11. What were some of the achievements of the Kuninda Kingdom?
    The Kuninda Kingdom was a powerful and influential kingdom, and it played a significant role in the history of India. The Kuninda Kingdom was also a center of learning and culture.

  12. What were some of the challenges faced by the Kuninda Kingdom?
    The Kuninda Kingdom faced a number of challenges, including invasions from neighboring kingdoms and internal conflicts.

  13. What was the legacy of the Kuninda Kingdom?
    The Kuninda Kingdom left a lasting legacy on the history and culture of India. The Kuninda Kingdom was a powerful and influential kingdom, and it played a significant role in the development of Hinduism and Buddhism. The Kuninda Kingdom was also a center of learning and culture.

Question 1

The Kuninda Kingdom was a kingdom that existed in the Himalayas from the 2nd century BCE to the 6th century CE. It was located in what is now the Indian state of Uttarakhand.

The Kunindas were a tribe of Indo-Aryan origin. They were ruled by a king who was known as the “Kuninda Raja.” The capital of the Kuninda Kingdom was at Ahichchhatra.

The Kunindas were a powerful kingdom. They were known for their military prowess and their wealth. They were also known for their religious Tolerance.

The Kuninda Kingdom came to an end in the 6th century CE. It was conquered by the Gupta Empire.

Which of the following is NOT true about the Kuninda Kingdom?

(A) The Kuninda Kingdom was located in the Himalayas.
(B) The Kunindas were a tribe of Indo-Aryan origin.
(C) The capital of the Kuninda Kingdom was at Ahichchhatra.
(D) The Kunindas were a powerful kingdom.
(E) The Kuninda Kingdom came to an end in the 6th century CE.

Answer: (D) The Kunindas were a powerful kingdom.

The Kunindas were a kingdom that existed in the Himalayas from the 2nd century BCE to the 6th century CE. They were located in what is now the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The Kunindas were a tribe of Indo-Aryan origin. They were ruled by a king who was known as the “Kuninda Raja.” The capital of the Kuninda Kingdom was at Ahichchhatra. The Kunindas were a powerful kingdom. They were known for their military prowess and their wealth. They were also known for their religious tolerance. The Kuninda Kingdom came to an end in the 6th century CE. It was conquered by the Gupta Empire.

The Kunindas were not a powerful kingdom. They were a small kingdom that was located in the Himalayas. They were not known for their military prowess or their wealth. They were also not known for their religious tolerance.

Question 2

The Kuninda Kingdom was a kingdom that existed in the Himalayas from the 2nd century BCE to the 6th century CE. It was located in what is now the Indian state of Uttarakhand.

The Kunindas were a tribe of Indo-Aryan origin. They were ruled by a king who was known as the “Kuninda Raja.” The capital of the Kuninda Kingdom was at Ahichchhatra.

The Kunindas were a powerful kingdom. They were known for their military prowess and their wealth. They were also known for their religious tolerance.

The Kuninda Kingdom came to an end in the 6th century CE. It was conquered by the Gupta Empire.

Which of the following is NOT a source of information about the Kuninda Kingdom?

(A) The Mahabharata
(B) The Ramayana
(C) The Puranas
(D) The Arthashastra
(E) The Chinese traveler Xuanzang

Answer: (A) The Mahabharata

The Mahabharata is an ancient Indian epic poem. It is one of the longest epic poems in the world. The Mahabharata tells the story of the Kurukshetra War. The Kurukshetra War was a war between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. The Pandavas were the rightful heirs to the throne of Hastinapura. The Kauravas were the illegitimate heirs to the throne of Hastinapura. The Kurukshetra War was a bloody war. Millions of people were killed in the war. The Mahabharata is a source of information about the Kuninda Kingdom. However, the Mahabharata is not the only source of information about the Kuninda Kingdom. The Ramayana, the Puranas, the Arthashastra, and the Chinese traveler Xuanzang are also sources of information about the Kuninda Kingdom.

Question 3

The Kuninda Kingdom was a kingdom that existed in the Himalayas from the 2nd century BCE to the 6th century CE. It was located in what is now the Indian state of Uttarakhand.

The Kunindas were a tribe of Indo-Aryan origin. They were ruled by a king who was known as the “Kuninda Raja.” The capital of the Kuninda Kingdom was at Ahichchhatra.

The Kunindas were a powerful kingdom. They were known for their military prowess and their wealth. They were also known for their religious tolerance.

The Kuninda Kingdom came to an end in the 6th century CE. It was conquered by the Gupta Empire.

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the Kuninda Kingdom?

(A) The Kuninda