The Apracharajas (Gandhari: 𐨀𐨤𐨿𐨪𐨕𐨪𐨗), also known as Avacarajas (Gandhari: 𐨀𐨬𐨕𐨪𐨗), were a local ruling dynasty of Gandhara. Their capital, known as Apracapura or Avacapura, was located in Bajaur, though from numismatic evidence and reliquary inscriptions, it appears that their territory at times encompassed the wider region of Gandhara. The official language of Apracharajas was Gandhari Prakrit, written in the Kharosthi script. They were contemporaries of Oḍirājas in Oddiyana, with whole they probably had matrimonial relations.

Based on their inscriptions and coinage, the Apracharajas are known to have patronised Buddhism. They constructed stupas and donated reliquaries in honor of the Buddha. The exact genealogical relation of Apracharajas with each other and their origins, however, remain less certain.

Origins

The etymology of 'apracharaja' has been the subject of dispute. N. G. Majumdar defined it as 'Kings without rival', however, H. W. Bailey contested this assertion, stating that it simply meant 'Kings of Apraca'.

According to Richard Solomon, Gandhari names of Apracha rulers like Vispavarma may have been originally non-Indic, suggesting them to be of Indo-Scythian descent. Several other scholars consider the dynasty to be of local origins.

History

The Apracharajas were mainly based in Gandhara, with their period extending from Menander II to the era of the early Kushans. They were known for supporting Buddhism.

The dynasty appears to have been founded by Vijayakamitra, a vassal to Menander II according to the Shinkot casket. The Shinkot casket inscription further states that Vijayamitra, a descendant of Vijayakamitra, around half a century after the initial inscription, restored it after it was damaged. He is presumed to have gained the throne in c. 2 BCE after succeeding Visnuvarma, with a reign of three decades lasting til c. 32 CE before being succeeded by his son Indravasu and then by Indravasu's grandson Indravarma II in c. 50 CE.

Some Apracharajas are documented in the Silver Reliquary (discovered at Sirkap, near Taxila) to have used the title of "stratega," a Greek title denoting a position equivalent to senapati, such as Indravarma who was initially a general during the reign of the Vijayamitra. Indravarma is additionally noted for receiving the Silver Reliquary from the Indo-Scythian monarch Kharahostes, which he subsequently rededicated as a Buddhist reliquary. In another reliquary inscription, Indravarma is noted as the Lord of Gandhara. According to Apracha chronology, Indravarma was the son of Visnuvarma, the Apracharaja preceding Vijayamitra.

Indravarma's son Aspavarma ruled between 20 and 50 CE; based on numismatic evidence, his tenure overlapped with that of Indo-Scythian ruler Azes II and the Indo-Parthian ruler Gondophares. According to a Buddhist Avadana, Aspavarma and a Saka noble, Jhadamitra, discussed the establishment of accommodation for monks during the rainy seasons. A reliquary inscription dedicated in 50 CE by a woman named Ariasrava describes that her donation was made during the reign of Gondophares' nephew, Abdagases I, and Aspavarma.

In an inscription dated to 30 CE, Satruleka, identified as a maternal nephew of Vijayamitra, describes himself as a Satrap. This coincides with the invasion of the Indo-Parthians, suggesting that he was appointed as Satrap in an alliance with Gondophares.

During the dominance of the Indo-Parthians, Sasan, nephew of Aspavarma, emerged as a figure of significance. Aspavarman, a preceding Apracharaja contemporaneous with Gondophares, was succeeded by Sasan, and his coinage shows that he assumed an independent position following Abdagases I. The Kushan ruler Vima Takto is known to have overstruck the coins of Sasan, whilst in a hoard the coins of Sasan were found together with that of Kujula Kadphises. In turn, Sasan also overstruck the coins of Nahapana of the Western Satraps, whose rule is dated between 40 and 78 CE.

Apracha reliquary inscriptions

Patronage of Buddhism

The Apracharajas embraced Buddhism: they are known for their numerous Buddhist dedications on reliquaries. On their coins Hellenic designs, derived from the coinage of the Indo-Greeks, continued to appear alongside Buddhist ones.

• Vijayamitra (ruled 12 BCE - 15 CE) personally dedicated in his name a Buddhist reliquary, the Shinkot casket. Some of his coins bear the Buddhist triratna symbol.

• Indravarman, while still a Prince, personally dedicated in 5-6 CE a Buddhist reliquary, the Bajaur casket, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Numerous Buddhist dedications were made by the rulers of the Apracas:

GenealogyRulers

Significant Aprachas

Family tree

See also

• Gandhara

• Indo-scythians

• Indo-Parthian Kingdom

References