Naraka dynasty
Encyclopedia
The Naraka dynasty is a mythological dynasty of Assam
that has been sourced to mentions in the Ramayana
, the Mahabharata
, the Kalika Purana, the Yogini Tantra
and local lore. There are no indications when they might have ruled, but they are probably true rulers whose accounts have been greatly exaggerated. At the very least, the local lore and the incorporation in various texts indicate they were powerful rulers from the past.
The dynasty was established by Narakasura
by removing the last of the Danava dynasty
of Pragjotisha. The suffix -asura indicates they were non-vedic at least, though in all probability, they were aborigines. The exploits of the king Naraka take place over a wide mythological period, and in many differing contexts. Thus it is possible that Naraka might refer to different historical persons. The last ruler, Suparua, was killed by his ministers.
Assam
Assam , also, rarely, Assam Valley and formerly the Assam Province , is a northeastern state of India and is one of the most culturally and geographically distinct regions of the country...
that has been sourced to mentions in the Ramayana
Ramayana
The Ramayana is an ancient Sanskrit epic. It is ascribed to the Hindu sage Valmiki and forms an important part of the Hindu canon , considered to be itihāsa. The Ramayana is one of the two great epics of India and Nepal, the other being the Mahabharata...
, the Mahabharata
Mahabharata
The Mahabharata is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India and Nepal, the other being the Ramayana. The epic is part of itihasa....
, the Kalika Purana, the Yogini Tantra
Yogini Tantra
Yogini Tantra is a voluminous Tantra that is especially important in the vamachara form of tantric worship. It is dedicated to the worship of Kali and Kamakhya. The work was composed in Assam, and generally contains some historical information....
and local lore. There are no indications when they might have ruled, but they are probably true rulers whose accounts have been greatly exaggerated. At the very least, the local lore and the incorporation in various texts indicate they were powerful rulers from the past.
The dynasty was established by Narakasura
Narakasura
In Hindu beliefs, Narakasura or Naraka is the asura son of the earth goddess Bhudevi and Lord Vishnu in his Varaha Avatar . In other sources, he is the son of the asura Hiranyaksha. He is said to have established the kingdom of Pragjyotisha in Assam after overthrowing the last of the Danava king...
by removing the last of the Danava dynasty
Danava dynasty
The Danava dynasty of Assam has been sourced only to Hindu literature and has no historical corroboration from other sources. This dynasty is important because the political account of Assam begin with it....
of Pragjotisha. The suffix -asura indicates they were non-vedic at least, though in all probability, they were aborigines. The exploits of the king Naraka take place over a wide mythological period, and in many differing contexts. Thus it is possible that Naraka might refer to different historical persons. The last ruler, Suparua, was killed by his ministers.
Rulers
- Narakasura
- (Many Narakas)
- Bhagadatta
- Vajradatta
- Vajrapani
- ...
- Subahu
- Suparua