Nagavanshi - History of Nagavansh

History of Nagavansh

Lal Pradaman Singh has written the history of Nagavansh. He claims that Nāgas originated from Kashyapa, father of Surya from whom clan of Suryawanshi kshatriyas evolved. The Nether World known as Pathala was the habitation of Nagas and Anantha as the Emperor of Naga, Sarpa, Uraga, and Pannaga. The Vedas do not mention Kshatriyas of either Suryavanshi also known as Sooryavamsham, Chandravanshi, Nagavanshi, Agnivanshi or any such lineage. The Puranas constructed such genealogies. The Nāgvanshis acquired the status of Devas due to their excellent qualities, behavior and actions. Purānas mention Nāgas along with devas. Purānas mention of many Nāga Kingdoms. In ancient times Nāgas were the rulers of entire India. Mathura, Padmavati and Kantipur were capitals of Naga dynasty.

In chapter 29 of "India of the Dark Ages" the ancestor of Taksha is mentioned as Raja Gajvkatra. In chapter 42 of the same book it is mentioned that Naga Republic extended from Eastern Punjab to the Ganga and Yodhya republic extended into Rajasthan. According to Dr. B. R. Ambedkar(Writing and speeches by Maharashtra Govt. Vol-18 partIII), Nagpur belonged to the Nagas. Naagar Brahmins also said to be originated from there.

During the peak period of their rule Naga rulers had sent armies to other countries and also conquered them. In many places Indian Nāgas have been mentioned as ruling dynasties such as Takshak, Tushta, etc. Apart from these there were many branches of Nāgas such as Karkotaka Vanshi, Shesha Vanshi, Vāsuki Vanshi, Ahi Vanshi, Manibhadra Vanshi, etc. These branches further developed as sub branches such as Sind Vansh, Kushan Vansh, Bais Vansh and Saindhav Vansh etc.

The group of people developed their Vansha according to their system of worship of Devas and Nāgas. In Devas the worshippers of Indra were known as Aindra, worshippers of Varun as Vārun, worshippers of Mitra (Sun) as Maitreya, Maitraka or Mitrā, worshippers of Shiva as Shivi or Shaivya, worshippers of Marut as Mārut, worshippers of Gandharva as Gāndharva, worshippers of Shesha as Sheshma, worshippers of Karka as Karkotaka, worshippers of Nāga as Nāgā or Nāgil.