________________
SAUBHŪTI THE NOMARCH 251 by Alexander.” The Kathaioi probably represent the Sanskrit Katha, Kāthaka," Kantha2 or Krātha. They were the most eminent among the independent tribes dwelling in the area of which the principal centre was Sangala (Sānkala). This town was probably situated in the Gurudāspur district, not far from Fathgarh. Anspach locates it at Jandiāla to the east of Amritsar.5
The Kathaians enjoyed the highest reputation for courage and skill in the art of war. Onesikritos tells us that in Kathaia the handsomest man was chosen as king.
14. The kingdom of Sophytes (Saubhūti), probably along the banks of the Jhelum :
In the opinion of Smith, the position of this kingdom is fixed by the remark of Strabo? that it included a mountain composed of fossil salt sufficient for the whole of India ; Sophytes was, therefore, according to him, the “lord of the fastness of the Salt Range stretching from the Jhelum to the Indus." But we have already seen that the classical writers agree in placing Sophytes' territory east of the Jhelum. Curtius tells us 8 that the nation ruled by Sopeithes (Sophytes), in the opinion of the "barbarians,” excelled in wisdom, and lived under 'good laws and customs. They did not acknowledge and rear children according to the will of the parents, but as the officers entrusted with the medical inspection of infants might direct, for if they
1 Jolly, SBE., VII. 15; Ep. Ind., III. 8. 2 Cf., Pāṇini, II. 4. 20. 3 Mbh., VIII. 85. 16. 4 JRAS., 1903, p. 687. 5. Camb. Hist. Ind., I, 371. 6 McCrindle, Ancient India as described in Classical Literature, p. 38. 7 H. & F.'s tr., III, p. 93. 8 Invasion of India by Alexander, p. 219. .
