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"MITRAS” AND THEIR SUCCESSORS 401 region in the year 64 of an unspecified era. Epigraphic evidence of a late date points to some connection between the Lichchhavis and Pushpapura (Pāķaliputra). But it is difficult to say how far the tradition is genuine. The only rulers of note in the centuries immediately preceding the Christian era, whom we know from epigraphic evidence to have ruled in Magadha and the neighbouring provinces, are the so-called 'Mitras'. The prevalence of 'Mitra' rule is also hinted at by references in Jaina literature to Balamitra and Bhānumitra among the successors of Pushyamitra. From a study of available epigraphs Dr. Barua has compiled a list of 'Mitra kings'. It includes the names of Bșihatsvātimitra, Indrāgnimitra, Brahmamitra, Bșihaspatimitra, (Dhar)mamitra and Visbņumitra. To these should perhaps be added the names of Varuņamitra and Gomitra. Of these only Indrāgnimitra, Brahmamitra and possibly Brihaspatimitra are definitely associated with Magadha in addition to other territories. The rest are connected with Kaušāmbi and Mathurā.
It is not known in what relationship most of these “Mitra” kings stood to one another or to the celebrated families of the Surgas and the Kāņvas.
In Pāțaliputra as well as in Mathurā the "Mitras" seem to have been replaced eventually by the Scythian ‘Murundas’and Satraps who, in their turn, were supplanted by the Nāgas and the Guptas. Some scholars place
1 Allan refers to kings Brahmamitra, Dridhamitra, Suryamitra and Vishnumitra who issued coins identical in type with those of Gomitra. They were followed by rulers whose names ended in-datta, -bhūti and -ghosha.
O. P. 90–51.
