Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

Author(s): J C Sikdar
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology & Ahimsa Mujjaffarpur

Page 532

Sec. V]
STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATI SŮTRA
507
which is also mentioned in the Grammar of Pāṇini' in association with the Gotras, Janapadas and Sanghas, where they, as the original founders, gave their names to the region where they settled down.
"Janapadaśabdāt Kșatriyadān".
They may be identified with the Kathaioi or Cathaeans of the Greek writers some of whom place “Cathaia and the country of Sopheithes, one of the monarchs, in the tract between the rivers, Hydas pes (Jhelum) and Acesines (the Cenāba); some on the other side of the Acesines and of the Hydaratis (the Rāvī) on the confines of the territory of the other Poras, the nephew of Poras who was taken prisoner by Alexander”.*
The Kathaians were well-known and renowned for their bravery and skill in the art of warfare. It is stated by Onesikritos that the most beautiful man among them was chosen as king in Kathaia. The Ksatriyas of the Bhs may be one of the branches of that famous Ksatriya clan of that name who probably migrated to the east and settled over the Vaisalz region in course of time,
FIFTH SECTION
Tribes and Races
As already pointed out in the first and third sections of the fourth chapter the BhS,' while giving a list of female servants and slaves makes mention of their respective tribal, racial and country names. They are as follows: Cilaiyā, Babbariyā, Tsiganiyā, Vāsaganiya, Joņhiyā, Pallaviyā, Lhāsiya, Lausiyā, Arabi,
i Panini, 1. 168. Strabo, H. and F's translation III. p. 92. See Jolly S.B.E. VII, 15: Ep. Ind. III, 8. Ct. Pāṇini II, 4, 20, Mahābhārata, VIII, 85, 16. Vide, P.H.A.I., Dr. Ray Chaudhury, 5th Ed. p. 251 for the identification and location of the Kathaioi ; Cambridge
History of India, Vol. 1. 371. 8 Mc. Crindle : Ancient India as described in classical literature
p. 38. Bhs, 9, 33, 380.