Apracharajas

The Apracharajas, also known as Avacarajas, were a local ruling dynasty of Gandhara. The Apracharaja capital, known as Apracapura, was located in Bajaur, though from numismatic evidence and reliquary inscriptions, it is asserted that their territory encompassed the wider region of Gandhara, including the cities of Taxila and Pushkalavati. Under the administration of Sases, their domain expanded to incorporate the former territory of the kingdom of Porus, which extended as far as the river Ravi in the Punjab.
Based on analysis of their inscriptions and coinage, the Apracharajas are widely believed to have served as significant benefactors of Buddhism. Translated inscriptions indicate the donation of stupas and reliquaries in honor of the Buddha. Notably, Indragivarma, the second son of Vijayamitra the Apracharaja, and Utara, the spouse of Indravarma, detail the construction of stupas in previously unestablished locales. These inscriptions and coinage are consistently composed in Gandhari Prakrit, utilizing the Kharosthi script, thereby highlighting the adherence of these rulers to Gandharan culture.
The genesis of the Apracharajas is traced to the Apracharajas Visnuvarma and Vijayamitra, however the Bajaur casket inscription associated with them suggests a predecessor named Vijayakamitra, stated to have flourished during the era of Menander II of the Indo-Greek Kingdom. Research on reliquary inscriptions also further describes that Vijayamitra's direct predecessor to have been a Visnuvarma, however he has not been accurately dated. Notably, the administrative structure of the Apracha polity is characterized by a hierarchical arrangement, wherein absolute power is held by the patriarch, followed by subordinate generals, denoted by the Greek term "Stratega" in inscriptions. Of particular interest is the case of Satruleka, an Apracha figure who is bestowed with the title Satrap, deviating from the typical hierarchical designations. Below these tiers were Apracha princes who were potential successors to the throne.

Origins

The etymological interpretation of 'apracharaja' has been subject to considerable scholarly discourse. N. G. Majumdar posited that it is defined as 'Kings without rival', however, H. W. Bailey contested this assertion, stating that its significance is simply 'Kings of Apraca'.
According to Richard Solomon, Gandhari names of Apracha rulers like Vispavarma may have been originally non-Indic, suggesting them to be of Indo-Scythian descent. Several other scholars consider the dynasty to be of local Gandhari origins.

History

The Apracharajas were a historical dynasty situated in the region of Gandhara, extending from the governance of Menander II within the Indo-Greek Kingdom to the era of the early Kushans. Renowned for their significant support of Buddhism, this assertion is supported by swathes of discovered donations within their principal domain, between Taxila and Bajaur. Archaeological evidence also establishes dynastic affiliations between them and the rulers of Oddiyana in modern-day Swat.
The dynasty is argued to have been founded by Vijayakamitra, identified as a vassal to Menander II, according to the Shinkot casket. This epigraphic source further articulates that King Vijayamitra, a descendant of Vijayakamitra, approximately half a century subsequent to the initial inscription, is credited with its restoration following inflicted damage. He is presumed to have gained the throne in c. 2 BCE after succeeding Visnuvarma, with a reign of three decades lasting til c. 32 CE before being succeeded by his son Indravasu and then further by Indravasu's grandson Indravarma II in c. 50 CE.

Scythian era

Some Aprachas are documented on the Silver Reliquary discovered at Sirkap, near Taxila, designating the title "Stratega," denoting a position equivalent to Senapati, such as that of Indravarma who was a general during the reign of the Apracharaja Vijayamitra. Indravarma is additionally noteworthy for receiving the above-mentioned Silver Reliquary from the Indo-Scythian monarch Kharahostes, which he subsequently re-dedicated as a Buddhist reliquary, indicating was a gift in exchange for tribute or assistance. According to another reliquary inscription Indravarma is noted as the Lord of Gandhara and general during the reign of Vijayamitra. According to Apracha chronology, Indravarma was the son of Visnuvarma, the Aprachraja preceding Vijayamitra.
Indravarmas son Aspavarma is situated between 20 and 50 CE, during which numismatic evidence overlaps him with the Indo-Scythian ruler Azes II and Gondophares of the Indo-Parthians whilst also describing him as 'Stratega' or general of the Aprachas. In accordance with a Buddhist Avadana, Aspavarma and a Saka noble, Jhadamitra, engaged in discussions concerning the establishment of accommodation for monks during the rainy seasons, displaying that he was a patron of Buddhism. A reliquary inscription dedicated to 50 CE, by a woman named Ariasrava, describes that her donation was made during the reign of Gondophares nephew, Abdagases I, and Aspavarma, describing the joint rule by the Aprachas and the Indo-parthians.

Parthian era

In an inscription dated to 30 CE, Satruleka, identified as a maternal nephew of King Vijayamitra, the founder of the Apracharajas, describes himself as a Satrap. This occurrence coincides with the invasion of the Indo-Parthians, suggesting the possibility that his appointment as Satrap may have been affiliated with an alliance alongside Gondophares.
During the dominion of the Indo-Parthians, Apracharaja Sasan, as described on numismatic evidence identifying him as the nephew of Aspavarma, emerged as a figure of significance. Aspavarman, a preceding Apracharaja contemporaneous with Gondophares, was succeeded by Sasan, after having ascended from a subordinate governance role to a recognized position as one of Gondophares's successors. He assumed the position following Abdagases I. The Kushan ruler Vima Takto is known through numismatic evidence to have overstruck the coins of Sasan, whilst a numismatic hoard had found coins of Sasan together with smaller coins of Kujula Kadphises It has also been discovered that Sasan overstruck the coins of Nahapana of the Western Satraps, this line of coinage dating between 40 and 78 CE.
It is suggested that one Gondophares may be identical with Phraotes, a Greek-speaking king of the city of Taxila, met by the Greek philosopher Apollonius of Tyana around 46 CE. The Gondophares who fits this date is Gondophares IV Sases, whose coinage has been dated to 40-78 CE. Apollionus describes the king as an Indian. They describe Phraotes' capital, Taxila, as being the same size as Nineveh, being walled like a Greek city whilst also being shaped with Narrow roads, and further describe Phraotes kingdom as containing the old territory of Porus. Following an exchange with the king, Phraotes is reported to have subsidized both barbarians and neighboring states, with the objective of averting incursions into his kingdom. Phraotes also recounts that his father, being the son of a king, had become an orphan from a young age. In accordance with Indian customs, two of his relatives assumed responsibility for his upbringing until they were killed by rebellious nobles during a ritualistic ceremony along the Indus River. This event led to the usurpation of the throne, compelling Phraotes' father to seek refuge with the king situated beyond the Hydaspes River, in modern-day Punjab, a ruler esteemed greater than Phraotes' father. Moreover, Phraotes states that his father, received an education facilitated by the Brahmins upon request to the king and married the daughter of the Hydaspian king, whilst having one son that was Phraotes himself. Phraotes proceeds to narrate the opportune moment he seized to reclaim his ancestral kingdom, sparked by a rebellion of the citizens of Taxila against the usurpers. With fervent support from the populace, Phraotes led a triumphant entry into the residence of the usurpers, whilst the citizens brandished torches, swords, and bows in a display of unified resistance.

Apracha reliquary inscriptions

Patronage of Buddhism

The Apracharajas embraced Buddhism: they are known for their numerous Buddhist dedications on reliquaries. On their coins Hellenic designs, derived from the coinage of the Indo-Greeks, continued to appear alongside Buddhist ones.

Vijayamitra personally dedicated in his name a Buddhist reliquary, the Shinkot casket. Some of his coins bear the Buddhist triratna symbol.
Indravarman, while still a Prince, personally dedicated in 5-6 CE a Buddhist reliquary, the Bajaur casket, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Numerous Buddhist dedications were made by the rulers of the Apracas:
Image:BajaurCasket.jpg|thumb|The Bajaur casket was a Buddhist dedication made by Apraca king Indravarman. Metropolitan Museum of Art.