The Battle of Ten Kings: First recorded battle of India

The Battle of the Ten Kings is a significant event described in the Rigveda, one of the oldest sacred texts in Hinduism. The details provided in the Rigveda, specifically in Mandala 7, hymns 18–33, narrate the story of a conflict between the Bharatas, led by King Sudas, and a confederation of ten other kings led by Vishwamitra.

Background:

The Rigveda, composed around 1500–1200 BCE, is one of the oldest sacred texts in Hinduism. It consists of hymns dedicated to various deities, and among them, Mandala 7 recounts the Battle of the Ten Kings. The historical context of this battle is not explicitly mentioned, and details are inferred from the hymns.

Participants:

1. Sudas (Bharatas): King Sudas, the leader of the Bharatas, is the central figure in this conflict. He is described as a righteous king who sought the support of the priest Vasishtha and the god Indra.

2. Vishwamitra (Coalition): Initially an ally of Sudas, Vishwamitra switched sides and became the leader of the confederation of ten kings opposing Sudas.

Cause of the Battle:

The specific cause of the conflict is not explicitly stated in the Rigveda. Interpretations suggest that it might have been a political or territorial dispute between Sudas and the other kings. The hymns emphasize the importance of divine support and righteousness.

Prelude to Battle:

Vishwamitra, along with the ten kings, gathered a formidable force to confront Sudas and the Bharatas. Despite being outnumbered, Sudas sought the support of the priest Vasishtha and the god Indra.

The battle took place on the banks of the river Parushni (identified with the Ravi River). Sudas, with the guidance of Vasishtha and the assistance of Indra, led his forces into battle against the confederation of ten kings.

Divine Assistance:

The hymns in the Rigveda highlight the divine intervention during the battle. Indra, the king of gods, is praised for supporting Sudas and aiding the Bharatas in their victory.

Victory of the Bharatas:

Despite being outnumbered, Sudas and the Bharatas emerged victorious in the Battle of the Ten Kings. The hymns express the glory and praise of Sudas and the divine support that played a crucial role in their triumph.

Following the battle, Sudas gained acclaim as a celebrated king. The hymns continue to extol Sudas’s virtues, emphasizing the importance of righteousness and the divine favor he received through the priest Vasishtha and the god Indra.

Significance:

The Battle of the Ten Kings is significant not only as a historical event but also as a reflection of the social, political, and religious dynamics of ancient Indian society. The hymns provide insights into the the roles of kings, priests, and deities in warfare.

Originally published at https://mysterylens.blogspot.com on December 5, 2023.