Mithila Kingdom: Origin, History, and Fall
The Mithila Kingdom, which existed in parts of modern Nepal and India, is considered a divine kingdom of Hindu history. The Kingdom was bounded by the Koshi River in the East, the Gandaki River in the West the Ganges in the South, and the foothills of the Himalayas in the North. It was originally called Videha, known later became famously known as Mithila. It was the birthplace of Princess Sita, and her father Shirdhwaj Janak, both of whom are renowned today for their works of glory. Except that, meant great persons had taken birth or practiced their profession in this holy land. It was once a venue for the creation of many philosophies, art, and inventions. This Kingdom, which is recorded to have been a very powerful one once, ultimately had its downfall, and its history has sadly fallen in negligence at the present times.
Origin
Madhava Videha was the founder and the first King of the Mithila Kingdom, who came to this part of the land by crossing the Gandaki river with his guru Gautama Rahugana. The Kingdom was named after him and was originally called the Videha Kingdom. However, after the birth of King Mithi, it became famous by his name and got to be popular as Mithila. Mithi, of the Videha dynasty, was the son of King Nimi. According to ancient stories, King Nimi died at a young age without having had the opportunity of giving birth to an heir. His death left the throne empty and the people without any leader. Thus, the Rishis of the Videha used the powers of meditation and created offspring from the dead body of Nimi. This offspring was named Mithi and titled ‘Janaka’ as he came directly from his father’s body (Janaka in Sanskrit translates to ‘father’). All his offspring from then on used this title as their surname. The full name of the father of Goddess Sita, which many people assume only to be Janak, is actually Shirdhwaj Janak. The capital of this Kingdom also became famous by the title, and is known as ‘Janakpur’. Janakpur currently lies in the plains of Nepal.
Glorifying history
The history of the Mithila kingdom ranges from the Vedic age to the modern time period. This part of the land was rich with culture and traditions, spiritual knowledge, the reminisces of which can still be seen today. Even at present times, Mithila art is very popular in Nepal and India. Many festivals and celebrations have their origin rooted in this place. Maithali language is praised, for its peaceful and soft nature. Many spiritual practitioners, philosophers, artists, scientists, gurus, and warriors have been born in this land and have given invaluable contributions to mankind. Sadhu Yajnavalkya (read yeg-na-baal-kia) who wrote Yajnavalkya Smriti which exists in the form of life-Dharma-related texts of Hinduism lived here. Rishi Gautama, who established different philosophies and forms of literature was also born here. Kapil Muni, who brought on knowledge about counting, was also born in this place. Sita’s birthplace is also popularly known to be Janakpur. Her father King Sirdhwoj Janak, was not only regarded as a great King during his reign but was also considered a Buddha Purush, meaning ‘an enlightened person’.
Fall of the Mithila Kingdom
The last King of the Janak dynasty is said to be one who was very unfit for the leadership of the Kingdom. Due to this reason, the citizens of the Kingdom protested under the leadership of Acharya Muni. He was ripped off his throne and a new system was introduced where the rulers were chosen by the people. Many historians claim this to be the first democracy in the whole world. The system continued to be followed by many generations for more than 100 years until the Kingdom was attacked and conquered by King Ashoka of Magadha.
