The History of Yaudheyas

Yaudheyas were the ancient republican tribes. Panini's Ashtadhyayi and Ganapatha mentions their references. There are other references namely Mahabharata, Mahamayuri, Brihatsamhita, Puranas, Chandravyakarana, Kasika which also mentioned of Yaudheyas. As references are spanned from writings of early period to the mediaeval period, the chronology of Yaudheyas perhaps spans from as early as 5th century BC till 12th century AD. Probably they were in zenith of their power from about 2nd century BC to 4th century AD.

Their kingdoms included on the west - Sutlej, Depalpur, Satgarha, Ajundhan, Kahror, Multan, on the east - Bhatner, Abhor, Sirsa, Hansi, Panipat and Sonapat and on the north - Kangra. These were listed based on the assumptions of coin finds. Even Haryana and Panjab were included in the territory they might have ruled.

Yaudheyas issued three parallel series of coins, probably issued from its three divisions. The digits found on the obverse "Dvi" and "Tri" perhaps represents the second and third division. The unnumbered coin is assigned to its first division. Though this assignment contradicts others several suggestions, the fact is that they have atleast three standard types. They carried Kartikeya with peacock on the obverse sharing the legend in Brahmi, and Goddess Devasana (Indhras daughter) on the reverse. The obverse legend is the best clue on the nature of government they governed, it depicted "Yaudheya Ganasya Jaya". Several symbols are also found on the reverses of coins such as Kumbha, Nagamudra, Shankh, fork, Nandipada etc., As the standard of minting coin is comparable to the coins of earlier Kushana, it is assumed that the coinage were of 3rd or 4th century AD.