The Madras, an ancient tribe located in the northern region near the Uttara-Kurus, hold a significant place in historical texts and epic literature. Frequently mentioned in Puranic texts, the Madras are noted for their involvement during the epic of the Ramayana, where Sugriva dispatched monkeys to seek Sita in their land. Additionally, the Vishnu Purana lists the Madras alongside regions like Arama and Parasika, while the Matsya Purana links them with Gandhara and Yavana.
Historically,
the Madras occupied central Punjab, with their capital at Sagala (modern
Sialkot), situated between the Chenab and Ravi rivers. This geographic
positioning contributed to their prominence during the epic period. The kingdom
is notably referenced in the Bhisma
Parva of the Mahabharata, and further evidence of their existence can be
found in Varahamihira’s Brihat Samhita
and Panini's grammar.
According
to Sanskrit epics and Pali Jatakas, the Madras were classified as Kshatriyas,
the warrior class of ancient Indian society. They established matrimonial
alliances with notable Kshatriya dynasties of the Gangetic plains, exemplified
by the legendary story of Savitri, said to be the daughter of King Asvapati of
Madra. The Arthashastra by
Kautilya describes the Madras as a corporation of warriors, holding the status
of rajas.
Marriage
customs within the Madra community were distinctive; it was traditional for the
bride's family to receive a fee from the groom’s side. This practice is
illustrated in the marriage of Kunti to Pandu, where Bhisma negotiated with
King Salya for his sister’s hand, adhering to the community's customs.
The
Madras' influence persisted into the ninth century A.D., as they allied with
Dharmapala, the Bengal monarch, to overthrow Indraraja of Panchala. This
enduring legacy underscores their historical significance in ancient Indian society.