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Kausambi (Allahabad) is the place from where the Vatsa state emerged during the Bronze and Iron Age, we can say that Kausambi is the capital of Vatsa. It is located at the Yamuna and Ganga river’s confluence. The common language of Vatsa is Sanskrit and includes the following religions Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. It had a monarchy (Maharaja) government. The Vatsa ruler was Udayana and ruler Udyana made Buddhism a state religion. Mrigavati, his mother in Indian history, was the female ruler (earliest known for her work). It is the central city for economic activities. The word Vatsa is derived from Ardhamagadhi and Pali Vaccha which means ‘calf’. It is commonly known as Assaka.
The early period of Vatsa
The Kuru Dynasty consisted of the Jamuna-Ganga Doab and Delhi/Haryana areas during the period of Rig Vedic Age until the Kausambi (Prayag) . Hastinapur, the place which was ruined by the natural disaster flood during late Rig Vedic Age and Nicaksu, the Kuru king displaced his capital to Kaushambi (Kosambi), the newly built capital. The Kuru Dynasty was separated between Vatsas and Kurus when Arya Vatra included the various Mahajanapadas during the post Rig Vedic Age. The Vatsas regulated the Lower Doab which was further subdivided into 2 branches – one at Kaushambi and the second one at Mathura while the Kurus regulated Delhi, Haryana and Upper Doab.
Janamejaya’s great-great grandson Nicaksu, the Bharta King abdicated the city with his settlement in Kausambi. Pratijna-Yaugandharayana and Svapnavasavadatta mentioned Udayana King as Bharta Kula (family) scion.
The list of successors of Nicaksu ending with Ksemaka King was mentioned in Puranas. The Mahabharata as well as Ramayana accredit of founding Kausambi, its capital.
Shatanika II and Udayana
Shatanika II was Vatsa’s Bharata Dynasty’s first ruler who married the Videha princess and he further married to Chetaka, Lichhavi Chieftain’s daughter Mrigavati. Shatanika and Videha princess’s son Udayana was the Svapnavasavadatta’s romantic hero. His conquest was mentioned in Kathasaritsagara while Priyadarsika narrated his victory over Kalinga rulers as well as Drdhavarman restoration to Anga throne. His marriage stories with Vasuladatta or Vasavadatta (Pradyota’s daughter, the Avanti King) was described in Dhammapada’s commentary. He also married to Magandiya, Kuru Brahmin’s daughter as well as Samavati, Ghosaka’s adopted daughter and further Milindapanho was also his wife who was a peasant girl. His marriage with Aranyaka (Drdhavarman’s daughter) was described by or told by Priyadarsika. The romance story between Udayana and Sagarika was narrated by Ratnavali. The son of Udayana by his chief queen was Bodhi. Kausambi was visited by Budha several times during the Udayana region in his efforts to expand the Four Noble truths Path, Dharma and the Eightfold. He was the lay follower (Upasaka) of Buddha. Ekottara Agama, the canonical text of Buddhists was translated in Chinese which stated that the 1st Budha image was made under King Udayana’s instructions which was curved of the material sandalwood. The ruler Udyana made Buddhism a state religion.
Later Developments of Vatsa
DandapanI, Ksemaka, Vahinara and Niramitra were the four successors of King Udayana according to the Puranas. The Avanti kingdom later annexed the Vatsa Kingdom and the Pradyota’s great grandson, Maniprabha ruled as Avanti prince at Kaushambi. Ultimately, the Vatsa was annexed by Shishunaga in Magadha.
Conclusion
Vatsa also regarded as Vamsa was the central city for economic activities and Kausambi is the capital of Vatsa. Sanskrit is the language of Vatsa. Udayana was the great ruler of Vatsa who made Buddhism a state religion. Videha princess and Shantilal II were his parents. He did a great job and was known for his efforts in expanding the Four Noble truths Path, Dharma and the Eightfold.
