Some Aspects of the Cultural History of Mithila (The Janaka Dynasty the Karnatas & the Oinwaras)

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The present work is an assessment of some aspects of the cultural history of Mithila. The glorious rule of Janaka of Vaideha, though dis- cussed in brief, shows how the roots of this culture gradually spread across the entire region. It did not fade away with the decline of the Janaka dynasty rather it opened new vistas in the realm of philosophy and literature, art and architecture a legacy to posterity.

For many a year it was an age of transition; society was in a state of flux marked by chaos and confusion, turnmoil and travail. But with the onset of the resign of the Karnatas and the Oinwaras, their cultural traits became prominent. These have been reviewed in details. The materials for the study are primarily based on literary sources. An attempt has also been made to present them in their rightful perspective.

A close persual of the contemporary tradition and culture depicts the enrichment of Brahmanical art and letters in diverse forms.

Since there has been an emphasis on the study of regional history to comprehend the cultural patterns of India in a more judicious way, Mithila constitutes one of the colourful spectacles of our national herit- age. Due to its peculiar geographical location and cultural pattern, its behaviour could develop independently. Hence there evolved certain dis- tinguishing characteristics in Mithila displaying its pleasures and pains and its hopes and doubts which form the part and parcel of the kaleidosopic culture of India.

As there are only a few books on the various aspects of the cultural history of Mithila, this work despite its limitations, is expected to add to the knowledge of the readers. I do not claim any originality and, for all the shortcomings of this attempt, I am solely responsible.

In the course of writing this book several scholars and colleagues namely Prof. (Dr.) Ajay Kumar Jha, Head, Prof. (Dr.) R. S. Tiwary and Prof. (Dr.) R. R. Mishra, P.G. Deptt. of History, T.M. Bhagalpur Univer- sity, Bhagalpur, and Dr. Raghavendra Jha, Head, Deptt. of History, B.N. College, Bhagalpur, helped me in varoius ways. The discussions with Prof. (Dr.) R.K. Sinha and Shri S.K. Tyagi, P.G. Deptt. of History and AIHC & Archaeology, T.M. Bhagalpur University, Bhagalpur, were quite fruitful.