Let us resume the main topic:
“The Vata (=Varta)-Ashavkas were the Ashvakas who inhabited Eastern
Afghanistan and who were included in the general term Kambojas. On their
coins, there is a Kaboli in long robes doing obesiecance to Maurya
symbol, Chandra on hill (J. R. A. S. 1936, 437). ………..The legend
is in old Sanskrit script (brahmi)—Vatasvake. Here Vata is corruption
of Varta which reminds us of varta-shasteropajivin description of theirs
(Kambojas) in the Arathshastera…..†[Hindu Polity, Part I
II, 1978, p 121, Dr jayswal]
Cf: Kambhoj-Surashtra-Kashatrya-shrenadyo-varta-shasteropajivin (A. S.
XI.1.160, p 376) One of this group of republics seem to bear the name
vata (=varta) ashvakas, the Ashvakas following varta (horse
breeding/raising/trading). [see J.B.O.R.S. , XX, 289 on their coins].
(cf: op cit p 51, Dr Jayswal).
Pahlava-Sveta-Huna (white Huns)-chola (i.e.northern) (cf Ency Brit (11th
ed, XIII, 330)- Avagana (=apagana=afghan)=Maru-China (XVI, 38,
Vrahamihira, Brahata-Samhita).
Cf: “….But the Mecedonian conqueror made short shrift of the
arrangement of Darius and over-running the Achaemenian empire, dashed
into Afghanistan and encountered the stiff resistence from the Kambojas
tribes called Aspasian and Assakenois, known in Indian texts as Ashvaya
and Ashvakayana…..â€â€¦[source: Punjab Past and Present, pp 9-10,
History of Poros, pp 12, 38, by Dr Buddha Parkash).
Dr L. M. Joshi and Dr Fauja Singh, the two well known scholars of Punjab
have also identified the Aspasios and Assakenois of the Greek with the
Kambojas of Indian Texts. [History of Punjab, Vol I, by Dr L. M. Joshi,
Dr Fauja Singh).
Dr H. C. Raychaudhury and Dr B. N. Mukerjee, two very well known
scholars of Bengal also identify the Assakenois/Aspasiois of the Greeks
with the Ashvakas of Sanskrit texts and further with the Kambojas of
ancient Sanskrit/Opalli Texts. (ref: Political History of Ancient India,
1996, p 133, 216, Dr H. C. Raychaudhury, Dr B. N. Mukerjee). The
reigning king of the Assakenois tribe at the time of Alexandra
Assakenos. (P.H.A.C, 1996, p 217, Dr Raychaudhary, Dr B. N. Mukerjee).
States Dr Raychaudhury: “With the expression Assanam-ayatanam, ‘land
of horses’ used by Pali texts in reference to the Kambojas
(Dictionery of ali Proper Names, I, 526; cf MBH., VI.90.3) may be
compared to the names Aspasio ans Assakenois given by the classical
writers to the sturdy tribes living in Alishang and Swat valleys in the
days of Alexandra (Camb Hidt Ind. I, 352 n). [PHAI 1996, p 133 fn 5, cf:
p 216 fn 3).
IMPORTANT COMMENT:
Afrikes or Erix was an offshoot of the Ashvaka/Ashvakan Kamboja
subtribe, whose chieftain had also been called Aphrikes by Diodoros or
Erix by Curtius, obviously after the name of the sub-tribe
(Aphrikese/Erixes) he represented or headed, as is usual for the Greek
writers. ( The Afrikes tribe also appears mentioned as Aprytae in other
classical writings of the Greeks: Ref: Gates of India, 1910 by Colonel
Sir Dr Thomas Holdich, K. C. M. G., K. C.I. E., C. B. D. Sc; for
Aparita/Apritah=Afridi, cf Hindu Polity, Part I II, 1978, p
123, Dr Jayswal). This Afrikes, the king of Afrikese tribe, faced the
onslaught of Alexandra after the defeat of other wing of his tribal
branch called Aornos or Ora. The tribal name Afridi whose representaives
are the modern Afridi Pashtuns, living mainly around the Khyber Pass
these days is evidently derived from this above Aphrikes or Erix or
Aprytae, according to the historians (Ref: Kamboja People and the
Country 1979 by Dr. J. Lal Kamboj, These Kamboj people 1979 by K. S.
Dard p 128, History of Panjaby Vol I II by Dr. Fauja Singh and
Dr L. M. Joshi). This Aphrikes of Diodoros and Erix of Curtius has been
described as the brother of the king or chief of Assakenois (=Ashvakan)
Kamboja tribe. (ref: Political History of Ancient India, 1996, p 217, Dr
Raychaudhury, Dr B. N. Mukerjee)..Chief Aphrikes led the flying
defenders of the famous fortress of Aornos (Ora) against the Greeks
(Camb Hist Ind I 356). Aornos is identified by Sir Aurel Stein with the
height of Una between Swat and the Indus (Alexandera’s Campaign on the
Frontier, Benares Hindu University, Magazine, Jan, 1927). The southern
side of the stronghold was washed by the Indus (Invasion of Alexandra,
271). The inhabitants thus seem to have migrated to Khyber Pass and
Kamma valley. The geographical region of Afghanistan to the south-east
of Kabol river, falling between Jalabad and the famous Khyber Pass of
Sfedkoh mountain system is also still called the Kamm or Kamma valley
(Ref: Struggle for Afghanistan 1991 page 158 by Nancy P Newell, Richards
C. Newell) which further reminds us of the ancient Kamboja vestige left
in this area, south-east of the Kabol river. [cf: ref: Military Text
Books Series: “From Black Mountain to Wazirstan, by Col H. C. Wylly,
C. B. 1912, p 237, 227 cf also: Kamma Daka, Kamma Shilman, Kamma Bela
regions names]. These regions are the modern habitats of the Afridi
tribe. Thus we learn that Afridis are also the descendents of ancient
Ashvakan/Ashvakayan/Aspasin/Asvayan Kamboja tribes. [cf: History of
Punjab, Vol I, by Dr Fauja Singh, Dr L. M. Joshi; also cf: These Kamboj
People, 1980, p 128, K. S. Dardi; also cf: Ancient Kamboja, People and
the Country, 1981, p 287].
The Ancient Kamboja was a country famous for its finest breed of horses.
Says Dr Michael Witzel: “….The best horses, according to Kautalya,
are said to come from Kamboja (Kautlya Arathshaster 2.30.29) which is
also well known from Mahabharata and Buddhist Jatakas (see Journal of
Royal Asiatic Society 1912, p 253)â€â€¦.The Buddhist Jataka
Sumanglavilasini designates the Kamboja land as the land of horses
[‘Kambojo- Assan-ayatanam’: Sumanglavilasini (P.T.S.), Vol I, p
124] …which expression means: Kamboja== > home of horses. {also
compare: Brahamanda, II, 2.16.16. D.P.P.N., I, p 526; Visuddhimagga,
(.P.T.S.) 332; Jataka no 504, according to Jain Uttaradhyanasutra, a
trained Kamboja steed excels all other horses (S.B.E. XLV, p 47; MBH
II., 49.20; 51.4; 90.3; VII, 23.7; 36.36;X.132; Vamsa Bhaskara
Madhyapithika etc etc. For Association of Kambojas with Ashvas, see our
earlier write-up on "Kambojas and Their World Class Horses").
The horse is called Ashava in Sanskrit and Assan in Pali. Thus the
‘Assan’ of the Sumandlavilasini and several other Buddhist Jatakas
refer to Ashva /Ashvaka of Sanskrit texts. The Kambojas were also
popularly known as Ashvaka or Ashvakan, Ashvakayan or Asvayan in
Sanskrit literature (e.g. Panini IV.3.99). The name also appears as
Assaka in Palli texts. Here Ashvaka/Ashvakan/Ashvakayan (nickname) etc
refer to the people connected with the horses..they were so nicknamed
because of their prominent profession for breeding/rasing and trading
horses etc. == >Thus the Kambojas, by virtue of their profession
connected with horses, were popularly called Ashvakas or Ashvakans etc
(cf: Dr K. P. Jayswal, Hindu Polity, p 140).
Besides the several authorities quoted above, other scholars like Dr
Romila Thapar, B. Mathew etc and several more also identify the
Ashavakas/Aspasins (Greek Assakenois/Aspasios) as being the sub-tribes
of the general major tribe known in Sanskrit/Palli texts as Kambojas.
ASPASIOI/ASPASIS (Asvayans, Aspasins, Aspasians): “Tribal people who
were living in the valley of Kunar/Chitral rivers to north-west Indian
Frontiers at the time of invasion of Alexandra, the great, had offered
stiff resistance to Greek invader and Alexandra had to fight two battles
with them before were finally reduced to submission†[extract taken
from: Dictionary of Indian History, 1967 by S. N. Bhattacharya, George
Braziller, N. Y.]
ASAKANOIS (Ashvak/Ashvakan/Ashvakayan/Askenians): Tribal people who
occupied at the time of invasion of India by Alexandra; the great
portion of their the Swat valley near Markand pass, had a large army
and seat of their government was at the fortified place called Massaga.
It was formidable fortress , protected by nature and human art.
Assakenois offered very stout resistance on one occasion
succeeded in wounding Alexandra with an arrow. But in the end, Alexandra
triumphed, the fort of Massaga was captured and Assakenois were reduced
to submission after severe slaughter.†[extract taken from:
Dictionary of Indian History, 1967 by S. N. Bhattacharya, Goerge
Brazillar, N. Y.]
The relics of these clans are still identifiable from the modern Kamboja
clan names like Ashoke, Asoi/Soi, Asavan/Sawan etc. The other well
known Kamboja clans living in Kunar/Swat Valley
During the times of Alexandra were Gureans (=Gore), Gandaris
(=Gandhe/Gaindey/Gandher), Mallois (=Mallas), Sabagrae (=Sabras),
Glauganicians/Gillausians (=Gillauvey) etc. The names within brackets
are the modern Kamboja surnames of these ancient clans.
The area of Kunar/Swat and Panjkors etc was inhabited by these Kamboja
tribes during Alexdra’s times. The descendents of the Gureans are
modern Gore tribe whose branches can still be found around the
confluence of Swat/Panjkora rivers as well as on both sides of Kabol
river where it merges with Lundei river. Note also that Lunde/Lundei is
also a clan of the modern Kambojas.
Thus we gather that the Ashvakas/Ashvakans/Ashvakayans/Asvayans people
were the clans of Kambojas. The general name for the tribe to which
these people belonged was Kamboja. But local name Ashvaka was applied to
the inhabitants of Kunar/Swat and Panjkora valleys simply because of
their chief profession i.e. because they were famous people as horse
breeders/raisers/traders.[ Cf: “The Vata (=Varta)-Ashavkas were the
Ashvakas who inhabited Eastern Afghanistan and who were included in the
general term Kambojas†ref p 121 of Hindu Polity, Dr Jayswal]
The modern Kambojas have physiognomic features resembling most
prominently with many clans of modern Afghans. According to researcher
K. S. Dardi, “the Kambojas can be easily identified from other clans
of Punjab on account of their unique physiognomic features. Ethnically,
they are generally well built and tall people with brown eyes, sharp
noses, reddish transparent body color, broad chests and long
necks……. They resemble more with the Iranians and Afghans than any
other tribes of north India†(op cit. K. S. Dardi, p 346/47, 192-193
etc).
Cf also: “Kambojas probably had both Iranian as well as Indian
affinitiesâ€. (Vedic Index of Names and Subjects Vol-I, p 138, by Dr
A. A. Mcdonnel, Dr. A. B. Keath)
A. H. Bingley, in his well known book [The Sikhs], endorses the
opinions of another English investigator about the Kambojas. Writes A.
H. Bingley: “…..One critique describes them ( Kambohs) as a tall,
strong, skillful and stiff- necked race and therefore RESMBLING MORE
WITH THE AFGHANS than ANY OF THE OTHER HINDU RACES living in the
plains of Punjab among whom they (Kambohs) have now settled for
several generations…….They are fit for military recruitment because
they are generally a hardy and of powerful physique†. [The Sikhs, A.
H. Bingley, 1970, p 57].
The above are the comments of one English investigator about the
Kambojas of Punjab which A. H. Bingley has reproduced as above in
reference to the Kambojas, in his well known book.
A PASSING COMMENT:
[On Kambojas’ excellent physical build, hardiness and enduring
courage which have been appreciated as their great qualities for
military recruitment, please also compare: “They (Kambohs) make
excellent soldiers, being of a very fine physique and possessing great
courage……….†[Source: The Sikhs and the Sikhs wars: Reginald
Holder (From the Punjab past and present Vol IV, Part I, April 1970
Serial No 7, edited by Dr Ganda Singh).]
And we have already demonstrated above based on scientific etymology,
the name AFGHAN is evidently derived from the name of
Ashvakan/Ashvakayan/Asvayan Kamboja sub-tribes…And these sub- tribes
were just a particular clans of a vast frontier tribe known by the
general name “Kamboja†in Sanskrit/Pali literature .
After his detailed investigation of the Kambojas and the Avestan
language, Dr Michael Witzel ( Harvard University, USA) has concluded
that ‘Kamboja’ was a general name for a numerous Iranian speaking
people (non-Indo-Aryans=Iranian Aryans) living on the border lands of
India and Iran. “Most probably, the Kamboja was a blanket term
covering all non-Indo-Aryans on the western border (cf: Corpus
Inscriptionum Indicarum, I, p 10, with ann; p. XXXVIII)†[Early
Eastern Iran And the Atharaveda, Persica-9, 1980, p 115, fn 87], Dr
Witzel.
THUS WE HAVE NO HESITATION IN STATING THAT IT WERE UNDOUBTEDLY THE
WARLIKE “ASHVAKAN†KAMBOJAS OF THE ALISHANG/SWAT/KUNAR/PANJKORA
VALLEYS WHO HAD GIVEN THE AFGHAN PEOPLE/ THEIR COUNTRY THEIR PRESENT
NAME.
IMPORTANT NOTE:: Kophen, Kaoufu, Kophes, Kubha, Kabol, Kipin, Kapicene,
Kapish, Kambysis etc are synonymous terms, according to numerous
scholars who further link these terms with Sanskrit Kamboj, Kabuj etc [,
J.W. Mcgrindle, Sir H. M. Elliot, R. K. Mukerjee, Dr D. C. Sircar, Dr
J. L. Kamboj etc]
For Kabuj=Kamboj, also ref to Dasam Granth, M/S Bhai Chater Singh ji
Co by Bhai Narain Singh Ji Giani, corrections by Dr Ajit singh
Ji Aulakh Ph D
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