Agnimitra
Topic: Post-Mauryan India: Shungas to Kushanas · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
Agnimitra was the son of Pushyamitra Shunga, who founded the Shunga dynasty. While his father was king, Agnimitra governed from Vidisha in central India as a viceroy, a ruler who governs a region on the king's behalf. He later became the Shunga king after his father, in the 2nd century BCE. Many centuries later, he became famous in Sanskrit literature.
Example
The poet Kalidasa made Agnimitra the hero of his Sanskrit play Malavikagnimitram. The play tells the story of his love for Malavika, and it is set at his court in Vidisha.
Don't confuse with
- Pushyamitra Shunga: the father. He founded the dynasty and performed the ashvamedha. Agnimitra was his son and successor.