Shaubhreya

Shaubhreya (शौभ्रेय) was an ancient republic of Ayudhjivi Sangha known to Panini.

Variants of name

• Saubhreya
• Śaubhreya
• Sabarcae (of Curtius)
• Sabagrae (by Orosius)

History

V. S. Agrawala mentions Ayudhjivi Sanghas in the Ganapatha which includes - Śaubhreya, probably named after original ancestor Shubhra (IV.1.123). The name was possibly connected with the Sabarcae of Curtius, who are named as Sabagrae by Orosius.

After the battle with the Oxydrakai (Kshudrakas) near the old junction of Ravi River with Chenab River, Alexander, marched towards the Subarcae, a powerful Indian tribe where the form of govt was democratic and not regal (Curtius). Their army consisted of 60000 foot and 6000 cavalry attended by 500 chariots. They had elected three generals renowned for their valour and military skill. The above description points to the Sabarcae having been an ayudhajivi Sangha, which the Saubhreyas of Panini were. In this case Greeks particularly noted the form of Govt which was democratic and not regal.

The territory of the Sangha lay on the lower course of the Chenab after it mate the Ravi River. The tribe was settled near the river by which Alexander was returning with his fleet after his battle with Kshudraka-Malavas. Both banks of river were thickly studded with villages.

References

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