About the Bhauma (Asura) Dynasty of Pragjyotisha — Narakasura and Bhagadatta
The Bhauma dynasty, also called the Asura or Naraka dynasty, is the second legendary ruling line of Pragjyotisha after the Danavas. Its founder is Naraka (Narakasura). Like the Danava rulers, the Bhauma kings are known from the Puranas rather than from contemporary records, so historians treat the dynasty as legendary with a possible historical nucleus.
Naraka is regarded as the founder of the Bhauma (Asura) dynasty. The name Bhauma comes from Bhumi, the Earth goddess, because according to the Kalika Purana Naraka was the son of Bhumi and Vishnu (in his Varaha form). He established the kingdom of Pragjyotisha with its capital at Pragjyotishpur, and he is credited with introducing the worship of Kamakhya at Nilachal. According to legend, Naraka defeated the earlier Danava king Ghatakasura, and the goddess Kamakhya is said to have blessed him with the kingdom. The Kalika Purana also describes the gift of land (sasan) made by the Bhauma kings to Brahmins.
Naraka's son and successor was Bhagadatta, who is described in the Mahabharata as the king of Pragjyotisha. Bhagadatta fought on the side of the Kauravas and was a friend of Duryodhana; he was killed by Arjuna in the Mahabharata war. His son Vajradatta also fought in that war.
According to tradition the Bhauma dynasty ruled Pragjyotisha for fourteen generations, and the last king in some accounts was Vajradatta. The Bhauma kings are described in the Puranas as followers of the demonical (asuric) cult of the goddess, which links this line closely to Saktism and to the Kamakhya shrine at Nilachal hill. Historically, the Bhauma dynasty is treated as a legendary dynasty with a possible historical nucleus.
Main Facts about the Bhauma (Asura) Dynasty (Quick Revision Bullets)
- Founder: Naraka (Narakasura); the dynasty is also called the Asura or Naraka dynasty.
- Why "Bhauma": Naraka was the son of Bhumi (the Earth goddess).
- Parentage (Kalika Purana): Bhumi (Earth) and Vishnu in his Varaha form.
- Capital: Pragjyotishpur (Pragjyotisha), near Nilachal hill.
- Religion: introduced the worship of Kamakhya at Nilachal; followers of the asuric cult of the goddess (Saktism).
- Defeated: the earlier Danava king Ghatakasura; blessed by goddess Kamakhya.
- Successor: Bhagadatta, Naraka's son.
- Bhagadatta: king of Pragjyotisha; fought for the Kauravas; friend of Duryodhana; killed by Arjuna.
- Vajradatta: son of Bhagadatta; also fought in the Mahabharata war; last king in some accounts.
- Duration: fourteen generations according to tradition.
- Land grants: the sasan to Brahmins is described in the Kalika Purana.
- Historical status: legendary dynasty with a possible historical nucleus.
Why the Bhauma (Asura) Dynasty Matters for Assam Competitive Exams
The Bhauma dynasty connects the Puranic origin of Kamarupa with the Mahabharata. Examiners commonly ask who founded the dynasty, why it is called Bhauma, who Bhagadatta was and on which side he fought, and how many generations the line is said to have ruled. It is also a common source of confusion with the earlier Danava dynasty.
How to Prepare the Bhauma (Asura) Dynasty for Assam Exams
- Fix the two names. Naraka is the founder; Bhagadatta is his son and the Mahabharata figure.
- Remember the meaning of Bhauma. Bhauma → Bhumi (Earth) → son of the Earth goddess.
- Link it to Kamakhya. Naraka introduced the worship of Kamakhya at Nilachal.
- Separate the dynasties. Danava (Mahiranga) comes first, Bhauma (Naraka) comes next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded the Bhauma (Asura) dynasty of Pragjyotisha?
Naraka (Narakasura) is regarded as the founder of the Bhauma (Asura) dynasty.
Why is Naraka's dynasty called Bhauma?
It is called Bhauma because Naraka was the son of Bhumi, the Earth goddess.
Who was the son and successor of Narakasura?
Bhagadatta, who is described in the Mahabharata as the king of Pragjyotisha, succeeded Narakasura.
On which side did Bhagadatta fight in the Mahabharata war?
Bhagadatta fought on the side of the Kauravas and was killed by Arjuna.
For how many generations did the Bhauma dynasty rule according to tradition?
According to tradition the Bhauma dynasty ruled Pragjyotisha for fourteen generations.