The forgotten Vedic heroic tribe

The Vrishni tribe, also known as the Yadavas, were an ancient clan in India. They were primarily associated with the region of Mathura in present-day Uttar Pradesh. The Vrishnis were known for their close association with Lord Krishna and are mentioned in Hindu scriptures like the Mahabharata and the Bhagavata Purana.

However, it is important to note that the Vrishni tribe as a distinct community does not exist today. Over time, they assimilated into various other communities and castes in India. The Yadav community, which is one of the largest communities in India, claims descent from the Vrishnis.

The Vrishni tribe is an ancient Indian tribe believed to be descendants of the Yadu dynasty. They are mentioned in various ancient Hindu scriptures such as the Mahabharata and the Vishnu Purana. The Vrishnis were primarily associated with the city of Mathura and were known for their bravery and valor.

In addition to the Vrishni tribe, there are several other communities and tribes in India with diverse cultures, traditions, and histories. Some notable communities include the Bhils, Gonds, Santhals, Nagas, and many more. Each community has its own unique customs, languages, and social structures.

The Vrishnis were an ancient Vedic Indian clan believed to be the descendants of Vrishni. Vrishni was the son of Satvata, who was a descendant of Yadu, the son of Yayati. Vrishni had two wives, Gandhari and Madri. His son Devamidhusha, born to Madri, had a son named Vasudeva. Vasudeva, in turn, was the father of Krishna, the central figure in the Hindu epic Mahabharata. According to the Puranas, the Vrishnis were residents of Dvaraka, a legendary city associated with Krishna.

 

 Migration of Vrishnis to Dvaraka

In the Mahabharata and other Hindu scriptures, it is mentioned that Jarasandha, who was the father-in-law of Kamsa (Krishna's maternal uncle), invaded Mathura with a large army. Krishna, along with his brother Balarama, defeated Jarasandha's army of demons. However, another asura named Kalayavan surrounded Mathura with an army of thirty million monstrous fiends. In order to protect the people of Mathura, Krishna decided to leave Mathura and establish the city of Dwaraka as his new capital. Dwaraka is believed to be a legendary city located on the western coast of present-day Gujarat, India.

 Narayan Sena

In the Mahabharata, the Yadavas and Gopas are indeed mentioned as supporters of Duryodhana and the Kauravas. The Yadavas were a clan to which Lord Krishna belonged, and they were also known as the Abhiras. The terms Abhir, Gopa, Gopal, and Yadavas are used interchangeably in the Mahabharata.

According to the text, when Krishna offered the Yadavas/Gopas to fight on Duryodhana's side, it was during the Kurukshetra war. Arjuna, who was fighting for the Pandavas, was Krishna's close friend and devotee. Krishna wanted to remain neutral in the war, so he gave Duryodhana the option to choose between him and the Yadavas as allies.

When Duryodhana saw Krishna's divine form and realized his true identity, he chose Krishna as his ally. However, Krishna informed him that he would not fight but would instead become Arjuna's charioteer. The Yadavas, under the leadership of Balarama, Krishna's elder brother, fought on the side of the Kauravas.

During the war, Arjuna faced many challenges, including fighting against the Yadavas. However, when Arjuna revealed the identity of Krishna and his relationship with the Yadava clan, they spared him and withdrew from the battle.

 

Medieval Time Period

The Ay dynasty that existed in the south-western tip of the Indian peninsula. The Ay dynasty controlled territories such as the harbour of Vizhinjam, the fertile region of Nanjinad, and parts of the Western Ghat mountains. They were one of the major chieftains in early historic Kerala, along with the Cheras and the Musakas. The Ay dynasty acted as a buffer state between the powerful Pandyas/Cholas and the Cheras during the medieval period. Several kings, including Chadayan Karunanthan, Karunanthadakkkan "Srivallabha," and Vikramaditya "Varaguna," ruled over the Ay dynasty. The Ay kingdom was known for its Brahmin salai at Kantalur, which was sacked by Chola emperor Rajaraja I. Historians believe that the Ay dynasty was a significant power in the region until the 10th century AD

According to Attur Krishna Pisharodi's introduction to Lilathilakam, the Ayar family, who ruled the regions near Ayakkudi in Shencotta, were defeated by the Pandyas in the 8th century AD. As a result, they migrated to Vizhinjam, a sea port located eight miles southeast of Trivandrum. Despite their defeat, the Ay kings maintained their connection to the Yadu-kula and Krishna, as evidenced by their copper plate grants and inscriptions. The medieval Ay dynasty claimed to belong to the Yadava or Vrishni lineage, a claim that was also made by the rulers of Venad and Travancore. The tutelary deity of the medieval Ay family was Sri Padmanabha in Trivandrum.

Surasena Kingdom

The Surasena kingdom was an ancient Indian kingdom located in the northern part of present-day Uttar Pradesh, India. It was closely associated with the Vrishni tribe, which was a branch of the Yadava clan. The Vrishnis were believed to be descendants of Yadu, one of the legendary Yadava kings.

The connection between Surasena and the Vrishni tribe can be traced back to the Mahabharata, an ancient Indian epic. According to the epic, Krishna, who was a prominent figure in the Vrishni clan, belonged to the Surasena kingdom. Krishna's father, Vasudeva, was the ruler of Surasena, making Krishna a prince of Surasena.

The Vrishnis, including Krishna, played a significant role in the Mahabharata as allies of the Pandavas. Krishna's cousin, Balarama, was also a prominent member of the Vrishni clan.

Shurasena or Shoorsaini was the father of Samudravijaya cousin brother of Vasudeva  and Kunti. He is extensively mentioned in both the Mahabharata and the Puranas as the father of Vasudeva and Kunti.

Jain Tradition

Neminatha, also known as Arishtanemi, is the twenty-second Tirthankara (enlightened being) in Jainism. According to Jain tradition, Neminatha was born to King Samudravijaya and Queen Shivadevi in the Yadava dynasty. He is believed to have lived during the prehistoric period, thousands of years before the events of Mahabharata.

Neminatha is considered a great spiritual teacher and is revered by Jains for his teachings on non-violence, compassion, and liberation. His life is described in various Jain scriptures, including the Bhagavati Sutra and the Harivamsa Purana. Neminatha is particularly known for renouncing his princely life and becoming an ascetic, ultimately attaining enlightenment and liberation

Lord Neminatha had defeated Lord Krishna.

according to Jain mythology, there is a story where Neminatha, also known as Arishtanemi, defeated Krishna in a wrestling match. In this story, Neminatha is depicted as a powerful and skilled wrestler who defeats Krishna in a friendly competition. This event is considered significant in Jain mythology as it showcases Neminatha's strength and prowess.