मागधस्

{ māgadhas }

Puranic Encyclopaedia

MĀGADHAS   A particular tribe of people. If the work of Sūtas was to drive chariots and the work of Pulkasas to hunt, the work of the Māgadhas was that of an adulator. [Chapter 151, Agni Purāṇa] . This work of a flatterer was given to them by Brahmā. When the emperor Pṛthu was born, Brahmā conducted a Yāga. On the day of sutyā at the place of Somābhiṣava of the Yāga a very intelligent Sūta was born. At the same yāga a Māgadha also was born. He was a great scholar. Then the sages told Māgadha and Sūta thus: “Praise this king Pṛthu, who is the valorous son of Vena. Praising is the fittest work suited to you both. Pṛthu deserves praise.” Then the Sūta-Māgadhas placing their hands on their breasts with respect said, “What do we know of the qualities and capabilities of a king just born? His fame is not known. Based on what should we sing praises of him?” Hearing this the sages said that they should praise him for the qualities which he would be possessing in future. The king was pleased to hear that. Sūta- Māgadhas started singing eulogistic songs based on the qualities and exploits of a Pṛthu to be. Pṛthu then appointed Sūta as his charioteer and Māgadha as his adulator. From then onwards the Sūta family became charioteers and the Māgadha family flatterers. [Chapters 13--70 Aṁsa 1, Viṣṇu Purāṇa] .