Tribal Republic, Malava Janapada, Copper, 0.33g, Obv: Lion standing to left, Rev: Tree-in-railing in centre with Brahmi legend “(Malava)nam Jaya” (Handa Class I). Very rare, extremely rare.
The Malava Janapada is one of the ancient republican tribes of India, mentioned in early Sanskrit literature and inscriptions. The Malavas are referred to in the epic Mahabharata, indicating their presence among the tribes of north-western India during the epic age. In the grammatical work of Pāṇini, the Malavas and Kshudrakas are classified among the “Ayudha-Jivi Sanghas” (martial republics). Greek historical accounts of the campaign of Alexander the Great describe fierce resistance from tribal republics in the Punjab region. The Malavas and Kshudrakas are believed to have united to oppose Alexander’s advance, and they fought with exceptional bravery, causing significant losses to the Macedonian army. Later, the Malavas are again mentioned in the famous Prayag Prashasti of Samudragupta (4th century CE). In this inscription, the Malavas appear among the frontier tribes or republics that acknowledged the suzerainty of the Gupta emperor.