Apracharajas

The Apracharajas (Gandhari: 𐨀𐨤𐨿𐨪𐨕𐨪𐨗), also known as Avacarajas (Gandhari: 𐨀𐨬𐨕𐨪𐨗), were a local ruling dynasty of Gandhara. The Apracharaja capital, known as Apracapura (also Avacapura), was located in Bajaur, though from numismatic evidence and reliquary inscriptions, it is asserted that their territory encompassed the wider region of Gandhara, including the cities of Taxila and Pushkalavati. Under the administration of Sases, their domain expanded to incorporate the former territory of the kingdom of Porus, which extended as far as the river Ravi in the Punjab.

Based on analysis of their inscriptions and coinage, the Apracharajas are widely believed to have served as significant benefactors of Buddhism. Translated inscriptions indicate the donation of stupas and reliquaries in honor of the Buddha. Notably, Indragivarma, the second son of Vijayamitra the Apracharaja, and Utara, the spouse of Indravarma, detail the construction of stupas in previously unestablished locales. These inscriptions and coinage are consistently composed in Gandhari Prakrit, utilizing the Kharosthi script, thereby highlighting the adherence of these rulers to Gandharan culture.

The genesis of the Apracharajas is traced to the Apracharajas Visnuvarma and Vijayamitra, however the Bajaur casket inscription associated with them suggests a predecessor named Vijayakamitra, stated to have flourished during the era of Menander II of the Indo-Greek Kingdom. Research on reliquary inscriptions also further describes that Vijayamitra's direct predecessor to have been a Visnuvarma, however he has not been accurately dated. Notably, the administrative structure of the Apracha polity is characterized by a hierarchical arrangement, wherein absolute power is held by the patriarch (Apracharaja), followed by subordinate generals, denoted by the Greek term "Stratega" in inscriptions. Of particular interest is the case of Satruleka, an Apracha figure who is bestowed with the title Satrap, deviating from the typical hierarchical designations. Below these tiers were Apracha princes who were potential successors to the throne.