Bhumaka (Kharosthi: 𐨧𐨂𐨨𐨐 Bhu-ma-ka, Bhu-ma-ka; Brahmi: 𑀪𑀽𑀫𑀓 Bhū-ma-ka, Bhū-ma-ka;[1] ?–119 CE) was a Western Kshatrapa ruler of the early 2nd century CE. He was the father of the great ruler Nahapana, according to one of the latter's coins. He was preceded by Abhiraka (Aubhirakes), of whom a few coins are known.[2] some scholars identify him with Ysamotika, the father of Chashtana.[3]

His coins bear Buddhist symbols, such as the eight-spoked wheel (dharmachakra), or the lion seated on a capital, a representation of a pillar of Ashoka.

Bhumaka's coins have been found in the regions of Gujarat, Kathiawad and Malwa.[4]

Notes

  1. ^ E. J. Rapson, A Catalogue of Coins in the British Museum: Catalogue of the Coins of the Andhra Dynasty, the Western Kṣatrapas, the Traikūṭaka Dynasty and the "Bodhi" Dynasty, Trustees of the British Museum, 1908, p. 63-64
  2. ^ "Kshaharata Questions"
  3. ^ Chattopadhyaya, Sudhakar (1958). Early History of North India, from the Fall of the Mauryas to the Death of Harsa, C. 200 B.C.-A.D. 650. Progressive Publishers. p. 107.
  4. ^ Some Early Dynasties of South India by Sudhakar Chattopadhyaya, Motilal Banarsidass Publ., 1974 p.54
Preceded by Western Satrap
?–119 		Succeeded by