Indian Rulers
Janaka
the Philosopher-King
Janaka was an Indian king active in the 7th c. BC during the Mahajanapada period from the state of Videha. Died of natural causes.
Historical Note
Philosopher-king of Videha and father of Sita. Held debates of Vedic sages in his court, ruled without attachment — the Upanishadic ideal of the enlightened ruler. Yajnavalkya took his measure and went away awed.