Maharaja Agrasen Commemoration

According to tradition, there once existed a prosperous Janapada known as Agra (Agreya), with its capital named Agrodaka. The site where the ancient city of Agrodaka stood is represented by a series of mounds found northwest of Agroha village in Hissar district, Haryana. Like other Janapadas of ancient India, Agreya was a city-state, and tradition attributes its foundation to Raja Agra, later known as Maharaja Agrasen. Maharaja Agrasen is believed to have lived around the time of the Mahabharata.

Literature, legends, and archaeological discoveries, including coins, provide evidence of this state and its governance. Maharaja Agrasen was known for his belief in the equality of men and ensuring equal opportunities for all. He established a unique socialist society in the state where every newcomer or individual facing financial hardship was provided with a coin and a brick by each inhabitant of Agreya Janapada. This practice fostered mutual assistance and contributed to the overall progress of Agreya.

The principle of mutual help promoted by Maharaja Agrasen led to widespread prosperity and development in Agreya. His legacy continues to be honored, and the Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department is pleased to issue a special postage stamp in tribute to Maharaja Agrasen.