Mumbai hosts launch of A City Called Agroha, the first full reconstruction of Samrat Agrasen’s ancient republic

At the heart of the launch was lead author Vaibhav M. Agrawal, a maritime and logistics legal professional and co-founder of Commercyon, whose vision forms the intellectual anchor of the project. He noted that the initiative stemmed from a desire “to recover India’s lost models of ethical commerce and responsible governance,” adding that “the first step of true nationalism comes from knowing and studying one’s own lineage and roots.” His role as a researcher, educator and legal scholar of indigenous governance systems offers a strong conceptual framework to the work.

Widely described as one of the world’s first comprehensive studies on Agroha, the book reconstructs the economic, legal and administrative structures of Samrat Agrasen’s republic. Its scope spans governance systems, welfare models, arbitration mechanisms, fiscal policy, state ethics and the role of women and familial institutions. The authors also chart international trade routes, maritime linkages and archaeological stratigraphy, drawing meaningful parallels between ancient governance practices and modern constitutional principles. Co-author Neha Mhatre observed that the work “bridges material evidence, cultural memory and academic inquiry in a way never attempted before,” underscoring its multidisciplinary breadth.

By bringing together archaeology, law, economic history, epigraphy and oral tradition, A City Called Agroha consolidates fragmented narratives into a single scholarly text — a characteristic that stands out as one of its most compelling strengths. The book presents the ancient republic not merely as a historical subject but as a sophisticated socio-economic model with contemporary significance for policymakers, researchers and communities exploring India’s indigenous frameworks of governance and commerce.

The launch marked an important moment for Indian scholarship and for the Agrawal community’s cultural heritage. With its extensive research and interdisciplinary approach, A City Called Agroha is poised to serve as a foundational reference for future studies, firmly placing Samrat Agrasen’s legacy within the larger discourse on India’s civilisational evolution.

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