Flight of the Vishrani

Vishrani's defending their Buddhist relics from the Imperial armies of Aadesh.

The Flight of the Vishrani is both an historical event and also a semi-mythic saga of the expulsion of the ethnic Peshabi, Buddhist princes, the Vishran, of the Peshabiwar region of the Arunid Empire, their travels through western Dolong in Audonia and their eventual settlement and rule over the lands of modern Thervala. The flight of the Vishrani was a direct consequence of the political turmoil and power struggles that plagued the Arunid Empire during the 4th century BCE. Emperor Aadesh the Conqueror embarked on a series of ruthless campaigns aimed at consolidating his authority and centralizing power around the crown. A devout follower of the radical Fravarti sect of Zoroastrianism, Aadesh sought to eliminate rival factions and suppress dissent. The Buddhist Vishran princes, of modern day Peshabiwar region of Tapakdore, refused to convert to found themselves caught in the crosshairs of Aadesh's ambition. Their ancestral lands were confiscated and redistributed to loyal supporters of the emperor, leaving them a precarious future. Faced with the prospect of losing their status and influence, the Vishran princes made the difficult decision to flee their homeland. They recognized the need to find a new territory where they could rebuild their fortunes and establish a power base. They embarked on a perilous journey north, following the trade routes that led beyond the borders of the Arunid Empire and eventually to the lands of modern Thervala.

Legacy

The Vishrani's arrival initiated a period of Arunidisation, wherein the Ther people adopted elements of Arunid culture, including language, religion, and social customs. The arrival of the Peshabi, Buddhist princes, their families and retinue and the subsequent establishment of the Vishrani dynasty marked a watershed moment in northern Dolong. The introduction of written language enabled the recording of historical events, laws, and cultural traditions, thus laying the foundation for the literate society in the region. The Vishrani's emphasis on centralized governance brought stability and order to the previously fragmented Ther tribes, fostering a sense of unity and common purpose, thus leading to a common Thervalan identity instead of the pre-historic tribal framework. They were the first city builders in the region as well.

See also

• Arunid Empire
• Thervala
• Peshabiwar