Janaka (also spelled
Janak;
Nepali: जनक,
Sanskrit: जनक) is the name used to refer to the kings of
Videha. The Janaka Dynasty ruled the Videha kingdom from their capital,
Mithila, identified with modern
Janakpur in
Nepal. A certain King Janaka, who probably reigned during the 7th century BCE, is mentioned in the late
Vedic literature as a great philosopher-king. A King Janaka is also mentioned in the
Ramayana epic.