The Gupta Empire

Gupta Empire

The Gupta Empire stretched across northern, central and parts of southern India between c. 320 and 550 CE. The period is noted for its achievements in the arts, architecture, sciences, religion, and philosophy. Chandragupta I (320 – 335 CE) started a rapid expansion of the Gupta Empire and soon established himself as the first sovereign ruler of the empire. It marked the end of 500 hundred years of domination of the provincial powers and resulting disquiet that began with the fall of the Mauryas. Even more importantly, it began a period of overall prosperity and growth that continued for the next two and half centuries which came to be known as a “Golden Age” in India’s history. But the seed of the empire was sown at least two generations earlier than this when Srigupta, then only a regional monarch, set off the glory days of this mighty dynasty in circa 240 CE. 

Gupta Period – Early Days to the Zenith

Not much is known about the early days of this Gupta dynasty. The travel diaries and writings of Buddhist monks who frequented this part of the world are the most trustworthy sources of information we have about those days. The travelogues of Fa Hien (Faxian, circa 337 – 422 CE), Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang, 602 – 664 CE) and Yijing (I Tsing, 635 – 713 CE) prove to be invaluable in this respect. The Gupta Empire during the rule of Srigupta (circa 240 – 280 CE) comprised only Magadha and probably a part of Bengal too. Like the Mauryas and other Magadha kings who preceded him, Srigupta ruled from Pataliputra, close to modern day Patna. Srigupta was succeeded to the throne by his son Ghatotkacha (circa 280 – 319 CE).

Chandragupta I

From the Kushans, the Gupta kings learned the benefit of maintaining a cavalry and Chandragupta I, son of Ghatotkacha, made effective use of his strong army. Through his marriage with Licchhavi Princess Kumaradevi, Chandragupta I received the ownership of rich mines full of iron ore adjacent to his kingdom. Metallurgy was already at an advanced stage and forged iron was not only used to meet the internal demands, but also became a valuable trade commodity. The territorial heads ruling over various parts of India could not counter the superior armed forces of Chandragupta I and had to surrender before him. It is conjectured that at the end of his reign, the boundary of the Gupta Empire already extended to Allahabad.

Samudragupta

Samudragupta (circa 335 – 375 CE), Chandragupta I’s son who ascended the throne next, was a military genius and he continued the growth of the kingdom. After conquering the remainder of North India, Samudragupta turned his eyes to South India and added a portion of it to his empire by the end of his Southern Campaign. It is generally believed that during his time the Gupta Empire spanned from the Himalayas in north to the mouth of Krishna and Godavari rivers in the South, from Balkh, Afghanistan in the west to the Brahmaputra River in the east.

Samudragupta was very attentive to rajdharma (duties of a king) and took special care to follow Kautilya’s (350 – 275 BCE) Arthashastra (an economic, social and political treatise that has clear instructions about how a monarchy should be governed) closely. He donated large sums of money for various philanthropic purposes, including the promotion of education. Besides being a courageous king and able administrator, he was a poet and musician. The large number of gold coins circulated by him showcases his multifaceted talent. An inscription, probably commissioned by subsequent Gupta kings, known as the Allahabad Pillar is most eloquent about his humane qualities. Samudragupta also believed in promoting goodwill among various religious communities. He gave, for example, Meghavarna, king of Ceylon, permission and support for the construction of a monastery in Bodh Gaya.

Chandragupta II

A short struggle for power appears to have ensued after the reign of Samudragupta. His eldest son Ramagupta became the next Gupta king. This was noted by 7th century CE Sanskrit author Banbhatta in his biographical work, Harshacharita. What followed next forms a part of Sanskrit poet and playwright Visakh Dutta’s drama Devi Chandra Guptam. As the story goes, Ramagupta was soon overcome by a Scythian king of Mathura. But the Scythian king, besides the kingdom itself, was interested in Queen Dhruvadevi who was also a renowned scholar. To maintain peace Ramagupta gave up Dhruvadevi to his opponent. It is then Ramagupta’s younger brother Chandragupta II with a few of his close aides went to meet the enemy in disguise. He rescued Dhruvadevi and assassinated the Scythian king. Dhruvadevi publicly condemned her husband for his behaviour. Eventually, Ramagupta was killed by Chandragupta II who also married Dhruvadevi sometime later.

Like Samudragupta, Chandragupta II (circa 380 – 414 CE) was a benevolent king, able leader and skilled administrator. By defeating the satrap of Saurashtra, he further expanded his kingdom to the coastline of the Arabian Sea. His courageous pursuits earned him the title of Vikramaditya. To rule the vast empire more efficiently, Chandragupta II founded his second capital in Ujjain. He also took care to strengthen the navy. The seaports of Tamralipta and Sopara consequently became busy hubs of maritime trade. He was a great patron of art and culture too. Some of the greatest scholars of the day including the navaratna (nine gems) graced his court. Numerous charitable institutions, orphanages and hospitals benefitted from his generosity. Rest houses for travellers were set up by the road side. The Gupta Empire reached its pinnacle during this time and unprecedented progress marked all areas of life.

Politics & Administration

Great tact and foresight were shown in the governance of the vast empire. The efficiency of their martial system was well known. The large kingdom was divided into smaller pradesha (provinces) and administrative heads were appointed to take care of them. The kings maintained discipline and transparency in the bureaucratic process. Criminal law was mild, capital punishment was unheard of and judicial torture was not practised. Fa Hien called the cities of Mathura and Pataliputra as picturesque with the latter being described as a city of flowers. People could move around freely. Law and order reigned and, according to Fa Hien, incidents of theft and burglary were rare.

The following also speaks volumes about the prudence of the Gupta kings. Samudragupta acquired a far greater part of southern India than he cared to incorporate into his empire. Therefore, in quite a few cases, he returned the kingdom to the original kings and was satisfied only with collecting taxes from them. He reckoned that the great distance between that part of the country and his capital Pataliputra would hinder the process of good governance.

Socio-economic Conditions

People led a simple life. Commodities were affordable and all round prosperity ensured that their requirements were met easily. They preferred vegetarianism and shunned alcoholic beverages. Gold and silver coins were issued in great numbers which is a general indicative of the health of the economy. Trade and commerce flourished both within the country and outside. Silk, cotton, spices, medicine, priceless gemstones, pearl, precious metal and steel were exported by sea. Highly evolved steelcraft led everyone to a belief that Indian iron was not subject to corrosion. The 7 m (23 ft) high Iron Pillar in Qutub complex, Delhi, built around 402 CE, is a testimony to this fact. Trade relations with Middle East improved. Ivory, tortoise shell etc. from Africa, silk and some medicinal plants from China and the Far East were high on the list of imports. Food, grain, spices, salt, gems and gold bullion were primary commodities of inland trade.

Religion

Gupta kings knew that the well-being of the empire lie in maintaining a cordial relationship between the various communities. They were devout Vaishnava (Hindus who worship the Supreme Creator as Vishnu) themselves, yet that did not prevent them from being tolerant towards the believers of Buddhism and Jainism. Buddhist monasteries received liberal donations. Yijing observed how the Gupta kings erected inns and rest houses for Buddhist monks and other pilgrims. As a pre-eminent site of education and cultural exchange Nalanda prospered under their patronage. Jainism flourished in northern Bengal, Gorakhpur, Udayagiri and Gujarat. Several Jain establishments existed across the empire and Jain councils were a regular occurrence.

Literature, Sciences & Education

Sanskrit once again attained the status of a lingua franca and managed to scale even greater heights than before. Poet and playwright Kalidasa created such epics as Abhijnanasakuntalam, Malavikagnimitram, Raghuvansha and Kumarsambhaba. Harishena, a renowned poet, panegyrist and flutist, composed Allahabad Prasasti, Sudraka wrote Mricchakatika, Vishakhadatta created Mudrarakshasa and Vishnusharma penned Panchatantra. Vararuchi, Baudhayana, Ishwar Krishna and Bhartrihari contributed to both Sanskrit and Prakrit linguistics, philosophy and science.

Varahamihira wrote Brihatsamhita and also contributed to the fields of astronomy and astrology. Genius mathematician and astronomer Aryabhata wrote Surya Siddhanta which covered several aspects of geometry, trigonometry and cosmology. Shanku devoted himself to creating texts about Geography. Dhanvantri’s discoveries helped the Indian medicinal system of ayurveda become more refined and efficient. Doctors were skilled in surgical practices and inoculation against contagious diseases was performed. Even today, Dhanvantri’s birth anniversary is celebrated on Dhanteras, two days before Diwali. This intellectual surge was not confined to the courts or among the royalty. People were encouraged to learn the nuances of Sanskrit literature, oratory, intellectual debate, music and painting. Several educational institutions were set up and the existing ones received continuous support.

Art, Architecture & Culture

What philosopher and historian Ananda Coomaraswamy said in The Arts & Crafts of India & Ceylone, about the art of the region must be remembered here, The finest examples of painting, sculpture and architecture of the period can be found in Ajanta, Ellora, Sarnath, Mathura, Anuradhapura and Sigiriya. The basic tenets of Shilpa Shasrta (Treatise on Art) were followed everywhere including in town planning. Stone studded golden stairways, iron pillars (The iron pillar of Dhar is twice the size of Delhi’s Iron Pillar), intricately designed gold coins, jewellery and metal sculptures speak volumes about the skills of the metalsmiths. Carved ivories, wood and lac-work, brocades and embroidered textile also thrived. Practicing vocal music, dance and seven types of musical instruments including veena (an Indian musical stringed instrument), flute and mridangam (drum) were a norm rather than exception. These were regularly performed in temples as a token of devotion. In classic Indian style, artists and litterateurs were encouraged to meditate on the imagery within and capture its essence in their creations. As Agni Purana suggests, “O thou Lord of all gods, teach me in dreams how to carry out all the work I have in my mind.”

Decline of the Empire

After the demise of his father Chandragupta II, Kumaragupta I (circa 415 – 455 CE) ruled over the vast empire with skill and ability. He was able to maintain peace and even fend off strong challenges from a tribe known as Pushyamitra. He was helped by his able son Skandagupta (455 – 467 CE) who was the last of the sovereign rulers of the Gupta Dynasty. He also succeeded in preventing the invasion of the Huns (Hephthalites). Skandagupta was a great scholar and wise ruler. For the well being of the denizens he carried out several construction works including the rebuilding of a dam on Sudarshan Lake, Gujarat. But these were the last of the glory days of the empire.

After Skandagupta’s death the dynasty became embroiled with domestic conflicts. The rulers lacked the capabilities of the earlier emperors to rule over such a large kingdom. This resulted in a decline in law and order. They were continuously plagued by the attacks of the Huns and other foreign powers. This put a dent in the economic well-being of the empire. On top of this, the kings remained more occupied with self-indulgence than in preparing to meet with the challenges of their enemies. The inept ministers and administrative heads also followed suit. Notably, after the defeat and capture of Mihirakula, one of the most important Hephthalite emperors of the time, Gupta King Baladitya set him free on the advice of his ministers. The Huns came back to haunt the empire later and finally drew the curtains on this illustrious empire in circa 550. The following lines of King Sudraka’s Mricchakatika (The Little Clay Cart) aptly sum up the rise and fall in the fortune of the Gupta Dynasty.

INVASION OF SAMUDRAGUPTA

INVASION OF SAMUDRAGUPTA

The political condition of Orissa in the Pre—Gupta Age was characterized by the absence of any paramount power. The Kushãnas and the Muraridas seem to have exercised their control over Orissa for some time. By the end of their supremacy the political unity of Kaliñge had given way to the rise of many small kingdoms. Kalidasa mentions that the river Kapisã (identified with modern Kasãi) was the boundary between Utkala and Kaliñga during this period. We also learn from Silapadikarapi and Manimekhali2 that internal wars and rebellions brought about the disunity of Kaliñga in the Pre-Gupta period. In fact. when Sarnudragupta led his South Indian expedition he did not encounter any opposition from Kalinga.

                                                       Lines 19/20 of the Allahabad Pillar Inscription throw light on the nature of Samudraguptas conquests of Orissa in the course of his South Indian campaign. The rulers of Orissa who were vanquished by Samudragupta were Mahendra of  South Kosala, Vyäghraräja of Mahäkäntära, Mantaräja of Kuräla, Mahendragiri of pistapura , Swämidutta of Kottura, Damana of Erandapalla and Kuvera of Devarâshtra.

KING MAHENDRA OF KOSALA :-

                                                                 Kosela, the territory of king Mahendra, was the same as Dakshina Kosala (South Kosala) comprising the modern districts of Bilaspur and Raipur of Madhaya Pradesh and Sambalpur of Orissa3. Scholars have put forward various theories to identify King Mahendra. Recently, P.L.Mishra4 has suggested that since we know of no other dynasty than the Nalas ruling over South Kosala in the fourth century A.D., Mahendra(Varman) who was the contemporary of the Gupta emperor, must have belonged to the Nala dynasty.

These are his other arguments in support of this theory :

1)   According to the Purnas, Nals were ruling over Kosala in the fourth century A.D.

2)   That Mahendra had the proud title of ‘Aditya’before the Guptas took over Kosala.

3)   The Mahendra of coins (i.e. of Mahendraditya coins) and the Mahendra referredtoiflAllahabad Pillar Inscription must be identical.

4)   The name Mahendravarman sounds well with some of the Nala rulers like Bhavadattavarman and Skandavarman.

                                                    The Nalas ruled over Nisãdha country and not over Kosala as is evident from the Purnic source5. Moreover, as regards the Nisdha country B.C.Law writes : During the period represented by epic and Puränic tradition the Nisdas seems to have had their habitat among the mountains of jhalwãr and Khàndesh in the Vindhya and  Satpur ranges.

                                                   This is proved by the reference in Mahãbhãrata to a Nisädha—rãshtrain the region of the Srävasti and the Western Vindhyas, not far from the Paripatra. The Erihads&nihit of Varãhamihira  seems to recognise a kingdom or rhtra of the Nisdas in the South—east of Madheyadesa. A Nisãdha kingdom whose capital was Sringaverapura is referred to in the Rãmäyaa. Further Mr.Wilson thinks that it was near the roads which lead from it across the Rksa mountain to Avanti and the South as well as to Vidarbha and Kosala. Burgess11 places the Nisãdha country to the South of Mãlwã. Finally, according to D.C.Sircar’ Nisãdhas were associated with Pariyatra. They probably lived about Nalapura, modern Narwer in the Sivapuri district of Madhaya Pradesh.

                                                        The different interpretations which are given here prove the seperate existence of a Nisäda country (along with Kosala and Mekala) which was ruled by Nala kings. This proves the wrong presumptions of Misra that the Nalas were ruling over Kosala on the eve of the campaign of Samudragupta. Again, Mahendra of Allahabad Pillar Inscription  cannot be identified with king Mahendrãditya who issued the Khairtal hoard of gold coins’. ‘Mahendrãdity& legend of the coins indicate that Mahendra belonged to a period much later than the fourth century A.D. Of Mishra’s suggestion that the name Mahendra(varman) sounds well with some of the Nala rulers like Bhavadattavarrnan, Skandavarman etc. N.K.Sahu’ says that it is not only vague but also unwarrented. since neither the Mahendrditya of the coins nor the Mahendra referred to in Allahabad Pillar Inscription had the surname Varman1, and no Nala ruler was known to have the title of Aditya as suffix to his name.

                                                        As to the other identifications of king Mahendra, K.D.Bajpai considers him to be a Megha king. He writes that from the coins and some epigraphs0 from the Vatsa and South—Kosala regions we know that this part of the country may have remained independent till about 335 A.D, when Samudragupta annexed it. We do not know if Mahendra of South Kosala who was thus defeated 15 by Samudragupta bore any relationship with Meghas. Since we have not come across any coin or inscriptions showing Mahendra’srelationship with the Meghas, Bajpai’s suggestions appear untenable.

VYAGHPAPAJA OF MAHAKANTA

                                                          Contiguous to the kingdom of South Kosala was the territory known as Mahãkntra which, according to - mhäbhãrata ,extended from the East of Kosala up to the bank of river Ve (Waingañgã). This territory is generally identified with the kingdom of King Vyäghra, father of Jayanätha, belonging to the Uchchakalpa family, who was a feudatory of the Vakatakas. Inscriptions of this king were found at Nach-ne—ki  talai  and Gang in Madhaya Pradesh. But this king was the ruler of the Bundelkhand region, North of Vincihya, and therefore cannot be classed with the rulers of the Dakshinãpatha.  Mahãkäntära appears to be the same as Mahävana referred - is to in two of the Amaravati Stupa Inscriptions and may be identified with the wild tracts of modern districts of Kalahandi and Koraput in Orissa19. Vyghraräja, the king of Mahkântära gallantly fought with Samudragupta but was ultimately defeated by him. The coins of Tiger type which depict the emperor Samudragupta as overpowering a tiger are said to have represented this war: the victory over Vyãghrarja was considered a significant one by the emperor himself.

MANTARAJA OF KURALA :

                                             After subduing Mahäkntära territory Sarnudragupta defeated king Mantarja of Kurâla, a territory which is identified by many scholars with the Sonepur region of Bolangir district. Barnet suggests, identification of this place with Korada in South India; Jayswal locates it in the territory on the bank of the Kollear (Kollair) lake; but Raychoudhury suggests that this place must be within the territory of Hastivarman of Vengi mentioned separately in the Allahabad Inscriptions. According to S.N.Rajguru, however, Korãla may be the same as Kolaulapurapattana or Kokolavalapurapatiana mentioned in the records of Eastern Gañgas of Kaliñga and identified with the modern town of Kuläda in Ghumsur, Taluk of Ganjam district. But Kalaulapura was the seat of the Western Gangas and has been identified with Kolär in Mysore. If Kolaulapurapattana is taken to be the town established by the Eastern Ganges it must be ascribed to a period much later than that of Samudragupta.

                                                 The Sonepur region of Bolangir district which was contiguous to Mahãkosala may be said to have represented the territory of Kosala. The villages named Bada-Karal and Säna—Karalâ near Bink (Vinitapura of medieval epigraph) are very likely reminiscent of the name of ancient Korla26. This region is located in the Añg river valley and is found rich in antiquities datable to both Pre—Gupta and the Post—Gupta periods and also occupies an important position in between the territories of Mahãkosala and Mahkãntãra.

                                                                       In this connection we draw the attention of Scholars to a Saravapuriya copper plate grant of Mahrja Narendra discovered at Rawan27 in Madhaya Pradesh. In the second line of the said charter there is mention of the village Aramaka situated in Mantarãjabhukti. We suggest that the kingdom of Kurala which was under the suzerainty of Mantarãja in the time of Samudragupta was subsequently designated as Mantaräjabhukti’ in the sixth century A.D. during the reign of the arvapuriyas. Ararnaka, mentioned in the Rawan copper plates.. is very likely the same as modern Rämpur in the bolangir district. In that case the identificat ion of Kuräla in Bolangir district seems to be quite tenable. Under these circumstances we may suggest that Mantarãja was ruling over the region surrounding Säna—Karal and Bada—Karal which was later known as Mantarãjabhukti.

                                                              Mahãkosala, Mahkãntãra and Korála composed the western region of the South—western part of modern Orissa, and the exact territorial limits of these three kingdoms are difficult to determine. It seems that Samudragupta started his campaign from the Jamunã valley, more particularly from Kauambi, and marching through the modern Rewa and Jabalpur regions, entered the territory of South-Kosala. After subduing Kosala, Mahäkãntra and Korla he could easily proceed towards the eastern coast through the ancient trade route tha linked Kosala with Kalinga.

                                                         The territory of Kaliñga probably was no longer a compact one, capable of offering a formidable resistance to the invader. This territory was then divided into not less than four principalities namely Kottura, Erandapalla, Devaräshtra and Pisthapura, each being under the rule of a petty chieftain.

PlISTAPURAKA MAHENDRAGIRI-KAUTTURAKA SVAMIDUTTA :The expression Paitapuraka Mahendragiri Kautturaka Svämidutta’ in the Allahabad Pillar Inscription has been variously interpreted by scholars Fleet interprets it as ‘Mahendragiri of Pistapura arid Svãmidutta of Kuttura’ and Bhandarkar as ‘Mahendragiri the king of Pistapura and Svámidutta the king of Kottura’. Kottura has been identified with modern Kothoor about  miles to the South of Mahendra hill. G.Ramdas has given an altogether different interpretation. He has suggested Svãmidutta as the lord of Pitapura, Mahendragiri and Kuttura, and has emphasized the importance of Mahendragiri.

                                                                        The Mahendre mountain range of the Eastern Ghats formed an important geographical feature of Kaliñga as it was regarded by many royal dynasties in the past as their cradle land. It was important as a seat of political activities and became famous as a centre of religious and cultural life of Kaliñga. The Mahendra region was originally inhabited by the aboriginal avara and Pulindas but about the early Christian era civilized races began their settlement in that area. Gautamiputra Sãtakarni is known to have extended his empire in the 2nd century A.D. in the east up to the Mahendra hill.

                                                                           The Mahäbhretdeclares this mountain as an important seat of Aryan culture where Parasurâma, the champion of Brahmanism is said to have performed penance. In the Raghuvaihsa of Kãlidsa the Mahendra mountain finds prominent mention and it is regarded there as the very heart of Kaliñga. Raghu, in the course of his ‘digvijaye’, is said to have conquered Kaliñga. According to the poet Raghu inflicted a crushing defeat upon the King of Kaliñga at the summit of Mahendragiri. The poet refers to the king of Kaliñga as the ‘Lord of Mahendra’ and there—by suggests that the political headquarters of Kaliñga was located in Mahendra region. The palace of Hemãngada, the king of Kaliñga, as indicated by the poet in the same work, was located on the sea shore not far from the Mahendra hill

                                                                        The southern expedition of Samudragupta as described by Harisena in the Allahabad Pillar Inscription echoes the invasion of Raghu. We presume from this inscription that the king of Kaliñga, whose headquarters was at Pisthapura, was probably named as Mahendragiri after his famous hill. ‘Kottura’ of Mahendrabhoga visaya mentioned in the same inscription also finds mention in the Dhavalapettä grant36 of Umävarman of the Mhera dynasty. This suggests that when even after the invasion of Samudragupta, Kaliñga became a powerful state under the Mätharas, a district  named Mahendrabhoga was formed centering round the Mahendra hill

KUVERA OF DEVARASHTRA :

                                         R.C.Majumdar and J.Dubreuil have located Devarshtra in the Viagapattanam district of Andhra Pradesh. We are inclined to identify Devarãshtra of the Allahabad Pillar Inscription with Devapura mentioned in the Sripurath grant of Anantavarman.

DAMANA OF ERANDAPALLA :

                                               Errandapalla has been identified with modern Erandapalli near Chicacole. The name ‘Damana’ suggests that this king was probably an ancestor of Mahrja S’atrudãmana known to us from the Peddãduggafn copper plate charters as the ruler of Girikaliñga or Trikaliñga. The tutelary deity of this royal family Darnaneswar, seems to have been installed by king Damana arid from this consideration Darnaneswara may be regarded the earliest known Saivite God in Kaliñga.

                                                                  After the subjugation of these territories the campaign of Samudragupta in Kaliñga was successfully over; and the victor triumphantly crossed the river Godavari and proceeded towards Vengi over which king Hastivarmari was ruling. The southern kings, claimed to have been defeated by Samudragupta were Hastivarrnan, the Sãlankyana king of Vengi, Vihnugopa, the Pallava king of KaIchi, Nilarâja of Avamukta, Ugrasena of Palaka and Dharmarja of Kusthalapura. These kings and their kingdoms have not been satisfactorily identified, though it is believed that Hastivarrnan and  Vishnugopa, belonging to Sãlankãyana and Pallava dynasties respectively, were famous kings in the south. Hastivarman is also known from the Peddäveci Grant4’ of Nandivarman .                                                J.Dubreuil  has suggested that Samudragupta, advancing as far as river Krishna was opposed by a  confederacy of kings of the Eastern Deccan, and being  repulsed, abondoned his conquests in the Orissan coast and returned to Magadha. K.P.Jayaswal is of the opinion that the southern potentates were grouped under two chief leaders, Mantarja of Korala and Vishnugopa of Kachi, and that Samudragupta fought his decisive battle in the Colair lake region. Such suggestions are, however, speculative in nature. Notwithstanding his overwhelming success Samudragupta was not destined to alter the political structure of these states. The Allahabad Pillar Inscription makes us believe that instead of annexing their territories to his growing empire, he liberated and reinstated the defeated kings in their respective kingdoms. Samudragupta’s act of re—installing the SouthI ndian kings has led some scholars to speculate that the Gupta emperor was forced to adopt such a course of action owing to his discomfiture at the hands of his southern contemporaries who fought shoulder to shoulder under the stewardship of two kings Mantarãja and Vishnugopa, But such speculation is far fetched and untenable as there is no internal evidences to support it.

                                       JH.C.Raychoudhury is of the opinion that Samudragupta’s unwillingness to annex the southern states was due to his realization of the utter absurdity of maintaining permanent control over these kingdoms.which lay far away from his base. But the more probable reason why Samudragupta reinstated this southern potentates after having defeated them seems to be a different one. A close study of the Allahabad Pillar Inscription reveals that when the Gupta monarch was engaged in the south, several kings of Aryävarta rose united to fight against him. It is no wonder, therefore, that Sainudragupta had to give up the idea of annexing the southern states in order to prepare for a great struggle in the Aryávarta war. The defeated kings of Orissa acknowledged the submission of the retreating emperor on the political gimmick; but in reality this submission was far from being meaningful, and they continued to rule over their principalities as independent sovereigns.

Complete biography of Samudragupta – the greatest ruler of India

Complete biography of Samudragupta – the greatest ruler of India

Complete biography of Samudragupta – the greatest ruler of India. Samudragupta was the greatest of the Gupta rulers, the founder of the Guptas empire, the “Indian Napoleon” by virtue of his military exploits, a diplomat and statesman of the first order, an able and efficient administrator, “the prince of poets”, (Kaviraj) the protector and defender of the poor and the weak.

Samudragupta was the greatest of the Gupta rulers, the founder of the Guptas empire, the “Indian Napoleon” by virtue of his military exploits, a diplomat and statesman of the first order, an able and efficient administrator, “the prince of poets”, (Kaviraj) the protector and defender of the poor and the weak.

The slaughter of the haughty and the arrogant, and a very wise and benevolent monarch. Beside the gold coins, the Allahabad Pillar inscription throws flood of light on the life, ideals and deeds of Samudragupta.

Chandragupta-I was succeeded by his son Samudragupta who became the ruler after subduing his rival Kacha, an obscure prince of the dynasty. He ruled from 335 A.D. to 375 A.D. He was one of the greatest ruler of ancient India.

                 He ranks with Ashoka, though in fundamentals both differed radically from each other. “While Ashoka” says R.K. Mukerjee,” stands for peace and non-violence, Samudragupta for the opposite principle of war and aggression. The one had contempt for conquests, the other had a passion for them”.

                          Samudragupta was one of the greatest warriors of history. His ambition was inspired by becoming “Raja Chakravarti” or a greatest emperor and “Ekrat”, undisputed ruler. In the North, he adopted the policy of “Digvijaya” which meant the conquest and annexation of all territories. In the South, his policy was “Dharma Vijaya” which meant conquest but not annexation.

(I) Northern Indian Campaigns

From the “Allahabad Pillar Inscription” we find that the first few years of Samudragupta were spent in waging wars against neighboring countries of Northern and Central India. The Naga Kings were the most powerful kings. The kings like Achyuta of Ahichchhata, Nagasena of Mathura and Ganapati Naga of Padmavati and a prince of the Kota family were defeated by him.

Ahichchhatra was the modem Ramanagara and Bareilly district of Uttar-Pradesh. Nagasena and Ganapati Naga were the Naga princes who ruled over Mathura and Padmavati Gwalior state. A battle was fought at Kausambhi near Allahabad in which all three Naga Kings were killed and the territories of these rulers were annexed to Gupta dominions.

If the “Allahabad Inscription” is to be followed strictly, Samudragupta after defeating these three kings in first “Aryavarta” of Northern. India, he led an expedition in South where he have violently over thrown the nine-kings of Aryavarta or Northern India such as-Achyuta, Balvarman, Chandravarman, Ganapatinaga, Matila, Nandin, Nagadata, Nagasena, Rudradeva and many other neighbouring kings.

All these petty rulers ruled over the territories which were parts of the Upper Gangetic Valley, Central India and Eastern India. Having defeated them, Samudragupta annexed their territories with the Gupta Empire.

Another great war which Samudragupta waged in the North was against the Kota kings probably reigning in Northern Rajputana. The Kotas, like the Nagas were also defeated and their territory incorporated in the Gupta Empire.

Samudragupta is also said to have waged wars against the Indian and foreign tribes inhabiting the North-Western India and the Punjab.

The important kingdoms which he subjugated were the Malavas, Abhiras, Aijunayanas, Kakas, Kharaparikas, Mudrakas, Prarjunas, Sanakanikas etc. (in west) and Davaka, Samatata and Kartripura kingdoms accepted the suzerainty of the Samudragupta.

(II) South Campaign

After establishing his authority in the North firmly, Samudragupta paid his attention towards the South. In the Southern campaigns of conquest, he followed the principles of “grahana” or capture of the enemy, “moksha” or liberation and “amigraha” or favoring him by reinstatement in his kingdom.

It is clear that in South India Samudra gupta was satisfied with establishing his authority without annexing any land. It is possible that he thought it unwise to keep such far of lands under his direct control. For the conquest of South, he had to launch a travel of about 300 miles. Samudragupta marched to South India through Sambalpur.

In the South India, he defeated twelve kings who were King-Mahendra of Kosala (which undoubtedly denotes the districts of Bilaspur, Raipur and Sambalpur); Vyaghraraja of Mahakantara (which probably was in the forest region of Jeypore state in Orissa), Mantaraja of Kaurala (this place is not satisfactorily identified.

It is probably Jonpur district in the Central Province); Mahendragiri of Pishtapuram (Pishtapuram is modern Pithapuram in the Godavari district); Svamidatta of Kottura (probably Kothoor in Ganjan District); Damana of Erandapalla (in Vizagapatam district); Vishnugopa of Kanchi (which is Cojeevaram in Madaras); Hastivarman of Vengi (Ellore in Krishna-Godavari district), Nilaraja of Avamukta (probably a small Pallava Kingdom in the vicinity of Kanchi); Ugrasena of Palakka (in Vellore district); Kuvera of Devarashtra (in Vizagapatam district); and Dhananjaya of Kushthalapura (in North Arcot district).

In this way the South­western coast, he turned towards the South-East and reached his capital via Maharashtra and Khandesh.

 (III) Campaigns Against The Forest Kingdoms

The other region where Samudragupta laid his hand was Atavika or forest kingdoms which spread from the Ghazipur district in Uttar-Pradesh to Jabalpur district in the Madhya Pradesh. The Eran Inscription corroborates these conquests.

He forced another eighteen chiefs to his suzerainty whose kingdoms lay in the forests. This subjugation of the forest Kingdom opened up the line of communication between the North and South.

(IV) Vassal States

We are told by the “Allahabad Pillar Inscription” that five kingdoms and nine tribal states became his vassals by paying him tribute obeying his orders and offering him homage.

The five kingdoms were-Samatata or South- Eastern Bengal; Davaka or Now gong district of Assam, Kamarupa or Upper-Assam, Nepal and Kartripura (which may be identifiable with Kumaon, Garwal.

(V) Extent Of His Empire

The empire of Samudragupta was comprised of the whole of Northern India excluding Kashmir, Western Punjab and Western Rajputana. In this way, his empire extending in North, from Himalaya to Narmada river in the South including the ports of Cambay, Bhroach and Sopara in the Western coast and in the East, from the river Brahmaputra to the Arabian sea in west.

The region comprising Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, a portion of Central provinces, the Vamdhya Rajputana, Gujarat, Sindh and Eastern Punjab constituted in his dominion.

Examiner’s Choice

• These urban handicraft were supplemented by the manufacture of beautiful pieces of terracotta, which are found in profuse qualities.

•Terracotta’s were meant mostly for use of upper classes in towns. With the decline of town in Gupta, and especially in post-Gupta time, such terracotta almost went out of fashion.

• The Satavahana inscriptions show that there were in western India at that time guilds which acted as banks.

• One inscription states that an oil-pressers guild (Talikanikaya) received two amounts of money as fixed deposit. For one amount the rate of interest payable was 12% and for the other 9%.

(VI) Relations With The Island States Samudragupta’s relations with foreign powers can be perceived clearly from the “Allahabad Pillar Inscription”. The names of the Kings with whom Samudragupta had relations are mentioned in the inscription were :-

A. “Daivaputra-Sahi-Sahanushahi” i.e., the Kushana Kings of the Western Punjab and Afghanistan, who, probably wanted military assistance from Samudragupta against the Sasanian power.

B. The “Saka-Munandas ” who may be identified with the Saka Chiefs of Western Malava and Kathiawar. According to a different view the reference was to the saka Chiefs of Laghman.

C. The “King of Ceylon” who acknowledged his authority. In the Chinese records we find the relations of Samudragupta with Ceylon.

Meghvarna, the king of Ceylon sent two monks to visit Bodh-Gaya and sought the permission of Samudragupta to build a monastery at Bodh-Gaya and he accorded the permission.

D. The “Sarvadvipavasin” or “all other inhabitants of islands” wanted friendship with Samudragupta. Perhaps, this phrase may refer to the islands close to India, the Maldives and Andamans or it may be a reference to South- East Asia.

It is not possible to say what kind of relation the foreign Kings wanted to have with Gupta. But it can be concluded that the weak Kingdoms submitted to the authority of the Guptas, while the strong ones like the Sakas and the Kushanas wanted only diplomatic relations.

(VI) “Asvamedha Yanjna

After the completion of his conquests, Samudragupta performed the “Asvamedha Yanjna ” or horse sacrifice. We have come across gold coins which seem to have been struck on that occasion and which were distributed among the Brahmanas as gifts. These coins show a figure of the horse to be sacrificed before an altar and the legend.

“The Maharajadhiraja of irresistible valour having conquered the earth now wins heaven.” The reverse of the coins shows the figure of the queen and the legend “Asvamedha Parakramah”, “he whose supremacy has been established by the Asvamedha”.

There is the stone figure of a horse now in the Lucknow museum which seems to refer to the “Asvamedha Yanjna or horse sacrifice. It has an incomplete Prakrit legend “ddaguttassa deyadhamma.”

8. Coins Of Samudragupta

Samudragupta seems to “issued seven different types of gold coins such as -“Standard type”, Lyrist-type, “Asvamedha-type”. Battle Axe- type, Archer types, Kacha-type and Tiger-type. The Lyrist type coins indicated the great love of Samudragupta for music particularly for “Vina”, a musical instrument.

The “Asvamedha-type” coins suggest the religion of Samudragupta. These coins portray Samudragupta performing “Asvamedha-Yanjna” or horse sacrifice. Finally, the Battle Axe Types, Archer type, Kacha-type and Tiger type all indicate the military powers of Samudragupta.

“The unconquered conqueror of unconquered kings”. Excepting the Lyrist and tiger-types all other types of coins bear legends which indicate the conquests and military prowess of Samudragupta. The artistic execution of these coins clearly suggests the height attained in the field of art.