The succession of Samudragupta

One of India's most notable rulers during the Swarn Yug (Golden Age), whose valor is echoed in every ear. Turning the pages of history, we learn about one of the most powerful rulers, Samudragupta. His charming body, scarred by battle scars from axes, arrows, swords, and spears, screams of his bravery. This is the tale of the heroism of an ideal king who created a vast empire under his direct control.

The great king of the Gupta dynasty, Samudragupta; Image source- Indiatimes.com

Samudragupta was born to the founder of the Gupta dynasty, Chandragupta I, and his wife Kumaradevi. The fragmentary inscriptions of Eran stones imply that he was selected as the next ruler at a very young age for his devotion, valor, and righteousness. However, his accession to the throne brought out so many revolts during the first year of his rule. But he handled them with proper tactics and established his position as a deserving king.

He began his military conquest as soon as he gained power, conquering his southern neighbors, but his ideals and principles set him apart from all other monarchs. He believed in the "Dharma Vijaya" policy, in which he defeated rulers and re-established them as tributary kings. With these tactics, he conquered Southern India with ease and then turned his attention to the northern lands.

With his ambition, bravery, and courage, he expanded his empire from Allahabad to Assam, Bengal, and Nepal, and nearly ruled over all the valleys of the Ganga, contributing to his illustrious military career. He was also a great patron of arts who employed numerous poets in his court. Among them was Harisena, a well-known poet who had inscribed Samudrgupta's achievements on the Allahabad pillar. He was also a secular king who authorized the construction of a Buddhist monastery in Bodh Gaya, honoring the Buddhist people's views.

The Allahabad pillar plays an important role in portraying Samudrgupta's victory and valor in the eyes of current and future generations. It also commemorates his victories over northern monarchs like Rudradeva, Nagadatta, Nagasena, Balarama, and others. Several frontier rulers, including Samatala, Davaka, Kattripura, and Kamarupa, as well as tribes such as the Malays, Kakas, and Madrakas, all surrendered their kingdoms without fighting, according to the pillar.

Samudragupta's empire stretched from the west river, Ravi, to the east river, the Brahmaputra, from the northern Himalayas to the southern Vindhya, according to historian R. C. Majumdar. He also claimed ownership of the Chenab River, according to historian Ashvini Agrawal, and researcher J. F. Fleet believes he also took control of parts of Maharashtra. All of these achievements made him one of India's most efficient and effective rulers.

The invention of seven varieties of coinage systems, including the Archer Type, the Standard Type, the Battle Axe Type, the Tiger Slayer Type, the Ashvamedha Type, the King and Queen Type, and the Lyre Player Type, was one of his main achievements. These coins bore the epithets that represented his military equipment.

Apart from his huge kingdom, he managed to keep his people in peace and prosperity. Even though he was fearless in the face of his foes, he was always amicable with his friends and neighbors. However, historian V.A. Smith addressed him as the “Napoleon of India” not for his lust for power but for his empire expansion and his ability to win every war without being exiled a single time.

The ancient coins during the age of Samudragupta; Image source-Wikimedia Commons