Later Gupta History: Inscriptions, Coins and Historical Ideology

Abstract

This article argues for a radical revision of later Gupta chronology based on a review of the primary evidence. The paucity of dated material has meant that historical reconstructions of the period have been based on late-Victorian assumptions about the nature of society and kingship. Removing this ideological framework allows not only for a revision of chronology — a traditional historical concern — but for a new understanding of Gupta kingship and the constitution of state.

Chapter Two. Historical Contexts For The Emergence And Transmission Of Buddhism Within South Asia

“…270-232 BCE), whom Buddhist traditions revere as an ideal emperor (cakravartin), although he is virtually ignored by other traditions until his rediscovery in the nineteenth century. Aśoka's murky background may support Buddhist literary accounts in which he assumed the throne as "Aśoka the cruel" (Can d āśoka) after a struggle with rival 45 For discussion and references, see Kartunnen 1997a: 261 contenders, who were eliminated in fratricidal conflicts. 49 However, Pāli narratives of mass slaughter of ninety-nine brothers are likely to have been embellished, since Aśoka refers to his brothers and sisters in inscriptions.…”

“…the reign of a great monarch in a golden age would have to have been long, happy and glorious" (2005: 142-143). 261 Romila Thapar has questioned ". .…”

Ashwamedha Yagya: Gupta Dynasty

“…scholar reveals the original name of the Samudragupta as Kacha who has issued coins describing himself as sarvarajochchhetta (the exterminator of all the kings) [15]. Samudragupta also known as (chirotsannasvamedhaharta) cause he had revived the Ashwamedh Yagya after a long time [16]. Samudragupta also issued coins after conducting the Ashwamedh Yagya.…”

“…records the sale of a land by government donated to a Brahmana for the maintenance of five daily sacrifices (Panchmahayajnas.) [23].…”

Multi-Period Regional Survey Data from Vidarbha, Maharashtra, India

“…During this time we see the appearance of many of the commonly perceived hallmarks of 'Indian' society, such as: the emergence of Hindu temple institutions [6,58]; the spread and adoption of various new forms of government and administration across the subcontinent with Sanskrit as the courtly language [2,14,37]; and a flourishing of artistic and scientific endeavour evident in various media [15,32,51,56]. These developments are usually associated with the growth of the Gupta Empire in North India during the fourth century CE [31,57]. Our archaeological understanding of these developments is problematic for a number of reasons [17,26].…”