Home > Indian History > History of India > Rulers in Magadha before Guptas
Rulers in Magadha before Guptas
The exact timeline of the rulers in Magadha before the Guptas is still shrouded in mystery.

Share this Article:

It cannot be definitely said as to who were the rulers in Magadha before the Guptas.

Some of the views of the scholars can be described below:
The rule of the Satavahanas
Dr. Dandekar is of the view that Magadha formed the part of the Satavahana empire. In support of his view he points out that the Puranas mention that the Satavahana will cover the earth. He further points out that a coin indicates this fact. This coin was of the Satavahana found at a place called Bhita which is seven miles away from Allahabad. Moreover a coin of the Satavahanas discovered in Nalanda also proves the statement.

This arguments given by Dr. Dandekar in support of his views do not seem to be correct and reliable. One coin found near Allahabad and one at Nalanda are not sufficient to come to this conclusion. The description of the Puranas is very vague. Last but not the least, the Satvahanas are referred as `Dakhina path pati` and `Triyasamudratiya pati vahan.`

The rule of the Lichchhavis
Dr. Mookerjee is the supporter of the view which is based on an inscription of Nepal king Jaidev of eight century which refers twenty-three generations earlier. One Supushpa Lichchhavi was born in Pushppura i.e. Pataliputra. Chandra Gupta I got the kingdom of Magadha by marrying a Lichchhavi princess.

This view also does not seem to be correct and the inscription of Jaideva may be merely eulogistic. Moreover, receiving of the kingdom of Magadha by Chandra Gupta through matrimonial alliance appears to be the product of sheer imagination.

The rule of the Murundas
Sri Pramod Chandra Bagchi is of the view that before the Guptas, Murundas ruled in Magadha. And the time was the second and third centuries A.D. In support of his view he points out that in the geography of ptolemy it has been clearly mentioned that the Murundas ruled on the right bank of river Ganges in the east of India. Moreover, according to Chinese sources a Chinese ambassador came to a capital of India in 227 A.D. and this capital was probably Pataliputra.

This view also does not seem to be correct. The scholars point out that the Indian king referred to above was the Murunda king of the western India.

The rule of the Kushanas
According to Dr. R.D. Bannerji and certain other scholars the Kushanas ruled in Magadha before the rise of the Guptas. Many scholars support this view. These scholars point out that the Guptas had established their rule by driving away these Kushanas. But some scholars do not agree with this view and point out that the fall of the Kushanas had already taken place before the rise of the Kushanas.

The rule of the Kota-Kula
On the basis of the mention of Kota-kula in Prayag Prasasti, Dr. Jayaswal expresses the view that there was the rule of the Kota-Kula in Pataliputra before the rise of the guptas. Sundervarman and Kalyanvarman referred to in `Kaumudi-mahotsava` were probably the kings of Kota-kula.

Many scholars have criticized this view. They point out that the meaning of the Prayag Prasasti and historical significance of `Kaumudi mahotsava` are both doubtful.

The rule of the Maukhary dynasty
According to this view, Sundervarman and Kalyanvarman were the rulers of Magadha and belonged to Maukhary dynasty. In support of this view, the mention of Chandra Valli inscription is made which makes the reference of the defeat of the Moyravarman in the third century A.D. This goes to show that there was the rule of Maukhari dynasty in the third century A.D.

However, it is pointed that the tribes mentioned in the Chandravalli inscriptions and the tribes of the western India are in no way related with the eastern India. Hence Kalyanvarman and Sundervarman cannot be said to belong to Maukhari dynasty.

Thus it cannot be definitely said as to who were the rulers of Magadha before the rise of the Gupta. The scholars differ in this respect and every view has some or the other shortcoming or weak points on account of which this question is still open to further enquiry and research.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in History of India


History of Uttar Pradesh
The state was the heart of Mahabharata war and the history of Uttar Pradesh is very much the history of India. The place finds its mentions in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
History Of Archaeology In India
History of archaeology in India contributes a lot to define the past history and the social life of India.
Mughal Architecture during Babur
Mughal Architecture during Babur is of adequate significance in Mughal history, as the emperor introduced Mughal architecture in India, during 16th century.
Princely State of Patdi
Princely State of Patdi or Patri was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was a sub division of Western India States Agency.
Architecture during Sayyid and Lodi Dynasty
Architectures during the Sayyid and Lodi dynasty were mainly the tombs and monuments for the dead rulers. It were carefully designed and meticulously constructed.
Brahmanical Sources of Ancient History
Brahmanical Sources of ancient history are contained in the Vedas and they constitute one of the most important literary sources of information about ancient India.
Female Education In British India
The over brimming enthusiasm among zealous Hindu reformers welcomed female education in British India.
Revenue System of Mauryan Empire
Revenue system of Mauryan Empire can be divided into eight categories. The principal revenue of the state was the land revenue, taxes from traders, artisans and professional taxes were also collected.
Mughal Architecture During Jahangir
Mughal architecture during Jahangir`s period was relative dull in comparison to that of Akbar dynasty.
Princely State of Satlasna
Princely State of Satlasna was amongst the former native states of India that was appointed as one of the Indian princely states during the early 19th century.
Coins of Chola Empire
Coins of Chola Empire were issued in gold, silver and copper and carried the Chola emblem.
Social Life during the Pala Period
Religious toleration and simple living were the characteristics of social life during the Pala period.
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty was reintroduced in the South India after a brief break of coinage less period of nearly three century. Chalukyas issued coins only in gold and they exhibit a brilliant artistic skill of the engraver.
Costumes of Indus Valley Civilisation
Costumes of Indus valley Civilization have been considered as the basis for Indian clothes. Sophisticated ornaments and make up were used during that age.
Development of Science under Gupta Empire
Development of Science under Gupta Empire was progressive and it had attained considerable perfection. Mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, physics and metallurgy were the most prominent of the sciences at that time.
Culture under Delhi Sultanate
Culture under Delhi Sultanate had enduring aspects to it. It included the society, the religious condition, literature and art and architecture of that period.
Princely State of Hapa
Princely State of Hapa was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was under the administrative control of the Western India States Agency.
Economy Under Chola Dynasty
Economy under Chola dynasty was strong and well developed. The economic life of the people of the Chola Kingdom was well balanced with their social life.
Coins of Khilji Dynasty
Coins of Khilji Dynasty had an influential feature that was followed by the other dynasties.
Religion During Mauryan Dynasty
Religion during Mauryan dynasty became a considerable episode in Indian history with an esteemed lineage of rulers.