History and Culture of Gujarat

Summary

Political History Western Kshatrapas' Independence: Challenges the view that they were Kushana viceroys, arguing they were independent kings based on: Absence of Kushana coins/epigraphs in Gujarat. Titles like Rājā Kshatrapa and Rājā Mahākshatrapa denoting sovereignty. The term Kshatrapa derived from Iranian Kshathrapata (meaning "king," not "viceroy"). End of Kshatrapa Rule: Extends the timeline to Śaka year 320 (398 CE), citing a newly discovered coin, refuting Rapson’s earlier end date of 388 CE. Gupta Conquest: Disputes that Chandragupta II ruled Gujarat; instead, Kumāragupta (post-415 CE) was the first Gupta ruler there. Final Overthrow: Attributes the fall of the Kshatrapas to General Sarva Bhattāraka, who ruled briefly before Gupta dominance. 2. Numismatic and Epigraphic Insights Coin Evidence: Critiques overreliance on coin-hoards for historical geography, noting complexities like feudal tributes and currency circulation. New Catalog: Compiles a comprehensive catalog of Kshatrapa coins, analyzing symbols, Greek legends, and dating systems. Junāgadh Rock Inscriptions: Highlights Rudradāman’s epigraph for its details on: Brāhmi script evolution. Reservoir-based agriculture and administration. Religious tolerance (mentioning Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu practices). 3. Cultural and Religious Developments Jainism’s Influence: Reassigns the first Jaina Rāmāyaṇa (Padmacarita) to Mallavādisūri (317–397 CE), predating Vimalasūri’s Paumacariyam. Somanātha Temple: Proposes an earlier origin (2nd–3rd century CE) than the accepted 5th–6th century date. Education Centers: Identifies Valabhī, Broach, Junāgadh, and Devni Mori as hubs for subjects like Yuddha-vidyā (warfare) and Gandharva-vidyā (music). 4. Art and Architecture Cave Temples: Re-examines Bāwā Pyārā and Uparkot caves, noting: Lion-head motifs and Jaina symbols (e.g., aṣṭamangala). Precise dating based on iconography. Iconography: Documents Gujarat’s handicrafts and religious art under Kshatrapa patronage. 5. Social and Economic Life Currency: Confirms Kāhāpana as the period’s standard term, dismissing alternatives like Suvarna. Daily Life: Covers agriculture, trade, loans, food, ornaments, and caste dynamics. 6. Genealogical and Territorial Clarifications Kardamaka Dynasty: Fixes the lineage of kings like Dāmajadasri I and Rudrasimha I. Broach as Capital: Identifies it as the Kshaharāta capital, rejecting other theories. Neighboring Kingdoms: Analyzes interactions with Sātavāhanas, Ābhiras, and Traikutakas. 7. New Discoveries Three Unknown Inscriptions: Unveils previously unstudied Kshatrapa records. Devni Mori Excavation: Introduces a new era name from archaeological findings.