Ghaṭṭīṭakacagupta

Summary

Ghaṭṭīṭakacagupta by Parmeshwari Lal Gupta investigates a little‑known name appearing on certain Gupta‑era coins and inscriptions. Gupta analyses copper coins inscribed with the legend ‘Ghaṭṭīṭakagupta’ and compares their weight, iconography and calligraphy with other early Gupta coinage. He argues that these coins belong to an intermediate ruler between the legendary chieftain Ghaṭotkacha and the historically attested Emperor Chandragupta I. By examining palaeography, Gupta dates the coins to the late third or early fourth century CE. He suggests that Ghaṭṭīṭakacagupta, possibly a son or close relative of Ghaṭotkacha, may have ruled a small principality before the rise of the imperial Guptas. The article also reviews copper‑plate inscriptions that mention a similar name and evaluates whether this figure could be identified with Ghatotkacha himself. Gupta concludes that Ghaṭṭīṭakacagupta was a distinct ruler who helped to consolidate Gupta power in Magadha, bridging the gap between myth and history. This finding contributes to our understanding of the early Gupta genealogy and the transition from local chieftains to empire builders.