The Vatsagulma Copper‑plate Grant of Vākāṭaka Vindhyasakti - Regnal Year 37

Summary

‘The Vatsagulma Copper‑plate Grant of Vākāṭaka Vindhyasakti’ analyses a newly discovered copper‑plate inscription attributed to a Vākāṭaka king named Vindhyasakti, dated to his 37th regnal year. The author summarises Mr. Y. K. Deshpande’s reading, which identifies the charter as evidence for a collateral branch of the Vākāṭaka dynasty centred at Vatsagulma (in modern Vidarbha). The article compares the script and genealogical references with known Vākāṭaka records and concludes that this Vindhyasakti belonged to a line separate from the main Pravarasena lineage. Through a close reading of Puranic passages and earlier inscriptions, the author reconstructs the dynasty’s genealogy: Vindhyasakti I was followed by his son Pravara, who performed numerous sacrifices; subsequent rulers included Sarvasena and Rudrasena. The new copper‑plate, however, suggests that a different Vindhyasakti ruled contemporaneously, pointing to a collateral branch. The paper discusses the implications for dating and argues that the record may belong to the late 4th or early 5th century A.D., later than traditionally believed. It also critiques Mr. Deshpande’s suggestion that the king performed ninety sacrifices, proposing that the epigraph may be corrupt in that section. Overall, the article contributes to debates on Vākāṭaka chronology and highlights the importance of epigraphic discoveries in refining dynastic history.