Chronology of the Sena Kings of Bengal

Summary

The article tackles the problem of dating the reigns of the Sena dynasty rulers of Bengal by analysing astronomical references in their inscriptions. Scholars have debated whether there were two kings named Lakshmana Sena and disagreed over the chronology of Vijay Sena, Vallala Sena and Lakshmana Sena. The article argues that there was only one Lakshmana Sena and that the Sena chronology can be established more precisely by correlating eclipse data. It begins by summarising previous views on the dynasty and pointing out inconsistencies in genealogy and regnal years. The author then examines inscriptions that record solar and lunar eclipses, particularly copper-plate grants from Deopara and Belava. By converting the Saka-era dates into the Gregorian calendar, the article identifies eclipses that match the recorded dates. For example, a grant referring to a solar eclipse in Saka 1059 corresponds to a total eclipse observed in 1137 CEfile:///home/oai/share/Chronology_of_the_Sena_Kings_of_Bengal.pdf. Another record mentions a lunar eclipse in Saka 1067, which aligns with an eclipse in 1145 CEfile:///home/oai/share/Chronology_of_the_Sena_Kings_of_Bengal.pdf#:~:text=After%20Vijaya%2C%20Vallila%20Sena%20ascended,The%20meaning%20of%20whot%20Ananda. Using such correlations, the article establishes that Vijay Sena reigned from about 1095 to 1159 CE, Vallala Sena from 1159 to 1185 CE, and Lakshmana Sena from 1185 to 1206 CE. The analysis challenges the view that there were two Lakshmana Senas, showing that chronological discrepancies arise from misinterpreting era notations and scribal errors. The article also examines genealogical verses and titles to corroborate the chronological framework. It concludes that accurate chronological reconstruction is essential for understanding the political and cultural history of Bengal under the Senas, whose reigns coincided with major developments in literature, architecture and regional identity.