Chandragupta II's Campaign of Balkh
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The Legendary account of Vikramaditya, as attributed to the renowned 4th-century CE Sanskrit poet Kalidasa and further elaborated upon in the Brihatkathamanjari by the Kashmiri writer Kshmendra, unveils a compelling narrative of a powerful and ambitious ruler who left an indelible mark on the Indian subcontinent. Some modern historians link this legend to Chandragupta II as being Vikramaditya, yet even so, it remains a speculative assertion.[1][2]
Conquest and campaign
The Gupta dynasty's power in the Punjab region is described in an inscription found in the Sacred Rock of Hunza. This ruler is titled "Chandra," and it is believed that he was Chandragupta II. However, this identification is not certain, and Chandra of the Hunza inscriptions could have well been a local ruler.[3] An inscription known as the Meharauli pillar inscription (No.67) is etched on the well-known Iron pillar of Delhi. It includes a king's eulogy who goes by the simple name Chandra. In the Vanga land (Vangeshu), he engaged in combat and vanquished his adversaries who banded together to oppose him. Additionally, he vanquished the Vällikas (Kingdom of Balkh)[4] and crossed the seven faces or feeders (Sapta Mukhāni) of the river Sindhu in combat. Because of his devotion to Vishnu, the monarch erected a pillar on the hill where Vishnupada stood as a symbol of the God.[5] The expedition was probably directed against the Hunas or the Sassanids[6] As a result, Balkh (Bactria) was conquered and the Guptas had won after endless wars with the foreigners of this land.[1][2]
Aftermath
He returned back from Bactria and was crowned with glory.[1]
Thereafter, the King proceeded into the
References
- ^ ISBN 978-81-208-0592-7.
- ^ ISBN 978-1-5128-1486-6.
- ISBN 978-81-317-1677-9.
- ISBN 9788170222514.
- ^ Majumdar, R.C. (1981). A Comprehensive History of India Vol. III, Part 1 (A.D. 300-985). People's Publ. House,New Delhi. p. 55.
- ISBN 9781317586920.
The expedition was directed probably against the Huns or the Sassanids.