Basim
Vindhyashakti II was a Vakataka ruler.
Vindhyashakti
Vindhyashakti - The founder of the dynasty was Vindhyaśakti (250-270), whose name is derived from the name of the goddess Vindhya after whom the mountains were named. The dynasty may be originated there. Almost nothing is known about Vindhyashakti, the founder of the Vakatakas. In the Cave XVI inscription of Ajanta he was described as the banner of the Vakataka family and a Dvija. It is stated in this inscription that he added to his power by fighting great battles and he had a large cavalry. But no regal title is prefixed to his name in this inscription. The Puranas say that he ruled for 96 years. He was placed variously at south Deccan, Madhya Pradesh and Malwa.
K.P. Jayaswal attributes Bagat, a village in the Jhansi district as the home of Vakatakas. But after refuting the theory regarding the northern home of the Vakatakas, V.V. Mirashi points out that the earliest mention of the name Vakataka occurs in an inscription found on a fragment of a pillar at Amravati which records the gift of a Grihapati (householder) Vakataka and his two wives. This Grihapati in all probability was the progenitor of Vidhyashakti. It appears from the Puranas that Vindhyasakti was a ruler of Vidisha (in the present day Madhya Pradesh state) but that is not considered to be correct.[1]
As per Dr Mirashi, who has rejected the identification of Rudra deva in the Allahabad pillar inscription of Samudra Gupta with Rudra sena I. He has also pointed out there are no coins of Vakataka and there are no inscriptions of them in the north of Vindhyas. Hence, a south home of Vakatakas is correct. However, it is true that they have ruled on some of these places, since the epigraphs were available in MP etc.
Basim Copper-Plates of Vindhyashakti II 37th year
- By the order of the Dharmamaharaja, the illustrious Vindhyashakti (II) of the Vakatakas, (who is) the son of the Dharmamaharaja, the illustrious Sarvasena (and) grandson of the Dharmamaharaja, the illustrious Pravarasena (I), the Samrat, and the son (i.e. descendant) of Hariti, (who was) of the Vrishnivriddha gotra and who performed Agnishtoma, Aptoryama, Vajapeya, Jyotishtoma, Brihaspatisava, Sadyaskra and four Ashvamedhas:-
- The Ajnapti and soldiers who are employed by us in all departments as well as other (touring officials) of noble birth in (the village) Akasapadda, which is situated near Takalakkhoppaka in the northern division (marga) of Nandikada should be caused to be addressed (as follows):-
- (Lines 7-10). For the increase of (Our) life and power, for invoking blessings and peace (for Us), and for Our well-being in this world and the next, We have now granted, in our victorious place of religious worship, this village to (the following members of) the Atharvanika charana in this village as a new gift which is to be enjoyed as long as the moon and the sun will endure, (in the following proportion), viz., three parts- (in figures) 3-of it to these (following) Brahmanas-half a share being given to Jivujja (Jivarya) of the Bhalandayana gotra, to Ruddajja (Rudrarya) of the Kapinjala gotra, to Bhattidevajja (Bhartridevarya) of the Shravishthayana gotra, to Deaja (Devarya) of the Kausika gotra, to Venhujja (Vishnvarya) of the Kaushika gotra, to Vidhijja (Vidhyarya) of the Kausika gotra, to Pituja (Pitarya) of the Paippaladi gotra, to Chandaja (Chandrarya) of the Bhalandayana gotra (and) to Jetthaja (Jyeshtharya) of the Kaushika gotra; (and) two shares being given to Buddhaja (Buddharya) of the Bhalandayana gotra, to Bhaddilajja (Bhadrilarya) of the Kausika gotra, to Sivajja (Shivarya) of the Kaushika gotra, (and) to Harinnaja (Hiranyarya) of the Kaushika gotra-and the fourth part, (in figure) 1, to Revatijja (Revatyarya) of the Kaushika gotra.
- (Lines 19-21). And We grant the following exemptions from restrictions for it, such as are incidental to a village granted to the Brahmanas proficient in the four Vedas, as approved by former kings, viz., it is to be exempt from (the entrance of) the District Police; to be exempt from the digging of salt and fermentation of liquor; it is to be exempt from (the obligation to make) presents of grain and gold; it does not entitle (the State) to (the royalties on) flowers and milk; and to the customary cows and bullocks; it is not to provide pasture, hides and charcoal; it is not to be entered by soldiers; it is not to provide cots, water-pots and servants (to touring royal officers); it is exempt from taxes; it is not to provide draught cattle; it carries with it the right to treasures and deposits, to major and minor taxes, and to platforms and large fields; and it is to be exempted with immunities of all kinds.
- (Lines 24-30). Wherefore, you should protect it, cause it to be protected, exempt it and cause it to be exempted, regarding this charter as authoritative.
- Whoever will cause trouble or approve of it when caused, upon him, when complained against by the aforementioned Brahmanas we will inflict punishment together with a fine.
- (Line 28-30). In the year 30 (and) 7, in the first fortnight of winter, on the day 4. This order, given by Us personally, has been written by the Senapati Vishnu. May there be success!
- From: Mirashi, Vasudev Vishnu. Corpus Inscriptionum Indicarum: Inscriptions of the Vakatakas, Vol. V. Ootacamund: Government Epigraphist for India, 1963, 98-100.
References
- ↑ Mahajan V.D. (1960, reprint 2007) Ancient India, New Delhi: S.Chand, ISBN 81-219-0887-6, pp.587-8
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