The Vishnukundi Chronicles: Indrapura & Sakrapura
A Comprehensive Reconstruction from the Tummalagudem Inscriptions
📍 Location & Chronology
Findspot: Tummalagudem, Ramannapeta Taluk, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri, Telangana.
Ancient Capital: Indrapura (Sakrapura) / Indrapalagutta.
Language/Script: Sanskrit in "Southern Characters."
📜 The Sacred Edicts
Inscription Set I: Year 37 of Govindavarman
Issued on Vaisakha Purnima by Govindavarman.
Beneficiary: The Arya-Sangha of the four quarters.
The Vihara: Built by the Chief Queen Parama-mahadevi.
The Gift: Villages of Ermadala and Penkaparu given for food, lamps, incense, and medicine for the monks.
Inscription Set II: Saka 488
Issued from Sakrapura by Vikramendravarman II.
The Event: Issued immediately after return from a military campaign against the Pallavas.
The Gift: Village of Irundora granted to the Mahavihara.
The Connection: Mentions the Queen Mother from the Prithivimula family and the executor Srimularaja.
👥 Social Order (Varna & Asrama)
The inscriptions explicitly mention the King's relationship with the Caste System. According to the text of Set I, the social world was structured as follows:
1. The "Four Castes" (Chatur-Varna)
The inscription states that the King was "loved by all the castes" (Varnas). While the system existed, the King’s virtue was seen in his ability to provide for all of them equally through his gifts and honor.
2. The Asrama System
The text mentions that he was loved by those in all Asramas (the four stages of life: Student, Householder, Forest-dweller, and Ascetic). This shows a society deeply rooted in the Vedic way of life.
3. Brahmakshatra: The Hybrid Status
A unique historical detail in these charters is the description of the Vishnukundi dynasty as possessing Brahmakshatratejas—the combined "brilliance" of both the Brahmana (priestly) and Kshatriya (warrior) castes. This suggests they claimed a dual spiritual and temporal authority.
🛡️ The Structure of Power
Governance was a "Brahmakshatra" system—merging spiritual brilliance with the "power of arms." The King was a protector of the Asramas and a provider for the vulnerable.
The Forbidden Boundary
The villages were A-chata-bhata-pravesya. This means the following officials were barred from entry to ensure the sanctuary of the monks:
- Charas: Secret spies and agents.
- Bhatas: Soldiers and constables.
- Dutas: Royal messengers and envoys.
- Vallabhas: Royal favorites and overseers.
- Rajapurushas: General state tax officers.
🏛️ Life in the 6th Century
Citizens lived in a world where monasteries (Viharas) were the centers of social care. The King provided for the sick and the beggars directly. Architecture was flourishing with new temples and ponds, while the village life was protected from state interference by royal decree. It was an era of Great Enlightenment mixed with Military Might.
🌾 Living Conditions: The Public Welfare
The inscriptions reveal a surprisingly modern focus on Public Infrastructure and Social Safety Nets. Life in the 500s involved:
🏗️ Infrastructure
The landscape was dotted with "drinking water houses" (Prapas), ponds, wells, and gardens. The King prioritized not just building afresh, but keeping old structures in "good repair"—a sign of a stable, long-term administration.
🏥 The Social Safety Net
Wealth was "lawfully acquired" and then redistributed. The King specifically provided for:
- The Sick and Depressed: Suggesting the existence of early hospitals or dispensaries.
- The Wretched and Helpless: Direct state food aid and housing (Habitations).
- The Scholars and Warriors: Patronage for both the "pen" and the "sword."
💰 Wealth & Material Culture
What did "wealth" look like then? The King’s donations show a rich, varied economy:
🧘 The King’s Mindset
"Developing in his mind the thoughts of great enlightenment for saving all the creatures."
The "Unique Eye" refers to a ruler who uses Learning and Scripture to see beyond immediate politics. He believed his power was a tool for universal salvation, which is why he supported the Arya-Sangha (Buddhist monks) so heavily at the Mahavihara.
👑 The Lineage of Sovereigns
1. Maharaja Indravarman
The "Spotless Ornament" of the family. He is the probable founder of the capital Indrapura. He established the prestige of the Vishnukundi name through traditional dharma.
2. Maharaja Madhavavarman I
The "Excellent Son" who expanded the initial holdings. His reign focused on stabilizing the core territories around the Musi River valley.
3. Maharaja Govindavarman
"The King of Enlightenment"
A ruler of Perseverance and Affection. He penetrated enemy kingdoms through heroism and intelligence, yet was loved by all kinsmen and servants for his gifts.
His Great Munificence:
He gifted away Gold, Elephants, Horses, Cows, Bulls, Ornaments, and Habitations. He built drinking water houses, ponds, wells, and monasteries, keeping the old ones in "good repair." His wealth was enjoyed by the monks, the sick, the depressed, and the wretched.
4. Maharaja Madhavavarman II
The Lord of the Earth: Performer of 11 Asvamedhas and numerous sacrifices. He expanded the empire to the Narmada (Reva) and was known as the master of the Dakshinapatha.
5. Maharaja Vikramendravarman I
The Mahakavi: A poet-king and son of a Vakataka princess. As a Paramasaugata, he merged royal power with Buddhist philosophy.
6. Maharaja Indrabhattarakavarman
Satyasraya: The conqueror of many "Four-Tusked" (Chaturdanta) elephant battles. He faced intense internal conflicts with kinsmen to secure the throne.
7. Maharaja Vikramendravarman II
Uttamasraya: Enthroned while a boy (Saisava). He is the hero who crippled the Pallava King Simha and returned to Sakrapura in triumph.
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