Western Kshatrapas: Kshaharata, Kardamaka, and Chashtana - Indo-Scythian Rulers of Ancient India.

Understanding the Saka-Kshatrapas of Western India: Rise and Fall

After the decline of the Mauryan Empire, several regional powers emerged in different parts of India. Among them, the Saka-Kshatrapas held a significant position in Western India. These rulers, known as Kshatrapas (viceroys or subordinate rulers), governed under the influence of the Scythian-Parthians.

During the Kushana period, the Kshatrapas ruled over regions like Gujarat, Saurashtra, and Malwa. This period saw the rise of two important ruling families:

• Kshaharatas
• Kardamakas

The Kshaharata Dynasty: Bhumaka and Nahapana

The Kshaharata family initially ruled parts of western India. Until recently, only two rulers were well-known—Bhumaka and Nahapana. However, another name, Aghudaka (or Abhedaka), has now been discovered through coin inscriptions, confirming his association with the Kshaharata lineage.

• Bhumaka: He was the first known ruler of the Kshaharatas and likely owed allegiance to the Kushana ruler Kanishka.
• His coins, bearing legends in Brahmi and Kharosthi, have been found in coastal Gujarat, Malwa, and Ajmer.
• He was succeeded by Nahapana, as evident from the similarity in their coinage.

Nahapana: The Most Prominent Kshaharata Ruler and His Impact

Nahapana was the most significant ruler of the Kshaharata dynasty. His rule is well-documented through coins and inscriptions.

• Several inscriptions record endowments and benefactions made by his son-in-law, Usavadata, and a minister named Ayama.
• Ancient sources like the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea identify him as Nambanus, while Jain texts refer to him as King Naravahana.

His coins have been found in Rajasthan (Ajmer area) and Maharashtra (Nasik area). Initially, he used the title Kshatrapa, but later inscriptions show him adopting the titles Mahakshatrapa and Rajan, indicating a shift towards independent rule.

Nahapana's Kingdom: The Extent of Western India Rule

Nahapana’s kingdom reached its largest expanse during his reign, covering:

• Malwa, Gujarat, Saurashtra, Northern Maharashtra
• Parts of Rajasthan and the Lower Indus Valley

His capital was Minnagara, located midway between Ujjain and Broach (Bharuch), possibly identified with Doha.

Saka-Satavahana Conflict: Battles and Territories of Nahapana

Control over western coastal trade routes often changed hands between the Sakas and the Satavahanas. Nahapana’s expansion came at the expense of the Satavahanas, one of the most powerful dynasties of the Deccan.

• His records are found in Nasik, Karle, and Junnar—all former Satavahana territories.
• One inscription from Nasik confirms his rule over key cities:
  • Bhrigukachchha (Broach, Gujarat)
  • Dasapura (Mandasore, Madhya Pradesh)
  • Surparaka (Sopara, Mumbai)
  • Govardhana (Nasik, Maharashtra)

However, Nahapana’s rule came to a dramatic end when he was defeated and killed by the Satavahana ruler Gautamiputra Satakarni, who reclaimed much of the Kshaharata territory.

The Kardamaka Dynasty: The Rise of Chashtana in Western India

Around the time of Nahapana’s downfall, another Kshatrapa ruler, Chashtana, rose to power. He belonged to the Kardamaka family, which played a crucial role in shaping Western India’s history.

• His daughter later became the queen of Satavahana ruler Vashisthiputra Satakarni.
• His coins initially bore the title Kshatrapa, but later ones included Mahakshatrapa, similar to Nahapana.
• His rule began in 78 CE.

Chashtana and the Expansion of Saka Rule in Western India

Chashtana ruled Western India alongside his grandson, Rudradaman I, as indicated by the Andhau inscription from Kutch (130 CE).

• His son, Jayadaman, ruled briefly but predeceased him.
• Chashtana is also referred to as Tiastenes in Ptolemy’s Geography.
• His capital was Ujjayini in Avanti, suggesting that the Satavahanas lost control over western Malwa.

Rudradaman I: The Most Powerful Kardamaka Ruler and His Reign

Rudradaman I (c. 150 CE) was the most significant ruler of the Kardamaka dynasty. Under him, Saka power reached its peak.

• His famous Junagarh Inscription (150 CE) records his achievements.
• He assumed the title Mahakshatrapa, symbolizing his independent authority.

Additional Information: Kshatrapa

• Rudradaman and the Cultural Shift in Western India:
  • Rudradaman's Rule and Patronage:
    • Rudradaman, a Kshatrapa ruler in western India, notably patronized Sanskrit, marking a cultural shift from Prakrit inscriptions.
    • His use of Sanskrit in inscriptions, including a major one at Junagarh, may reflect his desire to align with Brahmanism and gain legitimacy.
  • Rudradaman's Achievements and Cultural Contributions:
    • The inscription from Junagarh (AD 150) also describes Rudradaman's military campaigns, including his victories over the Satavahanas and Yaudheya gana-sanghas.
    • Rudradaman’s inscription is an early example of "prashasti" (royal eulogy), which became a significant literary form in the history of royal biographies.
  • The Role of Sanskrit in Royal Legitimacy:
    • The use of Sanskrit, a language associated with orthodoxy, helped Rudradaman project himself as a legitimate ruler, despite his questionable varna status.
    • This marks the beginning of Sanskrit becoming the language of choice in inscriptions, representing the growing prestige of the language in royal circles.

Rudradaman’s Territorial Expansion: Western India at its Zenith

Rudradaman’s empire included:

• Akaravanti (Malwa)
• Anarta (North Kathiawad)
• Saurashtra (Kathiawad Peninsula)
• Kutch, Sindh, Sauvira
• Aparanta and Nishada (between the Vindhyas and Paripatra Mountains)

Some of these regions had previously been under Satavahana rule, but Rudradaman conquered them.

Rudradaman’s Conflict with the Satavahanas: Battles and Alliances

Rudradaman defeated the Satavahana ruler Satakarni twice but spared him due to familial ties. An inscription from Kanheri suggests that the defeated Satavahana king, Vasishthiputra Satakarni, was Rudradaman’s son-in-law.

Economic Policies of Rudradaman I: Revenue System and Prosperity

The Junagarh Inscription highlights the diversified revenue system under Rudradaman.

• Taxes: Land rent (**Bali**), agricultural share (**Bhaga**), tolls & customs (**Sulka**).
• The treasury overflowed with **gold, silver, and gems**, showcasing his economic prosperity.

Decline of the Saka-Kshatrapas

The successors of Rudradaman I failed to maintain his vast empire. However, they **remained independent in Western India** until the **early 5th century CE**.