Question

Which is the correct combination, with respect to the Deccan conquest of Samudragupta ? \[ \begin{aligned} A.& \ \text{Vyaghraraja of Mahakantara} B.& \ \text{Hastivarman of Kanchi} C.& \ \text{Ugrasena of Avamukta} D.& \ \text{Kuvera of Devarashtra} E.& \ \text{Daman of Erandapalla} \end{aligned} \] Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

• A. A, C and D Only
• B. B, C and E Only
• C. B, D and E Only
• D. A, D and E Only

Hint:

Remember the famous southern rulers defeated by Samudragupta: \[ \text{Hastivarman, Kubera, Daman} \] The chief source is the Allahabad Pillar Inscription written by Harisena.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: Samudragupta, one of the greatest rulers of the Gupta Empire, is often called the “Napoleon of India” because of his extensive military conquests. The most important source regarding his campaigns is: \[ \text{Allahabad Pillar Inscription} \] composed by his court poet Harisena. The inscription divides conquered rulers into categories such as:
• Aryavarta rulers,
• Dakshinapatha rulers,
• frontier states,
• and tribal kingdoms.

Step 1: Understanding the rulers connected with the Deccan campaign. During the southern expedition of Samudragupta, several rulers of Dakshinapatha accepted his authority after military defeat. The important rulers included:
• Hastivarman of Kanchi,
• Ugrasena of Palakka,
• Mahendra of Kosala,
• Kubera of Devarashtra,
• Daman of Erandapalla.

Step 2: Examining statement A carefully. \[ \text{Vyaghraraja of Mahakantara} \] Vyaghraraja belonged to a forest tribal region and is generally associated with Atavika rulers rather than the principal Deccan rulers. Thus: \[ A \text{ is not correctly included here.} \]

Step 3: Examining statement B. \[ \text{Hastivarman of Kanchi} \] Hastivarman was indeed one of the important rulers defeated during Samudragupta’s southern campaign. Thus: \[ B \text{ is correct.} \]

Step 4: Examining statement C. \[ \text{Ugrasena of Avamukta} \] The inscription refers to: \[ \text{Ugrasena of Palakka} \] and not Avamukta. Thus: \[ C \text{ is incorrect.} \]

Step 5: Examining statements D and E. \[ \text{Kubera of Devarashtra} \] and \[ \text{Daman of Erandapalla} \] Both rulers are correctly associated with Samudragupta’s southern expedition. Thus: \[ D \text{ and } E \text{ are correct.} \]

Step 6: Selecting the correct combination. Correct statements are: \[ B, D \text{ and } E \] Hence: \[ \boxed{(3)\ B, D \text{ and } E \text{ Only}} \]

Step 7: Historical significance of Samudragupta’s campaigns. The southern expedition demonstrated:
• Gupta military superiority,
• political diplomacy,
• and imperial expansion. Instead of annexing all territories directly, Samudragupta often restored defeated rulers after accepting tribute and submission.