Discuss the notion of kingship that developed in the post- Mauryan period.

Asked by abhishek240624 14th April 2018, 10:55 AM

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The Hindu religious texts like the 'Dharamshastras' laid down that only the khatriyas could become the kings. But after the Mauryans, the Satavahanas who ruled over parts of western and central India (c. second century BCE-second century CE) and the Shakas, a people of Central Asian origin who established kingdoms in the north-western and western parts of the subcontinent became kings and cheifs. Their background were obscure. Hence, in post Mauryan state, the idea of kingship got assosiated with divine rights of the king.

The Kushana rulers built and erected huge statutes of themselves at several places. Some historians feel this indicates that the Kushanas considered themselves godlike. Many Kushana rulers also adopted the title devaputra, or “son of god”. The Gupta rulers too took on grand titles like 'Samratdhiraj' to assert their powers. However, they were dependent on the 'samantas' for military support. But powerful samantas could become kings: conversely, weak rulers might find themselves being reduced to positions of subordination.

Court poets wrote eulogies which praised the king for his bravery and rule. One such 'prashasti' was written by court poet Harisena in praise of the Gupta king 'Samudragupta'.

Answered by Expert 15th April 2018, 8:07 AM

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