Vallabhi, a famous centre of learning rivalling Nalanda in ancient India, once served as the capital of the Maitraka Dynasty which arose in Gujarat and Saurashtra in western India in the late 5th century AD on the debris of the Gupta Empire. Vallabhi was a port city which was of substantial commercial significance. The Maitraka dynasty ruled from approximately 475 to 776 CE.
Vallabhi has been described as famous centre of learning and trade in Somadeva’s Kathasaritsagara (Ocean of the Streams of Stories), a commentary written in the 11th century AD on the extinct Brihatkatha by Guṇaḍhya.
Maitraka dynasty was founded in 475 CE by Bhatarka, who was a military governor of Saurashtra under Gupta Empire. He was a commander of Skandagupta, the last great Gupta ruler. Bhatarka did not assume the royal titles and continued to style himself as Senapati (General). He was responsible for setting up the famed university of Vallabhi.
Bhatarka was succeeded by Dharasena who also called himself Senapati.
Most important ruler of the Maitrakas was Dhruvasena II (reigned 627-641), a contemporary of Harsha who came in conflict with him and defeated him. However, Harsha thought it prudent to reinstate him to secure the western boundary. He also gave out the hands of his daughter in marriage to Dhruvasena II who was know for his mastery in grammar and the science of polity.
Dharasena IV (AD 645-650) was another important ruler of the Maitraka dynasty. Unlike his predecessor or successor, he assumed the title of Chakravartin.
Bhatti, the author of Ravanavadha, was the court poet of Dharasena IV. Ravanavadha, (the Death of Rāvaṇa), more popularly known as Bhattikavya (Bhatti’s Poems), is a poem on the story of Rama.
Shiladitya VI was the last ruler of the Maitraka dynasty.
Key Points to Know
- A new era named Gupta era (320 AD) believed to have been founded by Chandra Gupta I was in use by the Maitraka dynasty for some centuries after the Gupta empire fell.
- In the 5th century AD in Valabhi a Jaina Council was held. It was at this council, the oral traditions of the Svetambar Jains were finally reduced to writing in the form of twelve Upangas or minor sections, and various lesser sections.