Kings of Sarabhapura

Written by Alok Mohan on October 30, 2022. Posted in Uncategorized

KINGS OF SARABHAPURASarabhapura dynasty ruled parts of Madhya Pradesh  and Orissa, during 5th and 6th centuries. The earliest known kings of this dynasty were vassals of Gupta empire but consequent to weakening of Gupta empire, they became independent. Sarabha father of Maharaja Narendra, was the first king, who can be regarded as a founder of this dynasty and had established the the city of Sarabhapura.Most of this dynasty’s grants were discovered in Malhar, Raipur, and Kosala region. These inscriptions were issued from Srabhapura and Shripura. Maharaja Narendra, the son of Sharabha, had issued some earliest grants of this dynasty.Maharaja Narendra was a devotee of Bhagavat. 

Inscription number 46. Pipardula Copper-plate Inscription of Narendra. Regnal year 3. Provenance: Pipardula, Raipur district, Madhya Pradesh. Script: Box-headed variety of the Central Indian Alphabet of the 5th or 6th century A. D Language: Sanskrit. Metre: Vv.1-2: अनुष्टुभ श्लोक References: D.C. Sircar and L.P. Pandeya Sarma, I.H.Q., XIX, pp-139 ff, D.C. Sircar, Select.Inss, pp-488-90. 

Footnote-1.

1. From the facsimile in I.H.Q, XIX.
2. The sixth syllable in the first quarter is short. A long one is required.
3. This sarabha is regarded identical with the Sarabha-raja, the maternal grand father of Gopa-raja, was killed fighting for king Bhanugupta, and
whose epitaph is engraved on the Eran stone Pillar Inscription of the Gupta year 191 (= 510 A.D.) (see supra,No. II,48 ). Thus Sarabha and his son Narendra should be assigned to the last quarter of the 5th century AD. In his 24th regnal year, Paramabha-gavata
Narendra issued Kurud plates (infra no III, 46) to replace the original palmyra leaf charter recording the grant of a vilage to a Brahmana by the
Parama-bhattaraka (apparently a Gupta king) when it was destroyed in a conflagration in the donees house.
Narendra issued the substitute charter in favour of the donee’ s son or the merit of the Parama-bhattaraka,
indicating at least his nominal allegiance.

Footnote-2.
Second plate first side.

1. Spiral symbol.
2. Possibly the same as modem Nandgaon and Sakra in the old sarangarh state. Bhoga, here is used in the sense of a bhukti or district.
3. Possibly a subordinate ruler.
4. = Sanskrit स्वाम्यात्मने
5. Ancient Indian law required sanction from the king, to make a piece of donated land rent-free.
Third plate First side.
Footnote-3
1. Sircar and Pandya suggest amendation to pratyavaya, which is unnecessary.
2. i.e. उत्कीर्णा पट्टिकाE

English Translation of the inscription

Seal: This charter is of the king, Sri Narendra,who has conquered the earth by the sharp edge of his sword,

who is born of Sarabha, (and) who is the chastiser of his enemies.
L1.1-3: Om ! Hail From Sarabhapura, Maharaja Sri Narendra informs the householders headed by the Brahmanas residing in sarkara-padra in the Narendrapura bhoga.
L1.4-71: This village has been granted, through (this) copper charter, by Rahudeva, for the increase of his own
religious merit in favour of the Brahnana Svamippa (= Svamyatman) of the Vajasaneya (charana) and Atreya
gotra. And I have also confirmed it as out of bounds, for District Begar officers and troops.
L1.8-13: Wherefore you should offer them, on due time, tribute consisting of measurable items (of produce)
and gold & C. (i.e their share in cash and kind). He also greets the future lords of the bhoga (with the request) you should protect this (gift of) the
village in view of the fact that by protecting an earlier grant, one comes upon blessings, and by
confiscation to calamity.
L1.14-19: And in this context two verses sung by Vyasa are
(usually) cited.
(Here follow two of the customary verses).
L1.19-20 (This charter is issued) on the tenth day of the month of Marga-sirsha of the prospering third (regnal)
year. Engraved by Sridatta.

Footnote-4.
Besides sarabha, founder of the dynasty, five other Sarabha-puria kings, are known from their records, e.g.
1. Prasannamatra, 2. his son, Jayaraja, 3. the latter’s brother, Manamatra, 4. The latter’s son, Sudevaraja or Maha-
Sudevaraja, and 5. Latter’s brother, Pravararaja.
Sarabha and his five successors ruled for about a century, from 450 A.D. to 550 A.D., when the last ruler
was probably ousted by the Pandava king, Tivara, who issued his charters from Sripura, to which place the
last Sarabha ruler, Pravara,seems to have shifted his capital and issued his charter.

Alok Mohan

The admin, Alok Mohan, is a graduate mechanical engineer & possess following post graduate specializations:- M Tech Mechanical Engineering Production Engineering Marine engineering Aeronautical Engineering Computer Sciences Software Engineering Specialization He has authored several articles/papers, which are published in various websites & books. Studium Press India Ltd has published one of his latest contributions “Standardization of Education” as a senior author in a book along with many other famous writers of international repute. Alok Mohan has held important positions in both Govt & Private organisations as a Senior professional & as an Engineer & possess close to four decades accomplished experience. As an aeronautical engineer, he ensured accident incident free flying. As leader of indian team during early 1990s, he had successfully ensured smooth induction of Chukar III PTA with Indian navy as well as conduct of operational training. As an aeronautical engineer, he was instrumental in establishing major aircraft maintenance & repair facilities. He is a QMS, EMS & HSE consultant. He provides consultancy to business organisations for implimentation of the requirements of ISO 45001 OH & S, ISO 14001 EMS & ISO 9001 QMS, AS 9100, AS9120 Aero Space Standards. He is a qualified ISO 9001 QMS, ISO 14001 EMS, ISO 45001 OH & S Lead Auditor (CQI/IRCA recognised certification courses) & HSE Consultant. He is a qualified Zed Master Trainer & Zed Assessor. He has thorough knowledge of six sigma quality concepts & has also been awarded industry 4, certificate from the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation Knowledge Hub Training Platform  He is a Trainer, a Counselor, an Advisor and a Competent professional of cross functional exposures. He has successfully implimented requirements of various international management system standards in several organizations. He is a dedicated technocrat with expertise in Quality Assurance & Quality Control, Facility Management, General Administration, Marketing, Security, Training, Administration etc. He is a graduate mechanical engineer with specialization in aeronautical engineering. He is always eager to be involved in imparting training, implementing new ideas and improving existing processes by utilizing his vast experience.