Understanding Samudragupta's Dakshinapatha Conquests

Samudragupta, a prominent ruler of the Gupta dynasty, is renowned for his extensive military campaigns. The details of these conquests are primarily found in the Allahabad Pillar inscription (also known as the Prayaga Prashasti), composed by his court poet, Harishena.

The inscription describes Samudragupta's victories over various rulers across India. A significant part details his campaign in the Dakshinapatha (southern region). Unlike his approach in the north (Aryavarta), where he annexed territories, Samudragupta followed a policy of 'grahanamokshanugraha' towards the southern kings – capturing them, releasing them, and reinstating them. The inscription provides a list of these southern kingdoms and their kings.

Analyzing the Allahabad Pillar Inscription Order

The question asks us to arrange specific kingdoms conquered by Samudragupta in Dakshinapatha according to their mention in the Allahabad Pillar inscription. The kingdoms listed are:

• (a) Devarashtra
• (b) Kanchi
• (c) Pishtapur
• (d) Vengi

The Allahabad Pillar inscription lists several kingdoms of Dakshinapatha conquered by Samudragupta. Based on the historical interpretation of the inscription, the order in which the kings and their kingdoms are mentioned in the Dakshinapatha campaign section is as follows (listing only the kingdoms relevant to the question and a few others for context):

From the table, we can see the order in which the given kingdoms appear in the inscription's list of conquered Dakshinapatha territories:

1. Pishtapur (c)
2. Kanchi (b)
3. Vengi (d)
4. Devarashtra (a)

Therefore, the correct chronological order of these kingdoms as mentioned in the Allahabad Pillar inscription is (c), (b), (d), (a).

Conclusion on the Order of Dakshinapatha Kingdoms

By examining the sequence of kingdoms listed in the Allahabad Pillar inscription concerning Samudragupta's Dakshinapatha campaign, we determine the order of the specified kingdoms.

The order is:

• Pishtapur (c)
• Kanchi (b)
• Vengi (d)
• Devarashtra (a)

This sequence corresponds to option (c), (b), (d) and (a).

Revision Table: Samudragupta's Dakshinapatha Kingdoms Order

Additional Information on Samudragupta's Campaigns

Samudragupta's military achievements are extensively documented in the Allahabad Pillar inscription. His conquests are typically divided into campaigns against:

• Rulers of Aryavarta (Northern India): He adopted a policy of complete annexation (Rajyaprasaran). Nine rulers were defeated and their territories were incorporated into the Gupta empire.
• Rulers of Dakshinapatha (Southern India): He followed the policy of 'grahanamokshanugraha' (capture, release, and favour). Twelve rulers were defeated, captured, and then released, allowing them to rule their kingdoms as tributary states, acknowledging Samudragupta's suzerainty.
• Forest Kingdoms (Attavika states): Located in central India, their rulers were made his servants.
• Frontier Kingdoms: Located on the eastern and western borders of the empire, they paid him tribute.
• Foreign States: Including the Kushanas and Shakas, as well as the people of Ceylon, who offered submission.

The Dakshinapatha campaign specifically targeted various kingdoms in present-day Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, demonstrating the reach of the Gupta power under Samudragupta without necessarily aiming for direct administrative control over the distant south.