Bhaskaravarma of Dandi and Bana: An Appraisal
Summary
This extensive historical study reassesses Bhāskaravarmā’s portrayal in the literary works of Daṅḍi and Bāṇa. Drawing on inscriptions, court poetry and historical chronicles, the author reconstructs Bhāskaravarmā’s political alliances, particularly his interactions with the Vardhana dynasty and his role in regional power dynamics. The paper highlights differences between Daṅḍi’s laudatory depiction and Bāṇa’s more ambivalent narrative, analysing how each author’s agenda shaped their portrayal of the Kāmarūpa king. It also examines Bhāskaravarmā’s patronage of learning, his administrative reforms and his military campaigns. Through critical comparison of sources, the article seeks to provide a balanced view of Bhāskaravarmā’s achievements and limitations.
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Conclusion
The appraisal concludes that Bhāskaravarmā was a complex figure who combined cultural patronage with political acumen. By juxtaposing Daṅḍi and Bāṇa’s accounts with epigraphic evidence, the article provides a more nuanced understanding of his legacy and contributes to the historiography of early medieval India.