The Sarabhapurian Dynasty of Chhattisgarh

This article reconstructs the history of the Sharabhapuriya dynasty, a little‑known ruling house that flourished in what is now Chhattisgarh and parts of Odisha in the fifth and sixth centuries. Based on about three dozen copper‑plate charters and a few gold and silver coins, the author surveys the dynasty’s origins, genealogy and territorial extent. The earliest ruler, Sarabha, appears to have been native to the region; there is no evidence of migration. His ancestors may have been petty chiefs serving the Gupta emperors – one grandson, Goparaja, died fighting under Bhanugupta around 510 CE. As Gupta power declined after 460 CE, Sarabha seized the opportunity to establish an independent kingdom. The author argues against earlier views that the dynasty lasted only thirty years or remained vassal to the Vakatakas; he shows from charters that each king reigned for roughly two decades, stretching the dynasty’s rule over at least a century. The reconstructed genealogy runs from Sarabha to his son Narendra and then to Prasannamatra, Mahāsudevarāja, Jayarāja, Pravarraja and Mahāduṭgarāja. Narendra’s quarter‑century reign (c. 480–505 CE) is attested by charters and coins. The article notes that Prasannamatra issued gold coins and that the dynasty’s charters mention territories extending from South Kosala to Vidarbha,. The dynasty’s capital, Sarabhapura, was founded by Sarabha and became a significant urban centre. External studies corroborate that the Sharabhapuriyas began as Gupta vassals and ruled parts of Chhattisgarh and Odisha around 500–600 CE, gradually becoming independent. The article also discusses the dynasty’s cultural contributions, such as patronage of Brahmanical religion and learning. By piecing together scattered epigraphic evidence, the author positions the Sharabhapuriya dynasty as an important link between the Guptas and later regional powers in central India.

Summary reviewed by a volunteer editor.