Early Kalacuris in Malava
Summary
Sircar’s miscellany note examines the role of early Kalacuri rulers in Malava. He cites the Harsacarita and Aphsad inscription to show that Mahasenagupta of the Later Guptas was related to the Pushyabhuti dynasty; his sons Kumaragupta and Madhavagupta were companions of Prabhakaravardhana’s sons. However, relations soured, leading to Mahasenagupta’s death and his sons’ flight to Thanesar. Sircar reviews conflicts between the Later Guptas and the Maukharis recorded in the Aphsad inscription. He notes that the Pushyabhutis initially allied with Malava but later married into the Maukhari family and fought against Malava and its Gauda ally; Rajyavardhana avenged his brother-in-law’s death but was treacherously killed by the Gauda king Sasanka. The note discusses the identification of the Malava king defeated by Rajyavardhana, suggesting either Devagupta of the Later Guptas or Buddharaja of the early Kalacuris. Sircar concludes that early Kalacuri history remains obscure but highlights the shifting alliances and hostilities among Guptas, Pushyabhutis, Maukharis, Gauda and Kalacuri rulers.
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Conclusion
Sircar connects fragmentary literary and epigraphic evidence to portray the volatile relations among Later Guptas, Pushyabhutis, Maukharis, Gauda and early Kalacuri rulers. He shows how alliances through kinship could quickly turn to hostility and debates the identity of the Malava king defeated by Rajyavardhana. The article underscores the complexity of early medieval politics and the need for cautious interpretation of scarce sources.