The Puśyamitras of the Bhitari Pillar Inscription
By Jagan Nath
Summary
This paper investigates the enigmatic ‘Puśyamitras’ mentioned in the Bhitari stone pillar inscription of Skandagupta, which records his victory over a powerful enemy with a strong army and rich treasury. Scholars have identified the Puśyamitras variously as tribes from the Purāṇas, northern peoples, Maitrakas, early Hūṇas or descendants of King Puṣyavarman of Assam. Some have proposed emending the inscription to read ‘Yudhy amitrān,’ but the author, after examining the original stone, confirms that the text reads Puśyamitras. Recent suggestions that they were the descendants of Puṣyavarman who turned from friends (mitras) of the Guptas into foes are also deemed unlikely. The article analyses linguistic features of the inscription, historical chronology and the strength of various regional powers. It concludes that the Puśyamitras were likely a tribal confederacy or breakaway group in central India who exploited the weakening Gupta empire after the Hūṇa invasions. Skandagupta’s victory over them represents a struggle to maintain imperial authority on the periphery. By reassessing textual interpretations and epigraphic evidence, the article clarifies the identity of this mysterious adversary and highlights the political instability of late Gupta India.
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Conclusion
The article concludes that the Puśyamitras were not the Maitrakas, Hūṇas or Puṣyavarman dynasty but a minor tribal group whose rebellion briefly threatened Gupta authority. The inscription should not be emended, as the original stone clearly reads Puśyamitras. This study demonstrates the need for cautious interpretation of epigraphic evidence and suggests that Skandagupta fought multiple regional foes during his reign.