Sri-Jivadharapra of the Tipperah Copper-plate Grant of Lokanatha
Summary
Analysing verses in a copper‑plate grant issued by Lokanātha of Tipperah, the author identifies the enigmatic Sri‑Jivadharaṇa mentioned therein. The verses state that the “paramount sovereign’s armies” were repeatedly defeated by Lokanātha until Sri‑Jivadharaṇa relented, conceded territory and recognised his authority. By comparing titles and dates, the author argues that Sri‑Jivadharaṇa is Jivagupta II, the last Gupta ruler of Bengal. The grant is dated year 144 of the Harsha Era (c. A.D. 750), consistent with Jivagupta’s reign. During this period the Gupta state was weakened by Yadovarman’s invasions, allowing ambitious feudatories like Lokanātha to assert independence. The author suggests that Jivagupta had to placate Lokanātha by granting him district lordship and official seals, illustrating the disintegration of Gupta power.
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Conclusion
The note concludes that Sri‑Jivadharaṇa was not a local chief but Jivagupta II. His accommodation of Lokanātha underscores the decline of Gupta authority and the rise of regional powers in 8th‑century eastern India.