The Varman dynasty stands as a pioneer chapter in the history of ancient northeastern India, marking the dawn of recorded governance in the lush, culturally rich land of Kamarupa—modern-day Assam. Born in the 4th century CE, this lineage began with Pushyavarman, a ruler who initially acknowledged the towering influence of the Gupta Empire but soon etched his own legacy by transforming Kamarupa into an independent realm pulsing with vitality and learned traditions. This dynasty cultivated a vibrant tapestry of culture, weaving Sanskrit and the distinctive Kamarupi Prakrit into the heartbeat of administration and literature. The capital, Pragjyotishpura, shone as a beacon of intellect and power, under leaders who dared to perform grand royal ceremonies symbolizing sovereignty and strength.
Centuries later, across the fertile lands of southeastern Bengal and parts of East Bihar, another Varman dynasty emerged, weaving its own narrative through the corridors of time. This lineage, descending from the valorous Yadavas, rose from the ashes of a once-dominant Chandra dynasty. Their kingdom centered around Bikrampur, today’s historic site in Bangladesh, where rulers like Vajra Varman wielded military and political prowess, securing their place in the chronicles of regional power.
In essence, the name Varman embodies two distinct yet fascinating legacies: one that shaped the cultural and political contours of Assam with poetic grace and enduring influence, and another that carved out sovereignty in Bengal’s heartland amidst shifting tides of medieval Indian history. Both dynasties, though separated by geography and time, echo the enduring spirit of leadership and cultural richness that defines the Indian subcontinent’s historical grandeur.
The Varman Dynasty of Kamarupa: A Historical Overview
The Varman dynasty was the earliest recorded ruling dynasty of the ancient Kamarupa kingdom, which corresponds mainly to present-day Assam. It flourished roughly between 350 CE and 655 CE and played a foundational role in establishing the early political and cultural identity of the northeastern region of India.
Origin and Foundation
The dynasty was founded by Pushyavarman around 350 CE, who is believed to have been a contemporary of the famous Gupta emperor Samudragupta. Initially, the Varmans acknowledged the suzerainty of the Gupta Empire, following its political model and adopting Gupta-style titles. Over time, as the Gupta Empire’s influence waned, rulers like Mahendravarman asserted greater independence by performing significant royal rituals such as horse sacrifices (Ashwamedha Yajna), signaling their sovereignty.
Though the Varmans claimed descent from legendary figures like Narakasur and Bhagadatta in inscriptions, modern historians consider these genealogies largely symbolic or fabrications to legitimize their rule. Some scholars suggest the dynasty had Indo-Aryan origins, while others believe they descended from non-Indo-Aryan, perhaps tribal or Indo-Mongoloid, groups.
Capital and Administration
The capital of the dynasty was Pragjyotishpura, believed to be near the modern city of Guwahati. The kingdom initially expanded under the Varmans and adopted administration and cultural norms similar to northern India, with Sanskrit and Kamarupi Prakrit as the main languages used in inscriptions and court affairs.
The rulers took royal titles like Maharajadhiraja (King of Kings), asserting their supremacy and autonomy as the kingdom grew.
Important Rulers and Achievements
- Pushyavarman (c. 350–374 CE): Founder of the dynasty, established Kamarupa as a frontier state under Gupta overlordship.
- Mahendravarman (c. 470–494 CE): Marked the dynasty’s assertion of independence by performing two Ashwamedha sacrifices. He probably liberated Kamarupa from Gupta control and expanded the kingdom’s boundaries.
- Bhutivarman (c. 510–555 CE): Extended control into North Bengal, winning important battles and performing land grants to Brahmins.
- Bhaskaravarman (c. 600–650 CE): The last and most illustrious ruler, known as the “Kumar Raja,” who strengthened Kamarupa’s position in Indian politics. He formed alliances with the prominent king Harshavardhana of Kanauj and jointly defeated their common enemy Sasanka of Bengal. The famous Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang stayed in Bhaskaravarman’s court, leaving valuable historical accounts.
Culture and Society
The Varman dynasty nurtured a cultural milieu influenced by northern Indian traditions, but also retained elements of local tribal customs. Sanskrit became dominant in inscriptions, poetry, and royal edicts, but local languages like Kamarupi Prakrit thrived.
Religiously, Hinduism, especially Vaishnavism during Bhutivarman’s reign, played a key role, alongside tribal religious practices. Buddhism had presence as well, earlier under kings like Balavarman, influenced by interactions with Kashmir and Tibetan regions.
Legacy and Decline
The Varman dynasty laid the structural and cultural foundations for the succeeding Mlechchha and Pala dynasties in Kamarupa. Their political model, administrative practices, and cultural synthesis propelled the region into the classical Indian historical landscape.
The dynasty’s inscriptions, like the copper plates of Dubi and Nidhanpur, remain crucial sources of early Assamese history and offer detailed accounts of land grants, royal genealogy, and diplomatic relations.
Varman Dynasty: Dynastic Succession
| Reign | King | Notable Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 350–374 CE | Pushyavarman | Founder of the dynasty |
| 374–398 CE | Samudravarman | Son of Pushyavarman |
| 398–422 CE | Balavarman | Connections with Kashmir and Buddhism |
| 422–446 CE | Kalyanavarman | Expanded kingdom, diplomatic missions |
| 446–470 CE | Ganapativarman | |
| 470–494 CE | Mahendravarman | Asserted independence via horse sacrifices |
| 494–518 CE | Narayanavarman | |
| 518–542 CE | Bhutivarman | Conquered North Bengal |
| 542–566 CE | Chandramukhavarman | |
| 566–590 CE | Sthitavarman | Performed Ashwamedha Yagna |
| 590–595 CE | Susthitavarman | Defeated by Mahasengupta |
| 595–600 CE | Supratisthitavarman | Focused on strengthening military |
| 600–650 CE | Bhaskaravarman | Last and greatest king, allied with Harsha |
| 650–655 CE | Avantivarman | End of dynasty |
Historical Importance
The Varman dynasty represents a critical era in Assam’s history. It symbolizes the rise of a regional kingdom that balanced local traditions and external influences. Through its royal patronage of religion, culture, and political agency, it shaped the early identity of northeastern India.
Founder of Varman Dynasty
The founder of the Varman dynasty was Pushyavarman, who established the dynasty around 350 AD in the ancient kingdom of Kamarupa, corresponding to present-day Assam. Pushyavarman is noted as the first historical ruler of this region, and during his reign, he encouraged the flourishing of Vedic culture and Hindu influence. Although initially a subordinate to the powerful Gupta Empire, Pushyavarman maintained cultural and diplomatic relations with Gupta rulers like Samudragupta. His lineage laid the foundation for a stable and influential dynasty that shaped the early history of northeastern India.
Pushyavarman’s reign marks the beginning of a significant era in Assam’s history, setting up the political, cultural, and religious framework that his successors expanded upon. He took on the title Maharajadhiraja or king of kings, similar to Gupta rulers, symbolizing his sovereignty and royal stature. His son, Samudravarman, strengthened the dynasty further and had matrimonial connections to contemporary royal families, enhancing the dynasty’s prestige.
Last Ruler of Varman Dynasty
The last ruler of the Varman dynasty was Bhaskaravarman, who ruled from around 600 CE to 650 CE. He is considered the dynasty’s most illustrious and powerful king. Bhaskaravarman restored and strengthened the kingdom of Kamarupa (present-day Assam) after a brief period of instability. He was a contemporary and ally of the famous Indian emperor Harshavardhana of Kanauj. Bhaskaravarman is noted for his diplomatic skills, military prowess, and patronage of culture, including hosting the Chinese traveler Xuanzang at his court. His reign marked the peak of the Varman dynasty’s influence in northeastern India.
After Bhaskaravarman’s death, the Varman dynasty declined, and the region later saw the rise of the Mlechchha dynasty.
Bhaskaravarman’s legacy remains significant in Assamese history, with the Assamese calendar (Bhāskarābda) named after him, and educational institutions like Kumar Bhaskar Varma Sanskrit and Ancient Studies University commemorating his contributions.
FAQs on Varman Dynasty
Q1: When did the Varman dynasty rule?
A1: The Varman dynasty ruled from approximately 350 CE to 655 CE, primarily over the ancient Kamarupa kingdom, which is present-day Assam.
Q2: Who was the founder of the Varman dynasty?
A2: The dynasty was founded by King Pushyavarman around 350 CE.
Q3: What was the capital of the Varman dynasty?
A3: The capital was Pragjyotishpura, believed to be near present-day Guwahati in Assam.
Q4: Which languages were used during the Varman dynasty?
A4: Sanskrit and Kamarupi Prakrit were the main languages used in administration and inscriptions.
Q5: How did the Varman dynasty begin asserting its independence?
A5: Under King Mahendravarman, the dynasty performed Ashwamedha horse sacrifices to symbolize sovereignty, asserting independence from the Gupta Empire.
Q6: Who was the most notable king of the Varman dynasty?
A6: Bhaskaravarman, renowned for his alliance with Harshavardhana and hosting the Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang, was the most famous ruler.
Q7: What religion was predominant during the dynasty’s rule?
A7: Hinduism was predominant, especially Vaishnavism, along with the presence of Buddhism and tribal religious practices.
Q8: Which dynasty succeeded the Varman dynasty in Kamarupa?
A8: The Mlechchha dynasty succeeded the Varmans, followed later by the Pala dynasty.
Q9: Are there any significant inscriptions from the Varman period?
A9: Yes, important copper plate inscriptions like the Dubi and Nidhanpur grants provide valuable historical information about the dynasty.
Q10: Was there another Varman dynasty outside Assam?
A10: Yes, there was a later Varman dynasty in southeastern Bengal during the 11th and 12th centuries, unrelated to the Kamarupa Varmans.
