During the 10th century, Albruini, the traveler, from Khwarism or Chorasmia (modern Khiva) talks of two ancient kingdoms; ‘Valabhi kala and Gupta kalas’. He observes “The era of Valabha is called so from Valabhi, the ruler of town Valabhi, nearly 30 Yojanas south of Anhilwara. The epoch of this era falls 241 years later than the epoch of the Shaka era. People use it in this way….As regards the Guptakala, people say ‘that the Guptas were wicked powerful people, and that when they ceased to exist this date was used as the epoch of an era. It seems that Valabha was the last of them, because the epoch of the era of the Guptas falls, like that of Valabha era, 241 years later then Saka Kala. He says “that the year 400 of Yazdajird, corresponds to 712th year of Valabha era. It is also identical to the Guptakala”. While Albruini’s observations regarding the era may be questionable, the fact is that he knew of both the Guptas as well as Vallabhi Empire. (Refer to ‘Albruini’s India’- by Edwards C. Sachu, page 7),
Starting from Lahore (Loh Kot), Kanak Sen captured most parts of northern and southern India. He founded the Vallabhi University in name of his queen, Maharani Vallabhi in 2nd century A.D. The royal couple had four sons namely Chander Sen, Raghav Sen, Dhir Sen and Bir Sen. This 2nd Century ancestor of the Guhilot and other Suriyavans clans had already pushed the Kushans out of North India before V.S 194 or A.D 137. Uncertain about the route Kanak Sen took to reach Vallabhi Tod says “By what route Kanak Sen, the first emigrant of the solar race, found his way into Saurastra from Loh Kot, is uncertain; he, however wrested dominion from a prince of Pramara race, and found Birnagar in the second century (A.D. 144). However the Sikarwar Khayat confirms that Kanak Sen captured complete North Western India till Sindh before defeating Dheeraj Dev Parmar, the ruler of Idar. (Please contact Col D R Singh Sikarwar before editing on-Mob 09415021582.)
Western Satrap ‘Rudradama’ The area was under the Western Satrap ‘Rudradama’ who had his capital at Ujjain. Kanak Sen defeated Rudradama after he came to avenge the death of Dhiraj Dev Parmar. The battle was fought some times in V.S 194 or A.D 137 at Dholka. After losing two of his sons on the battlefield, Rudradaman accepted Kanak Sen’s suzranity. Though the Political power shifted to Kanak Sen, Rudradaman was permittrd to govern his state. The 150 CE Junagadh inscription written in Sanskrit credits Rudradaman for supporting cultural arts, Sanskrit literature and also for repairing the dam on Lake Sudarshana that was built by the Mauryans. He repaired its embankments aimed at checking floods. Before the Battle of Dholka, Rudradaman had fought the Satavahanas of Andhras. He also married one of his daughters to Satkarni, the son of Andhra King Pulmayi. As per the Girnar inscription: Rudradaman also defeated the Yaudheya tribes of Haryana. Rudradaman’s second daughter, ‘Puspa Mandvee’ got married to Prince Bir Sen the progenitor of the Guhilot & Gohil clans. She bore him a son named Vijaya Sen who became a mighty ruler in due course. As per the Hindu Almanac Guhaditya was born on Chaitra Sudhi Panchami or 5th of Chaitra Sudhi, V.S 581 (A.D 523). His grand mother and Siladitya's mother Subhaga Devi brought him up. She has been referred at page 72 in ‘Udaipur Rajya Ka Itihas’ by G H Ojha. Guhaditya had been vet-nursed by Kamalavati, a Brahmini from Bir Nagar. The city of Bir Nagar was established by Bir Sen in V.S 204 near Chitor. Subsequently Goha's or Gohaditya's progeny became famous as Guhilot or Guhil. (Refer to Tod Annals pages 39, 99 100, 137, 251, 162, 171, 191, 192, 252, 253, 254, 258, 259, 266, 267, 268, 282 and 291- and G.H Ojha's ‘Udaipur Rajya Ka Itihas’ pages 72 to 83 and 90).(Please contact Col D R Singh Sikarwar before editing on-Mob 09415021582.)
Vallabhi Empire In the next twenty years, Kanak Sen consolidated his hold over most parts of North and Southern India. Rudradaman’s empire had included the Akara (East Malwa), Avanti (West Malwa), Anupa, Antara (North Kathiawar), Saurastra (South Kathiawar), Sibra (Region on Sabarmati River), Maru (Marwar), Kachha (Cutch), Sindhu (Areas of Sindh that were on West of lower Indus), Sauvira (Areas east of lower Indus), Kukura (North Kathiawar), Apranta (North Konkon) and Nisbada (West Vindhya and Aravali) came under Kanak Sen’s rule. Thereafter Kanak Sen established a confederate empire based on kindered lines. Known as ‘Vallabhi Empire’ it was controlled both from Vallabhi and Chitor. It extended from Kashmir to Bhadravati. It included Punjab, Sindh, Karachi, Rajasthan (Chitor), Saurastra, Bumbai, Sholapur, Bijapur, Bhadrawati and Gujarat. The districts of Sikar, Dundhar, Narwar, Gwalior and Bundi were not with the Guptas. Thus Kashmir, Western Punjab, Western Rajputana, Sindh, Gujarat and areas till Bhadravati were under Vallabhi Empire. Certain parts of Maharastra, Andhra Pradesh and further south were under Vallabhi Empire. (Please contact Col D R Singh Sikarwar before editing on-Mob 09415021582.). Subsequently Kanak Sen progeny constructed a number of forts and towns along the emperial borders. ‘Kanak Sen also established Kanakwati Puri in his name. However his Emperial capital remained at Chitor as well as Vallabhi.
Talking of the exploits of Kanak Sen’ grandson, Vijay Sen, Tod says “Four generation afterwards Vijayasen whom the prince of Amber calls Nushirwan, founded Vijayapur, (Bijapur) supposed to be where Dholka, now stands at the head of the Saurastra peninsula. Vidharbha was also founded by him, the name of which was afterwards changed to Sihore. But the most celebrated was the capital, Valabhipura, which for years baffled all search, till it was revealed in its now humbled condition as Walai, ten miles west of Bhaunagar”. Maharaja Kanak Sen’s progeny held the following areas:-
• Narwar and Gwalior were held by the Kachwahas. • Rajorgarh (near Alwar) was held by Bargujars. • Sikar and Sikri were held by the Sikarwars. • Guhilots held Sisoda and Mewar. • The Guhils still occupy Bhavnagar and areas around it. • The Rastrakutas initially held Konkon that included Mumbai, Sholapur and Bhadrawati (in Karnataka). After further conquest they shifted east towards Mankhera, Manpur and Nagpur. • The Jhalas held Patri and Halwad. • The Valas of Gujrat. • Mumbai including Vidharbha were held by Lewa Patils. (Please contact Col D R Singh Sikarwar before editing on-Mob 09415021582.)
Borders with Gupta Empire R.K Mukerji says “Samudragupta made himself the master of wide empire extending in the east to Bramhaputra, in the south to the Narbada and in the north and the Himalayas and Kashmir”. (According to R C Majumdar in Ancient India by V.D Mahajan - Page 487.) However V.A Smith maintains that “It extended from the Bramhaputra on the east to the ‘Jamuna and Chambal’ on the west; and the foot of the Himalayas on the north to Narbada on the South”. It apparens that the imperial border between Guptas and Vallabhi Empire were aligned along the Jamuna and Chambal rivers. It included Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Bengal, Orissa, and Eastern Madhaya Pradesh. These areas seemed to be controlled by Guptas and their allies. It would be obvious that the Gupta’s could not acquire Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharastra and those areas that fell south of Narbada River. (According to the book, Ancient India, by V.D Mahajan - Page 516.) The empire seems to have been managed by Raghav Sen. After Kanak Sen’s death in V.S 250, Chander Sen took over as emperor. Raghav Sen followed suit after Chander Sen died in war with Parsees and Huns. Similarly the other two brothers served as emperors in their turn. Education, marriage, crowning, allocation of states to various princes was managed centrally. Vijai Sen and Varun, two efficient rulers did a lot for the empire. By providing employment to many they became famous all over India. (Please contact Col D R Singh Sikarwar before editing on-Mob 09415021582.)
However after some times Bhatarka, a Chief of the Maitrika clan established himself as a military governor at Valabhi. Dharsena I was his successor. The English writer Alaxendar Kinloch Forbes mentions Vallabhipur or ‘Wullubheepoor’ in his book ‘Ras Mala the Hindu Annals of Western India’, written around 1856 A.D. informs us in his book ‘Ras Mala’ “Of these princes eighteen are mentioned, the first two of who bore the title of ‘senapatee or military chief’, and are conjectured to have been vassals of the Purmar of Oojein or more probably we should say, of the Solunkee of Kuleean”. The remaining princes (Sixteen of them) used the sovereign title ‘Muha Raja’. They are also called ‘Shree Bhuttark’ or illustrious warrior, and appear to have been (the large majority of them) ‘great worshippers of Muheshwur’ or followers of Shiva, the figure of the sacred bull, his attendant Nundee, appearing both upon their seals and banners, and the emblems of the God forming, as we have seen, one of the most striking features in the remains of their long fallen capital. The dates which have been derived (conjecturally) from these inscriptions range from A.D 144 to A.D 559”. These dates exactly correspond to the date of establishment of Vallabhipur University by Kanak Sen. (Please contact Col D R Singh Sikarwar before editing on-Mob 09415021582.)
It appears that the title of Bhuttark’ or illustrious warrior, was a common title used by many of these princes. During the decline of Gupta Empire, one Bhattaraka or Bhuttark seems to have broken free from Vallabhi Empire. Saurastra and Vallabhi were allocated to Dhir Sen. As a consequence his progeny continued to rule the area. The Maitraka clan started by King ‘Samatrik Sen’, descended from Dhir Sen. He was the third son of Maharaja Kanak Sen. The Maitraka clan seems to ruled over Vallabhi till 12th Century. They now seemed to be called Valla. Bhatarka had also issued some coins. For some time they seem to have shifted their loyalties to the Guptas and assumed the title of Senapati, or general. However they returned to Suriyavans folds on being convinced of the advantages of ‘Vallabhi Confederation’ by Vallabhi’s concurrent Emperor. Only two of the Maitraka Princes (Bhatarka and Dharasena I) used the Senapati (general) title. The third ruler Dronasimha assumed the normal title of Maharaja. On returning to Vallabhi’s fold,y King Guhasena or Guhaditya stopped using the title of Paramabhattaraka Padanudhyata to his name. It denotes the end of nominal allegiance with the Guptas. (Please contact Col D R Singh Sikarwar before editing on-Mob 09415021582.) Forbes says “That a jungle of Peelu trees of considerable extent lies on the western and northern sides of modern town of Wulleh. It is traversed in every direction by roads, and includes the principal part of the remains of Wullubheepoor, which is exposed to view. Numerous excavations brought out walls frequently four and half feet wide, constructed of large burnt bricks and earth. The trenches assume occasionally the form of mines, and are carried down in some places by water, which is found to be saline. Similar traces of brickworks walls are discoverable; it is said, in most places within a distance of three or four miles from the town of Wolleh. The bricks measure frequently sixteen inches in length, ten in width, and three in depth”. (Please contact Col D R Singh Sikarwar before editing on-Mob 09415021582.)
Continuing with his narrative Forbes says “Within the space occupied by the peelu trees, and on all sides of Wulleh, are to be found numerous emblems of Shiva and of the bull, his attendant, formed of granite, and considerable in point of size. These, where they rest upon brickwork, are found at nearly the actual ground level, a fact which, (as they must have stood upon the floors of temples) would seem to indicate that the town had not been submerged. The Phallic emblems are themselves mostly entire, but the bulls, which accompany them, have in no case escaped mutilation. Of the latter the most remarkable is the granite figure, wanting the head split across the body, which lies near a large ling called Bhuteshwar Muha Dev. Everyone of the emblems which has been discovered has a name assigned to it by the Brahmins, as Wyejnath, Rutuneshwur, Eshwureeo Muha dev, and others. The bulls are well executed, and, unlike modern figures of Nundee, are placed in the true position of a sitting animal”. (Please contact Col D R Singh Sikarwar before editing on-Mob 09415021582.)
Establishment of Vallabhi University In V.S 201 or A.D. 144 two learned Buddhists from Magadh (Bihar) visited Kanak Sen who welcomed them to his kingdom. They convinced the Monarch that since he had enough wealth and fame he should now take the initiative to establish a center of learning in his empire. They appraised him ‘that there was no wealth better then education or a charity better then imparting it to others’. With this noble aim they advised him to establish a center of learning for students. Convinced, the Maharaja requested them to spell out their requirements to establish the university. (Please contact Col D R Singh Sikarwar before editing on-Mob 09415021582). Located about ten miles from Rajkot, east of Kathiawar, it was called ‘Vallabhi Dham’ before it became Valla. ‘Rajkot’ was termed as such because kings resided there.
Vallabhi University not being too far from Rajkot also became its part. The seaport where ships docked was close by. At that time it was a part of Dhir Sen’s state and a capital of Kanak’s Empire. The university was named after Kanak Sen’s queen Maharani Vallabhi in 2nd century A.D. by four of their sons namely Chander Sen, Raghav Sen, Dhir Sen and Bir Sen. Of Kanak Sen’s two grand sons Arun and Varun, it was the latter that ruled over it. Since Varun Sen was well educated he was made its first Chancellor. (Please contact Col D R Singh Sikarwar before editing on-Mob 09415021582.) The education classes at Vallabhi University started in V.S 226 or A.D 169. Very soon its fame spread all over the country as well as in distant lands. Both kings and commoners contributed lavishly towards its construction. Maharaja Kanak Sen considered education as the highest form of charity, a custom that has been followed in India since ancient times. (Please contact Col D R Singh Sikarwar before editing on-Mob 09415021582.)
University looked after by Maitrik kings Salash Bhat’s grandson Mayamani narrates the liniage of Kanak Sen’s that looked after the Vallabhi University. They were from the line of Dhir Sen, the third son of Kanak Sen who had two sons named Vikram and Prakram. Varun the son of Vikram Sen had been allocated Vallabhi as his state. Mayamani Bhat had to commute between Vallabhipur, Bhadravati and Sholapur. It shows the extent of Kanak Sen’s Empire. The Maitrik kings who ruled the area were also Kanak Sen’s progeny. (Please contact Col D R Singh Sikarwar before editing on-Mob 09415021582.) The progeny of Kanak Sen especially the Maitrik kings maintained Vallabhi University very lavishly. They gave every encouragement and assisted in its maintaince through funds provided by the King. They encouraged all indigenous religions to have their respective studies at the University. (Please contact Col D R Singh Sikarwar before editing on-Mob 09415021582.)
This institution also catered for local students, who got admission even due to limited knowledge of their subjects. There was also a provision for women students in some of the Viharas. Probably, they were Buddhist nuns. I-Tsing Chwang's junior the next Chinese traveler too visited the place. He wrote about the place in his book- sometimes in 664 A.D. He records that graduates of Vallabhi, displayed their skill in the presence of the royalty, nobles, and other eminent people. He also records that foreign students were found in abundance at Vallabhi. They came from far off lands. From their 7th Century records it is evident that Vallabhi like later day Nalanda was an internationally recognized institution. (Please contact Col D R Singh Sikarwar before editing on-Mob 09415021582). Most princes of Suriyavansh including some emperors were educated at Vallabhi University established by Maharaja Kanak Sen. Education was necessary for large numbers of his progeny. The up-bringring or the ‘Sanskars’ (social etiquettes) and education provided to ‘Suriyavanshi Princes’ made them proficent rulers. They obeyed all instructions and directions given by the ‘Emperor’ or ‘Bappa’ with respect. Inculcating respect for the populice, humility in their dealings, justice and fairplay towards the down trodden was given prioroty. Such an upbringing of Suriyavanshi princes made them very popular. Being descendants of Lord Rama, ‘Raghukul Reeti’ of justice, fairplay and adherence to righteous path became a part of their principle. (Please contact Col D R Singh Sikarwar before editing on-Mob 09415021582).
Most princes were crowned at Rajkot, married and provided the requsite education and experience before they were assigned a separate state to rule. On graduation from Vallabhi University they were called ‘Dev’ and in real life too were expected to behave like one. Thus we find that the kings of Suriyavansh were the most educated and cultured rulers of their period. Thus princes like Kirat Dev Sikarwar son of Sumangal Dev Sikarwar of Sikri and Rana Khuman of Mewar who were goods friends studied at The Vallabhipur University. Besides being good in politics they were also very intelligent scholars. Though most of the non-combatants of Vallabhi had escaped after the Arab attack, the university existed till 1200 A.D when it could no longer withstand further onslaught. (Please contact Col D R Singh Sikarwar before editing on-Mob 09415021582).
Syllabus of Studies The syllabus of studies included Comparative Religion, the six systems of Hindu Philosophy and other schools of Buddhism, Jainism including study about other sects of Hinduism. Politics, Law, Agriculture, and Economics also formed a part of the curriculum. It specialized not only in grammar, logic and Buddhist lore, but also imparted knowledge in Ayurveda, Architecture, Politics, Law, Mathematics, History, Military Science, Commerce, Accountancy and variety of other Art subjects. A number of books of the period bring out details of education that was imparted there. (Please contact Col D R Singh Sikarwar before editing on-Mob 09415021582).
Hinduism Studies of Shivait, Shaktism and Vaishnavism sects of Hinduism formed a part of the curriculum for those interested. There were also many Hindu temples and a large Hindu population that attended it. Vallabhi was also known as a great centre of Brahmanical lore. It is not surprising therefore that this seat of scholarship produced great poets like Magha and astronomers like Brahmagupta. (Please contact Col D R Singh Sikarwar before editing on-Mob 09415021582).
Further reference about Vallabhi is available in 'Kathasarit Sagara' an abridgement of the Brahat Katha of Gunadhya. It is mentioned that a young Brahmin named Vishnu Datta arrived here from a distant land known as Antar-vedi in search of higher learning. There was very keen competition for admission to the university in those days. Great works like Bhatti Kavya of Malla Vadi (a unique exercise in grammar, epic composition and Nayachakra, a treatise in logic) were evidences of heights attained in education of those days. (Please contact Col D R Singh Sikarwar before editing on-Mob 09415021582).
Buddhism There were about 100 monasteries most of them belonged to the Sammitiya Sect. It accommodated hundreds of Sangharamas, where about 6,000 monks studied the canons of Buddhism. It ranked so high in Buddhist learning that the great Chinese traveler Yuan Chwang (Hiuen Tsiang) compared it with anpther world-famous university like Nalanda. This is how a religion, which taught that ignorance, is the worst enemy of Mao and the cause of it, is suffering, while knowledge (Pragnya) is the highest asset. Pragnya wins all that is good in this world, and finally brings the highest happiness that is mundane as well as supra mundane. Vallabhi University was celebrated for specialized study of Buddhist logic (nyaya vidya). It also taught Buddhist scriptures and Buddhist philosophy. While Nalanda was the centre for Mahayana Buddhism, Vallabhi achieved fame as the centre for Hinayana Buddhism. They do not believe that Abhidharma was the teaching of Buddha. They believe in Antarabhava, a doctrine of Puggalavada, which disregards Abhidharma teachings that are inconsistent with Sutra-Teachings. Yuan Chwang's testifys that Buddhism flourished here for quite some time till it went out of favour. But as long as Buddhism flourished, it rendered yeomen service in field of learning and culture. (Please contact Col D R Singh Sikarwar before editing on-Mob 09415021582).
Jainism Beside Buddhism Vallabhi was equally well known for Jain learning. Nagarjuna the famous scholar set the Agamic text at Vallabhi around 300 A.D. A century and a half later it was again reset in 454 A.D. This text is followed by Svetambara Jains all over India even now. Scholars like Jinabhadragani wrote Bhashyas on Jain Agams. Jain commentators like Jinada Sagani Mahattara wrote Churnis, while distinguished philosophers like Haribhadra Suri wrote Vrttis. Both Jainism and Jain learning flourish alongside Brahmanical lores. Steeped in history; Vallabhipur held a reputation of being a center of Jain learning. One of the famous books on Jainism ‘Shetrunjay Mahatmya’ was also written by Acharya Dhaneshwar Surji at Vallabhi. In 510 V.S or 453 A.D, another Jain Saint Devardhigani Kshamsharman presided over a congregation of 500 Jain Acharyas to script the Agams. This was during the Second Convention of Jain Dharma that was celebrated at Vallabhi. The convention of White Robed Sects of Jains wrote a number of their principles and rules in a chronological manner. (Please contact Col D R Singh Sikarwar before editing on-Mob 09415021582).
Arab Attack In the A.D-765 Arab attack on the University town of Vallabhi its ruler ‘Satrughan Dev’ and his son ‘Barah Dev’ died. As Chitor controlled Kanak Sen’s empire, all hostile ingresses inside its territory were contested under its orders. The situation called for a mobilization of the Rajput Army. The army composed mainly of Kanak Sen’s progeny came from various places, including Chitor, Sikar and Bhadravati and threw the Arabs out of the Vallabhi. The centralized command of the army indicates a unity of purpose of the Rajputs. After Vallabhi University was freed of Arabs and peace re-established, Viridhi Devji a cousin of Satrughan Dev arrived to re-establish the kingdom. He was a descendent of Arun Dev the second son Vikram Sen a progeny of Kanak Sen. This arrangement continued till the infancy of Amar Dev. After he reached majority, Vallabhipur was handed back to him. (Please contact Col D R Singh Sikarwar before editing on-Mob 09415021582). lineage of Maitrik clan
The existence of Vallabhi has also been confirmed by ‘Satrunjaya Mahatma’; a famous Jain work. Tod says “And the Sandrai roll of the Jains thus commences; when the city of Vallabhi was sacked, the inhabitants fled and founded Ball, Sandrai, and Nadol in Morar Desh. These are towns of consequence, and in all Jain religion is still maintained which was the chief worship of Valbhipura when sacked by the ‘barbarians.’ The records preserved by the Jains give S.B. 205 or (A.D. 524) as the date of the event”. The Jain records tally with what is mentioned in the Sikarwar Khyat. (Please contact Col D R Singh Sikarwar before editing on-Mob 09415021582.)
The lineage of Maitrik clan, the later day Vallas is as under: -
1. Kanak Sen. 2. Dhir Sen. 3. Vikram. 4. Varun Sen. 5. Gokul Sen. 6. Sridutt Sen. 7. Balwant Sen. 8. Narain Sen. 9. Ambika Sen. 10. Bardan Sen. 11. Maryad Sen. 12. Balkaran Sen. 13. Santvilas Sen. 14. Sanjeev Sen. 15. Sagar Sen. He established a township by the name of Sagarpur. 16. Govind Sen. 17. Simatrik Sen. V.S-537 or A.D-480 started a dynasty in his name that became famous as Maitrik Vans. It continues to inhibit Gujrat as Vallas even till date. 18. Udai Dev. 19. Randhir Dev. 20. Bhavishya Dev. 21. Vishram Dev. 22. Surjit Dev. 23. Utawal Dev. 24. Ghopal. 25. Satrughan Dev. 26. Barah Dev. Both Satrughan Dev and his son Barah Dev died in sack of Vallabhi by the Arabs. 27. Amar Dev. Barah Dev’s son Amar Dev survived. 28. Viradh Dev. 29. Khadag Dev. 30. Chaksoo Dev. 31. Prabhav Dev. 32. Utsah Dev. 33. Chaya Dev. 34. Chander Pati Dev. 35. Ajai Dev. 36. Aji Dev. 37. Malik Dev. 38. Dewaker Dev. 39. Prabhaker Dev. 40. Nachatra Dev. 41. Basant Dev. 42. Nikhil Dev. 43. Malya Dev. 44. Nakul Dev. 45. Pundir Dev. 46. Gumann Dev. 47. Mayank Dev. 48. Dharmeshwer Dev. 49. Prabhajan Dev. 50. Virochan Dev. 51. Sanjay Dev. 52. Surjan Dev. 53. Chakradhar Dev.