Twelve Great Emperors of Ancient India

1. Ajatashatru (551 BC - 519 BC) 

Bimbisara was the primary sovereign to annex numerous little states (Mahajanapadas) and free republics and establish the framework of a strong Magadhan realm which included 80,000 towns and a few republics. His child Ajatashatru, otherwise called Kunika, proceeded with his dad's arrangement of triumphs and broadened it further, regularly utilizing questionable intends to overcome his adversaries like the Licchaivies of Vaisali. As per some Buddhist writings, he prevails to the seat by detaining his dad and killing him. His strict connection isn't clear. Both Jain and Buddhist writings guarantee him to be a devotee of their separate beliefs since he disparaged and respected both Mahavira and the Buddha after expressly meeting them. Archeological and scholarly proof, notwithstanding, recommends that he may have changed over to Buddhism in the last period of his life and kicked the bucket as a Buddhist. The primary Buddhist board was likely held under his initiative. Ajatashatru likewise figures in the Upanishads as a picked-up ruler who was knowledgeable in the mysterious information on oneself. In any case, we don't know whether it is a similar chronicled ruler or an alternate individual. 

                   

AjatashatruRoyal parade leaving Rajagriha, conceivably portraying Ajatashatru, from Sanchi, CC BY-SA 3.0 

2. Chandragupta Maurya (Approx. 321 BC - 298 BC) 

Most students of history concur that the principal genuine ruler of India was Chandragupta Maurya. He rose to the seat between 323 BC and 321 BC, after overcoming Dhana Nanda in a furious fight. His introduction to the world and youth is indistinct. He presumably had a place with some illustrious ancestry through his mom however experienced childhood in relative lack of clarity with a powerful urge to turn into a sovereign by his own doing. As indicated by legends he coordinated resistance to the Nandas with the assistance of a wise educator and counsel named Chanakya and prevailed with regards to toppling them. As per Greek writings, during this period he met Alexander who was then positioned in northwest India as a piece of his real victory. In his short vocation of 20-25 years, Chandragupta took on and won numerous conflicts against the local lords and the Greek Satraps of Alexander and set up an enormous domain which stretched out from the lines of Iran in the North to the Bengal district in the east and the Deccan level in the South. He additionally settled a productive and profoundly coordinated focal and commonplace authoritative framework, comprising of various offices headed by pastors and state authorities, each dependent on explicit obligations. As per Megasthanese, the Greek minister to his court, he had an immense multitude of 60,000 infantry, 30,000 horsemen, 3000 chariots, and 9000 elephants. He likewise kept an eye upon his inward and outer foes through a productive covert operative framework. 

Chandragupta Mauryan creative impression of Chandragupta Maurya, a sculpture at Birla Mandir 

3. Ashoka (273 BC - 239 BC) 

Ashoka was the child of Bindusara and grandson of Chandragupta Maurya. His initial life was defaced by outrageous mercilessness, savagery, and the battle of progression in which he said to have killed numerous siblings, which as per a few was most likely rather misrepresented. Nonetheless, in his initial life he was a savage ruler, and in no way, shape, or form harmony adoring or kindhearted. Ashokanandana, a Buddhist book, expresses that he mistreated and killed a huge number of Ajivikas for the basic shortcoming of showing Buddha as bowing to Gosala, their educator, in a canvas. Before his change to Buddhism, Ashoka pursued numerous conflicts and vanquished practically the entire subcontinent. He was likely the solitary sovereign throughout the entire existence of India to accomplish such a differentiation. After the Kalinga War, which brought about immense gore on the two sides, he had a shift in perspective and turned into a radical and compassionate person. Even though he changed over to Buddhism, he proclaimed his law of devotion (Dhamma), containing the best of the multitude of Dharmas, which he spread all through his domain by engraving it on a few stones alters and delegating clergymen of Dharma to engender it. He was additionally liable for the early proliferation of Buddhism in India and outside, and systematizing Buddhist messages by getting sorted out two Buddhist gatherings. He likewise attempted a few government assistance measures, for example, building streets and rest houses, burrowing wells, planting trees, and so on 

engraved board depicting Asoka, first third AD 

4. Gautamiputra Satakarni (70 AD – 95 AD) 

The Satavahanas were likely the main Brahminical Hindu lords to control focal and southern India, roughly from 200 BC to 250 AD. They resuscitated the Vedic Dharma when it was in decrease and India was generally governed by Buddhist and Jain rulers. Amaravathi or Dhanyakataka was their capital for quite a while. Of the few incredible rulers of the administration, Gautamiputra Satakarni (named after his mom Gautami) was the most noticeable. The engravings of his time, including the renowned Nasik engraving, portray him as an incredible champion and the ruler of the Vindhyas, who crushed Sakas, Yavanas, and Pahlavis, including the well known Saka boss Nahapana and broadened his domain from Krishna in the South to Malwa and Kathiawar in the North, and from Berar in the East to Konkan in the West. He attempted a few measures to restore the Vedic Dharma and reestablish a few old works on including the pony penance. On the monetary front, since his realm reached out to the ocean coasts on the two sides, he further developed exchange with outside nations across the Arabian ocean and Bay of Bengal. He was an additionally altruistic ruler, who showed resilience towards both Buddhism and Jainism and permitted them to thrive alongside his own. Subsequently, numerous Buddhist landmarks, caverns, and learning focus jumped up in various pieces of his domain, some of which made due as of not long ago. 

SatakarniAn creative impression of Gautami Putra Satkarni, a Statue at Amaravathi © BY-SA 4.0 

5. Kanishka (Approx. 78 AD – 101 AD) 

Kanishka was the best of the Kushana rulers, who initially had a place with an antiquated, Chinese clan of roaming beginning, who got comfortable focal Asia and progressively moved into northern India through victories. He was an incredible hero and champion, who set up a huge domain through numerous successes. His realm covered a more prominent bit of north India and northwest boondocks, to the extent Magadha in the East, Vindhyas in the South, and focal Asia in the North. With Purushapura (Peshawar) as his capital, he set up a common type of government, known as kshatrapi (or satrapy) framework, and guaranteed a rule of harmony. Kanishka was likewise a productive developer who constructed numerous strict and common designs and landmarks. His coins recommend that most likely he adjusted Greek as his authority language. Albeit in his initial life, he adored numerous Indian, Iranian and Greek divine beings, which was presumably a continuation of his genealogical confidence, later he changed over to Buddhism, and similarly as Ashoka embraced a few measures to engender it. Aside from building a few stupas and chaityas and sending evangelists to unfamiliar nations, he coordinated the Fourth Buddhist chamber to settle the doctrinal issue and disparate conclusions and practices. He likewise belittled craftsmanship and learning. His court was decorated by well-known writers and rationalists like Asvaghosha, Nagarjuna, and Vasumitra. The Gandhara style of model, with its unmistakable Indo-Greek highlights, prospered in his rule. 

Kanishka on a gold coin (120 AD) © BY-SA 3.0 

6. Rudradaman (130 AD – 150 AD) 

The Sakas were Scythians, who set up their influence in different pieces of India, exploiting the force vacuum which was made by the decay of the Mauryan domain and debilitating of local realms. In Sanskrit writing, the Scythians were known as savages, alongside Parthians and Indo-Bactrians. They set up the Kshatrapi type of government in which a sovereign ruler (Mahakstrapa), helped by at least one appointee (kshatrapas), dealt with the undertakings of the public authority. The most remarkable among them was Rudradaman, the Mahakshatrapa of Ujjain. The Junagadh rock decree gives some data about him. As per it, Rudradamana resuscitated the falling fortunes of his family by overcoming Gautamiputra Satakarni twice and in the long run finished strong by wedding his little girl to him and making him his partner. His realm covered an enormous piece of Western Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Saurashtra. Other than being a fighter and picked up lord, Rudradaman was likewise a kindhearted ruler, who is credited with the development of a dam on the Sudarshan lake at his own cost, without gathering extra duties from individuals. It is likewise said that he made a vow not to kill anybody besides in a conflict, a guarantee which he kept until the end. 

coin showing the bust of Rudradāman, with an adulterated Greek legend, © BY-SA 3.0 

7. Samudra Gupta (335 AD – 375 AD) 

Samudra Gupta is well known for the various fights he battled and won, and the huge domain he made, utilizing power, wars, respect, and discretion. Subtleties of his endeavors are known to us chiefly from the Allahabad column engraving, which recommends that after rising the seat, he needed to be the ruler of the oceans and overcome the world. His first long mission was in quite a while (dakshinapath), against the realms south of the Vindhyas, in which he crushed around 11 lords and constrained them to make good on charges and acknowledge his power. In his next crusade, he killed a few rulers in the North and added their domains. His third mission was against the ancestral leaders of focal India. As indicated by the engraving, he diminished them to the situation with workers. In his fourth mission, he constrained the leaders of boondocks states and a few free republics to submit to his standard and make good on charges. Through these triumphs, arrangements, and political moves, he controlled over a huge realm, which comprised the entire of northern India up to the Himalayas in the north and the Krishna River in the South. Besides

Gold coin depicting Samudragupta in warrior attire, © BY-SA 3.0

8. Chandra Gupta II (375 AD – 414 AD)

Chandragupta the Second was the son of Samudra Gupta. He was not chosen by his father as his successor but was forced by circumstances to become an emperor and restore the falling fortunes of his dynasty, when his elder brother, Ram Gupta failed to hold the empire. Due to his valor and sagacity, he earned the title of Vikramaditya, the legendary king, who is mentioned in several folk traditions and literary works for his skill in passing wise judgments. Like his father, Chandra Gupta was a great warrior. He consolidated his power through conquests, diplomacy, and matrimonial alliances. He is credited with the conquest and annexation of Bengal, and several territories in the East and west which were ruled by Sakas and several native rulers, thereby extending his empire to almost the whole of India. His reign saw the renaissance of Hindu culture, art, astronomy, science, and literature. The famous poet and playwright Kalidasa was one of the nine gems who adorned his court. The Chinese traveler, Fashion, visited India during his reign and gave a firsthand description of the glorious conditions which he witnessed. The Gupta kings practiced Vedic Dharma. They built many temples in honor of Hindu gods such as Vishnu and Shiva and revived several ancient practices. At the same time, they showed tolerance towards Buddhism and Jainism and allowed them to flourish. The Gupta period is known in Indian history as a golden age (Swarna-yug).

Chandra Gupta, the SecondGold coin depicting Chandragupta Second, © BY-SA 3.0

9. Harshavardhana (606 AD – 647 AD)

Harshavardhana was a unique emperor in the history of India, who can best be described as a warrior, scholar, monk, and monarch who combined in himself the best of sovereignty, literary brilliance, religiosity, virtuosity, character, leadership, and monkhood. A lot of information about his reign is available to us due to the accounts left by Chinese travelers and literary works such as Bana’s Harshacharita. Although he had an exemplary character, Harshavardhana was not a pacifist by any measure. He waged many wars and annexed several kingdoms. At the same time, he showed compassion and generosity by literally emptying his treasury once in every five years and giving away all his wealth and personal possessions to his subjects. He was also pragmatic enough to recognize the strength of his opponents and set aside his pride to make peace with them, as he did in the case of Pulakesin II who defeated him and forced him to accept peace terms. Harshavardhana practiced a composite faith, consisting of both Hindu and Buddhist elements. He erected temples in honor of Surya, Shiva, and Buddha and paid them homage. However, it seems that in the latter part of his life he followed Mahayana Buddhism. He also organized two Buddhist assemblies at Kaanuj and Prayaga to promote Mahayana Buddhism. The famous learning center at Nalanda flourished during his reign.

                                               Gold coin depicting Harshavardhana with a crescent, © BY-SA 3.0

10. Pulakesi II (610 AD - 642 AD)

Pulakesi the Second was the most powerful king of the Western Chalukyan dynasty of Badami. He is hailed in the inscriptions as Vallabha, Prithvi Vallabha, Parameswara-Parama-Bhagavata, etc. They denote his Vaishnava faith and religious proclivity. The Chinese scholar, Hieun Tsang who traveled through his empire described the social and economic conditions of the people, their manners and customs, during his reign. Pulakesi II ascended the throne at a difficult time, but his valor and statesmanship saved his empire from internal strife as well as external threats. The Aihole inscription by Ravikriti, a Jain monk, provides a detailed account of his achievements, according to which he waged several wars and established a large empire. It states that he marched northwards to defeat the Kadambas and occupy Varanasi. Later, he allied with them and forced a few kingdoms in the South into submission. He also defeated the Mauryas of Konkan, the Latas, Malvas, and Gurjars in central India. Making Shashank his ally, he waged a war against Harshavardhana about 630 AD and defeated him. He also defeated the Pallava king Mahendravarman and conquered a part of his kingdom. According to Tabari, a Muslim historian, Pulakesi sent an ambassador to Persia. One of the paintings at Ajanta said to contain a scene showing him receiving an ambassador from Persia. However, this theory is disputed.

Pulakesin 2Artistic depiction of Pulakeshin receiving envoys from Persia.

11. Rajaraja Chola (985 AD – 1014 AD)

The Chola dynasty was one of the most ancient dynasties of India. References to them are found in the Mahabharata, Mahavamsa, Sangam literature, the Indika of Megashanese, and the inscriptions of Ashoka. They had a long history with fluctuating fortunes. Their power reached its zenith in the 10th and 11Th century AD under Rajaraja Chola, also known as Rajaraja, the Great, whose military exploits are mentioned in detail in the Tanjore inscription. According to it, he fought battles against the Cheras, whose navy he destroyed, the Pandyas of Ceylon, whose kingdom he annexed, and the Western Chalukyas, whose territory he invaded and subjected them to great humiliation. He also waged wars and annexed Vengi (Andhra Pradesh), Kalinga (Odisha), and the islands of Maldives. His empire covered large portions of southeastern India. Rajaraja Chola was an efficient administrator and a great builder. He introduced many administrative reforms and initiated accurate land surveys for improving and systemizing revenue collection. Many Shiva and Vishnu temples were built during his reign including the famous Rajarajeswara Temple at Tanjore, which is a marvel in stone, with its central tower (shikhara) rising to 190 feet, crowned by a massive 25 feet tall dome, made of a single stone. He established a large naval fleet and fought many battles in the sea.

Mural depicting Rajaraja and his guru Karuvuruvar found in the Brihadisvara temple, 11th century.

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12. Rajendra Chola 1

Rajaraja Chola was succeeded by his son Rajendra Chola, also known as Gangaikonda Chola. He was an equally great king, who continued his father’s policy of conquests and annexations and extended the empire to Bengal. His conquest of Bengal eventually led to the foundation of the Sena dynasty there by his provincial governors. Rajendra Chola is also credited with conquests in the Far East. The inscriptions of his time state that he led expeditions across the high rolling seas and conquered Kadaram, defeating its king, Sangrama Vijayottungavarman. Apart from that, he also conquered the kingdoms of Sri Vijaya and Pannai in Sumatra, Mayirudingam, Illangosoka, Madamalingam, etc., in Malaya, and Manakkavaram in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. However, it is not clear what the objective of those conquests was, and how effective they were. He probably went there to collect war spoils or open trade routes. Rajendra Chola founded a new capital at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, where he set up an irrigation system and built some temples and palaces. His other notable achievement was the opening of a Vedic learning center with 340 students and 14 teachers.

Gangaikonda CholapuramA sculpture of Nataraja on the Wall of Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, built by Rajendra 1, © BY 2.0

Thus, it can be seen that ancient India witnessed many great emperors over 1500 years. They came from different backgrounds, established vast empires through conquests, and showed exemplary character and courage, mixing pragmatism with idealism and striking a balance between religiosity and imperial duties and between aggression and humanitarian considerations. Although they practiced different faiths, they were tolerant towards other faiths at times patronized them. They were exceptionally unique in the history of the world, and at times far ahead of their times. By patronizing art and literature, promoting religious harmony, enforcing the laws by invoking divine authority and following established norms and prevailing laws, and honoring its diversity and ancient traditions, they contributed to the growth of Indian civilization,