The Abhira-Gupta Dynasty also known as the Ahir-Gupta dynasty was a dynasty which existed in the
Kathmandu Valley in modern-day
Nepal.[1][2][3] These Abhira-Guptas had overshadowed the
Licchavi kings in the administration.[4] Ravigupta,[5] Bhaumagupta, Jishnugupta and Vishnugupta[6] of Abhira-Gupta family controlled Kathmandu (Nepal) as de facto-ruler during many
Lichchhavi kings.[7][8][9][10]
Origin and History
The Abhira-Guptas were a branch of the
Abhira tribe mentioned in the epics and the puranas. who known to have had various settlements in
India, they were evidently somewhat nomadic and probably had entered Nepal. Later Inscriptions link them to the
Kshatriyas of the
Lunar dynasty.[11][12][13] Some early scholars identify the Abhira-Guptas with the descendants of the
imperial Guptas of
India.[14]
Early History
During the early
Lichhavi period, the
Abhiras, who had migrated from the
Mathura region of Northern
India before the fifth century A.D., occupied the position of ever increasing rank in the administration.[15][16]
The Abhira-Guptas were high official at
Lichchhavi court until they usurped royal position.[17]
Ravigupta
Ravigupta, the descent of Abhira-Gupta family[18] was the first
Abhira ruler (Abhinayaka) of Nepal.[19][20] However, the Lichhavi King Basantdeva was still respected by all. The Abhira ruler gradually usurped the powers of the Lichhavi king.[21]
Pasupati inscription of Abhiri Gomini confirms that Anuprama was the pen-name of Ravigupta Gomi.[22] Abhirigomini was mother of Bhaumagupta, she had established Anuparmeshware Shivalinga and donated land, money and ornaments to the guthi.[23]
Bhaumagupta
Bhaumagupta's name first appears in A.D 540 inscribed on a Shivalinga conserected by his mother Abhiri Gomini[24] in the memory of her deceased husband, Anuprama. Few years later in A.D 557, we find Bhaumagupta simultaneously enjoying the two of the highest governmental offices, Aide-de-camp (Mahapratihara) and Inspector General of Police (Sarvadandanayaka).[25][26][27]
He was prime minister during the reign period of three
Lichhavi kings, i.e Ganadeva, Gangadeva and Sivadeva.[28] His influence started during the reign of King Ganadeva and remain unchanged during the reign of King Gangdeva as well.[29][30] The assuming of high title of Paramadaivataśri by Sarvadandanāyak Bhaumagupta reveals that the Licchavi rulers were being treated by him as no more than puppets.[31][32][33]
Bhaumagupta was a de-facto ruler[34] until A.D 590, when King Sivadeva, the reigning
Licchavi had, in fact, begun to assert his royal authority probably with the support of the Varman family.[35][36][37]
The story of Abhira-Guptas family did not end with the illustrious Bhaumagupta, but continued with his descendants Jisnugupta and Vishnugupta. For after the hiatus during
Amshuvarman's rule, circa A.D 605-621, when no Gupta or Gomin name is recorded, suddenly Bhaumagupta's grandson Jisnugupta, emerges as a forceful personality.[38]
Jishnugupta
Udayadeva was overthrown by his younger brother Dhruvadeva with the help of Jishnugupta.[39][40] This event must have taken place sometime around 624 A.D, since Udaydeva's inscription declaring him king is dated in the A.D 621. Three years later in year 624 A.D, Jishnugupta's first inscription appears and his usurption of throne is proven.[41] Jishnugupta first appears as joint ruler with Dhruvadeva in A.D 624-25 and then with Bhimarjundeva from 633-635 A.D. He probably ruled alone for some period of time. Two inscription name him sole ruler and coins were struck in his name.[42][43][44]
According to Kevalpur and Thankot inscription, Jishnugupta was grandson of Bhaumagupta and great-grandson of a person known as Managupta Gomi.[45] He wielded power between A.D 624 and 637, was a de-facto ruler, though he continued the fiction of Licchavi sovereignty by placing on the throne Dhruvadeva and Bhimarjundeva. Jishnugupta issued coins in his own name. He not only inherited the dominions but also continued the policy and tradition of previous de-facto rulers.[46][47][48][49]
The Kevalpur inscription of King Jisnugupta clearly mentions that organised towns and village units with self-government existed in Nepal during the rule of the forefathers of Manadeva I.[50]
Manadeva also lived with inferior position like Dhruvadeva till Jishnugupta was alive.[51] Jishnugupta and his son Vishnugupta used the succeeding
Licchavi kings as their puppets and maintained absolute rule for a total period of 22 years.[52]
Vishnugupta
Jishnugupta was succeeded by his son Vishnugupta.[53] He enjoyed a brief reign and must have been ousted from the throne by Narendradeva, who restored the
Licchavi dynasty in
Nepal in A.D 643 with the help of
Tibetan king.[54]