Vikramaditya - Myth or Reality

 

A statue of Vikramaditya at  Vikramaditya ka Tila / Vikramaditya's Singhasan Battisi

On a recent visit to Ujjain, I found myself drawn to the city's extraordinary blend of history, mythology, and spirituality. As I stood before the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, I reflected on its significance as one of India’s most revered shrines. Yet, amidst these sacred surroundings, I encountered narratives of Vikramaditya - the legendary king of Ujjain, celebrated for his valor and wisdom, who's name resonates from the folklore of locals to every part of India. Every time we celebrate a festival in India, it is marked with a tithi i.e. date as per the Indian calendar - which is called the Vikram Samvat calendar, attributed to being founded by Vikramaditya of Ujjaini (the then name of Ujjain).

What struck me, however, was the curious fact that despite Vikramaditya’s pivotal place in Indian cultural memory, his existence as a historical figure lacks definitive evidence. My exploration led to several questions: Who was Vikramaditya? Was he truly the founder of the Vikram Samvat, a calendar still in use today? Could he be linked to historical rulers like the Mauryas, Shungas, or Kanvas?

The Vikram Samvat and its Present-Day Significance

The Vikram Samvat is one of the oldest calendar systems in the world, beginning in 57 BCE. It is a lunisolar calendar that combines lunar months with solar years, and it remains integral to cultural and religious life in the Indian subcontinent. The calendar is widely used to determine the dates for Hindu and Jain festivals, temple rituals, and astrological charts. 

Even today, the Hindu New Year is celebrated according to the Vikram Samvat in the subcontinent. Unlike other ancient calendars which are either lunar or solar, and hence lack precision in terms of world events, the Vikram Samvat is lunisolar, so it covers tidal movements as well as solar events - it covers for the discrepancy in both calendars by adding an additional month every 4 years called the adhik maas or the surplus month (this is similar to how February has a 29th day every leap year in the Gregorian calendar). Beyond its practical function, the calendar is seen as a cultural artifact symbolizing a historical and moral ethos.

According to tradition, the Vikram Samvat was established by King Vikramaditya of Ujjain to mark his victory over the Shakas, Indo-Scythian tribes who had invaded northern India. This association makes Vikramaditya a key figure in India’s historical imagination, even as scholars struggle to establish his historical identity. 

However, while the Shakas are established historical tribe, there is no clear historical evidence for the identity of Vikramaditya.

Vikram's significance beyond the Vikram Samvat

Apart from the Vikram Samvat, Vikramaditya is celebrated as the ideal king - a paragon of justice, wisdom, and valor. Several legends glorify Vikramaditya, portraying him as a larger-than-life figure:

1. The Shaka Conquest: The most famous legend recounts how Vikramaditya defeated the Shakas, establishing the Vikram Samvat in 57 BCE as a commemoration of his victory.
2. The Simhasana Dvatrimsika: This series of tales revolves around a magical throne once belonging to Vikramaditya, adorned with 32 statues narrating his unparalleled virtues.
3. Baital Pachisi: These tales depict Vikramaditya's adventures with a spirit named Baital, showcasing his wisdom, courage, and problem-solving abilities.
4. Association with Ujjain: Vikramaditya is invariably tied to Ujjain, a historical and cultural hub, reinforcing his legend as the ruler of this sacred city.
5. Cultural Patronage: His court is said to have included the Navaratnas (Nine Gems), including the poet Kalidasa, marking a golden age of arts and learning.

Vikramaditya is a timeless archetype in Indian folklore and tradition. His tales, preserved in texts like the "Simhasana Dvatrimsika" (Thirty-two Tales of the Throne) and "Baital Pachisi" (Twenty-five Tales of Baital), portray him as an ideal ruler- just, courageous, and wise. He is celebrated as a protector of dharma (righteousness) and a king who upheld truth and justice.

For centuries, the figure of Vikramaditya has served as a benchmark for kingship in Indian culture. His tales transcend historical inquiry, serving as timeless symbols of dharma (righteousness) and rajadharma (kingly duties). While his historicity is debated, his cultural impact is undeniable, making him a pivotal figure in shaping the Indian idea of governance and morality.

The Mystery

Despite the vivid legends, there is no archaeological or inscriptional evidence from the 1st century BCE to substantiate Vikramaditya's existence as a historical figure:

1. Lack of Contemporary Records: No inscriptions, coins, or texts from the period around 57 BCE mention a king named Vikramaditya or connect him with the founding of the Vikram Samvat.
2. Later Usage of the Title: The title Vikramaditya was adopted by several historical rulers, most notably Chandragupta II Vikramaditya of the Gupta Dynasty (375–415 CE), who also defeated the Shakas. This suggests that the title may have been retroactively applied to earlier legends.
3. Mythological Nature of Sources: The earliest textual references to Vikramaditya appear centuries after the supposed events, blending folklore with historical narrative.

So who was Vikramaditya - the founder of the calendar still in use in India, and a celebrated 'ideal' king who is held as a benchmark in Indian ethos?

Continued in the next post