Who was Vikramaditya?

Screen grab from the popular Indian TV serial of the 90s: Vikram-Betal

As I have written in my previous post here, Vikramaditya was not just the founder of the Vikram Samvat Calendar still in use in Indian subcontinent, but also a fabled king who is considered the benchmark when it comes to principles of governance. He captures popular public imagination even today, as the yardstick by which matters of jurisprudence and social justice are measured. 

But there is no historical clarity on who Vikram was - and I try to explore various dimensions of the mystery. 

The period after Ashoka and the Decline of the Maurya Dynasty

The Maurya Dynasty, founded by Chandragupta Maurya in 322 BCE, reached its zenith under Ashoka the Great (268–232 BCE). Ashoka’s reign was marked by territorial expansion, Buddhist patronage, and administrative brilliance. However, after his death, the empire began to disintegrate:

1. Internal Weakness: Ashoka’s successors lacked his vision and authority, leading to administrative inefficiency.
2. Economic Strain: The vast empire required immense resources, which became unsustainable over time.
3. Foreign Invasions: Regional governors and foreign invaders capitalized on the empire’s vulnerabilities.

By the late 2nd century BCE, the Mauryan Empire had fragmented into smaller kingdoms. The political vacuum left by the Mauryas paved the way for new dynasties like the Shungas and Kanvas.

Vikramaditya as Ashoka’s successor 

One hypothesis suggests that Vikramaditya was related to Ashoka, perhaps as a son or descendant. However, several factors disprove this claim:

1. Chronological Discrepancy: The Mauryan decline occurred well before the Vikram Samvat (57 BCE). Ashoka himself reigned in the 3rd century BCE.
2. Different Legacies: While Ashoka’s legacy is deeply tied to Buddhism, the legends of Vikramaditya focus on Hindu cultural and political ideals.
3. Historical Silence: There is no evidence linking Ashoka’s descendants to Ujjain, the city central to Vikramaditya’s legend.

Who Was Ruling India During the Vikram Samvat Era?

The timeline surrounding 57 BCE places India in a period of political flux:

1. Kanva Dynasty: Vasudeva Kanva, founder of the Kanva Dynasty, overthrew the last Shunga ruler in 73 BCE. The Kanvas ruled from Pataliputra (modern Patna) and retained control over Magadha and parts of central India.
2. Shaka Invaders: The Shakas, part of the Indo-Scythian tribes, had begun establishing themselves in western and northern India, displacing local rulers.
3. Regional Powers: In Ujjain and nearby regions, smaller tribes like the Malavas may have exerted influence, potentially resisting Shaka expansion.

This fragmented political landscape makes it difficult to pinpoint a single ruler who could correspond to Vikramaditya.

Details About the Shakas, Shungas, and Kanvas

The Shakas (Indo-Scythians)

The Shakas were nomadic tribes originating from Central Asia. They migrated to India following pressure from other tribes, such as the Yuezhis:

1. Territorial Expansion: By 57 BCE, the Shakas controlled significant parts of western India, including Gujarat and Rajasthan.
2. Cultural Influence: They integrated with local traditions, contributing to the fusion of Indian and Central Asian art and culture.

The Shunga Dynasty

The Shungas emerged after Pushyamitra Shunga assassinated the last Mauryan emperor in 185 BCE:

1. Capital: Pataliputra (modern Patna).
2. Military Success: Pushyamitra repelled Greek invasions, securing his northern borders.
3. Decline: By the late 2nd century BCE, the dynasty weakened, eventually succumbing to the Kanvas.

The Kanva Dynasty

The Kanvas ruled from 73 BCE to 28 BCE after overthrowing the Shungas:

1. Vasudeva Kanva: Founder of the dynasty.
2. Territorial Reach: Their influence extended over Magadha but likely included central India, including Ujjain.
3. Decline: The Kanvas were eventually overthrown by the Satavahanas, marking the end of their brief reign.

The Political Capital of Ancient Dynasties

One of the key challenges in identifying Vikramaditya is the mismatch between the legends and historical capitals:

1. Mauryas: The Mauryan Empire’s administrative center was Pataliputra, not Ujjain.
2. Shungas and Kanvas: Both dynasties ruled from Magadha, with no evidence of Ujjain as their political seat.
3. Shakas: While the Shakas controlled parts of western India, they did not establish Ujjain as their capital.

This geographical inconsistency complicates attempts to associate historical rulers with the Ujjain-centric legend of Vikramaditya.

Hypotheses About Vikramaditya’s Identity

Hypothesis 1: Vasudeva Kanva

• Chronology: Vasudeva Kanva ruled during the period associated with the Vikram Samvat’s founding.
• Military Context: If Vasudeva repelled a Shaka invasion, the calendar could commemorate his victory.
• Territorial Connection: Ujjain may have been under Kanva influence.

Analysis: While plausible, there is no direct evidence linking Vasudeva Kanva to the Vikram Samvat. His rule from Pataliputra further complicates this association.

Hypothesis 2: The Malava Tribe

• Tribal Identity: The Malavas were active in the Ujjain region, possibly initiating the calendar as a collective achievement.
• Connection to Ujjain: Their geographic ties align with the legend.

Analysis: This hypothesis shifts the focus from an individual ruler to a regional community, but it diminishes the centrality of Vikramaditya as a legendary king.

Hypothesis 3: A Shunga or Maurya King

• Pushyamitra Shunga: The Shunga founder defended northern India from foreign invaders, potentially inspiring Vikramaditya’s legend.
• Later Mauryas: Ashoka’s descendants, though weaker, may have contributed to Ujjain’s prominence.

Analysis: While intriguing, the timelines of the Shunga and Maurya dynasties do not perfectly align with the Vikram Samvat’s origin in 57 BCE.

The Mystery of Vikram Samvat’s Founding

The founding of the Vikram Samvat remains one of India’s greatest historical enigmas:

1. Lack of Contemporary Records: The absence of inscriptions or coins commemorating its establishment leaves historians reliant on later, often mythological sources.
2. Symbolic Narratives: The tales of Vikramaditya may have been constructed to provide a heroic context for the calendar’s origin.
3. Cultural Significance: The calendar’s continued relevance underscores its importance, even as its origins remain uncertain.

Epilogue

The story of Vikramaditya and the Vikram Samvat exemplifies the intricate interplay of history and mythology in Indian tradition. Despite the absence of definitive evidence, Vikramaditya endures as a symbol of ideal kingship and cultural unity.

While hypotheses about his identity link him to the Kanvas, Shungas, or Mauryas, none provide conclusive answers. Ultimately, the legend of Vikramaditya transcends historical inquiry, embodying values of justice, valor, and wisdom that continue to inspire.

What is more likely is that Vikramaditya being a much smaller local satrap than an emperor or even regional king, who's tales gained more wool as time passed. Successive historians and authors may have found the legends of Vikramaditya worth expanding upon and they probably added more mythical layers to the legend, adding their own imaginations to the existing tales.

It is however a topic worthy of deeper research via archeological and palaeographical methods to uncover the identity of Vikramaditya as he is one ruler who's impressions by the way of Vikram Samvat as well as historical tales impact India event today.

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