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Goparaja was a feudatory chief during the Gupta Empire, remembered for his bravery and tragic demise in the Second Battle of Eran in 510 CE. He fought alongside King Bhanugupta against the Huna ruler Toramana. A memorial inscription at Eran commemorates his valor and the sacrifice of his wife, who performed sati.

Early life

Goparaja was the son of King Madhava and the grandson, through his mother, of the king Sharabha. His maternal lineage traced back to the Laksa dynasty, with the inscription describing him as "an ornament" of this line.

Military campaigns

Battle of Eran (510 CE)

Goparaja fought alongside King Bhanugupta in the Second Battle of Eran in Gupta Year 191 (510 CE). The inscription at Eran portrays Bhanugupta as "the mighty king, the bravest man on earth, equal to Partha (Arjuna)." This battle, likely against the Huna ruler Toramana, showcased the combined efforts of Gupta forces and their feudatories. Despite their valor, Goparaja was killed in action.

Sacrifice and Memorial

Following his death, Goparaja's wife performed sati, immolating herself on his funeral pyre. This act of devotion and sacrifice is highlighted in the inscription, which refers to her as "devoted, attached, beloved, and beauteous." The cremation took place during the rainy season of Gupta Year 191 (July 510 CE), and a memorial monument was erected at the site in their honor.

Historical significance

The memorial inscription at Eran serves as an important record of Gupta history, illustrating the bravery of Goparaja and the dedication of his wife. It also provides insight into the socio-cultural practices of the time, such as the ritual of sati and the political dynamics involving the Hunas during the later Gupta period.

Legacy

The story of Goparaja and his wife has been preserved through the inscription at Eran, which remains a testament to their heroism and sacrifice. Their memorial continues to be a significant archaeological and historical site.

See also

• Second Battle of Eran
• Toramana
• Bhanugupta

References

1. ^ Sharma, Tej Ram (1978). Personal and Geographical Names in the Gupta Inscriptions. Concept Publishing Company. p. 43.
2. Bakker, Hans T. (12 March 2020). The Alkhan: A Hunnic People in South Asia. Barkhuis. p. 33. ISBN 978-94-93194-00-7.
3. S. R. Goyal (1967). A history of the Imperial Guptas. With a Foreword by R. C. Majumdar. p. 371.
4. Agrawal, Ashvini (1989). Rise and Fall of the Imperial Guptas. Motilal Banarsidass. p. 234. ISBN 978-81-208-0592-7.
5. ^ Bakker, Hans T. (12 March 2020). The Alkhan: A Hunnic People in South Asia. Barkhuis. p. 71. ISBN 978-94-93194-00-7.
6. Agrawal, Ashvini (1989). Rise and Fall of the Imperial Guptas. Motilal Banarsidass. p. 243. ISBN 978-81-208-0592-7.