1. Formation and Core Areas
Emergence: The Gauda Kingdom originated in the late 6th century CE in eastern India, resulting from the political fragmentation of the Gupta Empire (3rd-6th century CE).
Geographical Core: The kingdom's heartland encompassed present-day Bengal in India and the northern regions of Bangladesh.
Capital: Karnasuvarna, located near modern-day Murshidabad city, served as the kingdom's capital.
2. King Shashanka's Reign (Late 6th century CE - 637 CE)
Rise to Power: Shashanka, the sole known ruler of the Gauda Kingdom, overthrew the Later Gupta king Mahasenagupta, marking the kingdom's independence in the 7th century CE.
Alliance with Devagupta: Shashanka strategically allied with Devagupta, the son of Mahasenagupta, and together, they confronted the rising power of the Maukharis.
Role in Harshavardhana Saga: Banabhatta's Harshacharita narrates Shashanka's role in causing mayhem in the life of Harsha, depicting him as a warlike monarch involved in strategic maneuvers and alliances.
Alleged Stratagem: Banabhatta's account suggests that Shashanka played a role in the death of Rajyavardhana, Harsha's brother, through a stratagem. The authenticity of this narrative is debated among historians.
3. Extent of the Kingdom
Shashanka's Inscriptions: Shashanka's inscriptions dated 619/20 CE describe him as the "Lord of Great Kings," ruling over vast territories surrounded by the four oceans.
Hiuen Tsang's Account: The Chinese Buddhist monk-scholar Hiuen Tsang designates Shashanka as the king of Karnasuvarna, highlighting the kingdom's reach during this period.
Territories: Shashanka's kingdom incorporated regions like Magadha and Ganjam in present-day Odisha.
4. Government and Religion
Administrative Continuity: The Gauda Kingdom maintained the administrative style of the Gupta Empire, with divisions like bhuktis and district officers continuing along existing lines.
Hinduism Promotion: Shashanka actively championed Hinduism, as evidenced by his coins depicting Hindu deities such as Shiva and Lakshmi.
5. Military Organization
Arms and Attire: Soldiers wore distinctive attire, including loose or tied-back hair, skull caps, tunics, crossed belts, and simple turbans. The military utilized various weapons, shields, and included elephants, cavalry, and infantry.
6. Post-Shashanka Era
Debasement of Coinage: The constant state of anarchy and war under Shashanka's successors led to debased metal content in coins, reflecting economic challenges.
Successors' Weakness: Subsequent leaders of Gauda, post-Shashanka, were weak and insignificant, with little mention in historical sources.
Invader Targets: Gauda became a routine target for invaders, including Yashovarman, the Kanyakubja king, who claimed to have defeated Gauda chieftains in the 8th century CE.
Rise of Pala Dynasty: The anarchy led to the election of Gopala as king in 750 CE, marking the beginning of the Pala dynasty (8th-12th century CE) and a new phase for Gauda.
