Dear Europe, our Samudragupta is not Napoleon of Bharata..!

 -       Nitish Dambal, Dharwad

Irish historian VA Smith refers in his ‘History of India’ that, Samudragupta is ‘Napoleon of India’. Since then the west coated Indian education system emphasized Napoleon more than great warrior Samudragupta. Napoleon Bonaparte was a prominent emperor and military general of France but comparing him with Samudragupta is the blunder what Europe did.

The reign of Samudragupta was 335-375 CE whereas Napoleon ruled France during 1805-1814 which means gap of 18 centuries between two leaders. Samudragupta was much early to rule and gain success. Indeed Napoleon should be called as ‘Samudragupta of France’ but the fact reversed and we are studying the same blunder till now. Moreover unlike Napoleon, Samudragupta was not power hungry.

Samudragupta

Samudragupta was proficient ruler in all facets. Performing ‘Ashwamedha Yaga’ (horse sacrifice ritual) was his significant achievement.  In 50 years of span he fought around 100 battles and never lost single of it. His territory was extended from Himalaya to Narmada and Brahmaputra to Yamuna. Defeated the major rulers of the country and achieved the title ‘Maharajadhiraja’ (King of Kings). He built the largest military force and constructed walled town and check posts around the boundaries of his territory.

The Prayagaraj (Allahabad) pillar inscription describes his military conquests and notable achievements. Samudragupta was always concerned and provided relief to poor and helpless. He reinstated many royal families which had lost their kingdoms, including kings defeated by him.  Besides, Samudragupta was passionate towards art and culture. He was a lute artist and loved listening poems. He too penned many poems unfortunately none of them survived. Considering his passion he was also entitled as ‘Kaviraja’.

Even though he spent major time in waging wars, he maintained peace and amity in the kingdom. Due to superior administration, peaceful and coexisting life his reign was Swarna Yuga (golden age).