Kumar Bhaskar Varman: The Last King of the Varman Dynasty of Kamarupa

Kumar Bhaskar Varma- Bhaskaravarman, also known as Kumar Bhaskar Varma, was the last powerful ruler of the Varman dynasty of the ancient kingdom of Kamarupa (present-day Assam). He ruled from around 600 CE to 650 CE and is considered one of the most prominent kings in early Assam’s history.

He succeeded his brother Supratisthitavarman after the death of their father Susthitavarman. His reign marked the political and cultural high point of the Varman dynasty.

What Is Kumar Bhaskar Varma Famous For?

Kumar Bhaskar Varma is famous for several important achievements:

1. Alliance with Harshavardhana

• Bhaskar Varma formed a historic alliance with Harshavardhana, the powerful ruler of North India.
• This alliance was formed against Shashanka, the ruler of Gauda (Bengal).
• After Shashanka killed Harsha’s brother Rajyavardhana, Bhaskar Varma sent an envoy named Hangsavega to form a political and military alliance.
• This partnership strengthened Kamarupa’s political status in eastern India.

2. Mention by Chinese Traveller Xuanzang

The famous Chinese Buddhist monk and traveller Xuanzang visited Kamarupa during Bhaskar Varma’s reign.

Xuanzang described:

• The kingdom’s boundaries and geography.
• The capital city (likely Pragjyotishpura near present-day Guwahati).
• Religious practices, noting that Bhaskar Varma followed Hindu traditions.
• The presence of many temples and limited Buddhist activity.
• His account provides valuable historical information about 7th-century Assam.

3. Copper Plate Inscriptions

Bhaskar Varma issued important land grants:

• Dubi Copper Plate Grant
• Nidhanpur Copper Plate Grant
• These inscriptions trace the genealogy of the Varman dynasty back to legendary figures like Narakasura and Bhagadatta, although historians believe this lineage was politically constructed to legitimize royal authority.

4. Political Strength and Expansion

Under Bhaskar Varma:

• Kamarupa expanded its influence.
• The kingdom maintained independence after the decline of the Gupta Empire.
• It became a significant regional power in eastern India.

The Varman Dynasty (350–650 CE)

The Varman dynasty was the first historical ruling dynasty of Kamarupa. It was founded by Pushyavarman, a contemporary of Samudragupta.

Key Features of the Dynasty:

• Initially subordinate to the Gupta Empire.
• Adopted North Indian political models and royal titles.
• Mahendravarman performed Ashvamedha (horse sacrifices), showing sovereignty.
• The dynasty lasted about 300 years.

List of Varman Kings

Who Was the Last King of Kamrup (Varman Dynasty)?

The last major and historically significant ruler of the Varman dynasty was Kumar Bhaskar Varma (600–650 CE). After his death, the Varman dynasty declined and was eventually replaced by the Mlechchha dynasty, followed later by the Pala dynasty of Kamarupa.

Capital of the Varman Dynasty

The early capital is believed to have been Pragjyotishpura, located near present-day Guwahati. The capital was possibly shifted during the reign of Sthitavarman.

Remains of ancient structures and references in inscriptions support the importance of this region in early Assamese history.

Kumar Bhaskar Varman was the last and most powerful ruler of the Varman dynasty of Kamarupa. He is famous for his alliance with Harshavardhana, mention in Xuanzang’s travel accounts, and his political achievements.

The Varman dynasty (350–650 CE) laid the foundation of early Assamese state formation, and Bhaskar Varma stands as one of the most important figures in the region’s ancient history.

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