History of Mahendra and Bhutivarman

Mahendra Varman (470-494 CE)

• Eighth ruler of the Varman Dynasty, notable for his leadership and military accomplishments.
• First king of the Varman Dynasty to perform the Aswamedh ritual, symbolizing royal authority and sovereignty.
• Led Kamrupa in a successful campaign against the Gupta Empire, emerging victorious over its army.
• Credited with liberating the Varman Dynasty from Gupta hegemony, marking a significant shift in regional power dynamics.

Bhutivarman (518-542 CE)

• Known as Maha Bhuti Varman; expanded the kingdom significantly through military conquests in Bengal.
• Donated lands to over 200 Brahmins at the borders of Assam's Karimganj district and Bangladesh, promoting settlement and cultural exchange.
• Brahmana settlers primarily originated from Bengal and partially from the Maithila region, contributing to the region's demographic changes.
• His reign witnessed the integration of large parts of North Bengal and Bihar into the Kamrupa kingdom.
• Descendants of these migrants are now recognized as the modern-day Bengalis in Assam's Barak Valley, northern Tripura, and the Sylhet region of Bangladesh.
• The Nidhanpur copper plates housed in Dhaka museum provide historical evidence of these events and settlements.

Bhaskar Varman (594-650 CE)

• Regarded as the last and most distinguished ruler of the Varman dynasty, leaving a lasting legacy.
• Achieved recognition from Harshavardhan, a prominent contemporary ruler, who honored him at a significant conference in Kanauj.
• During Bhaskar Varman's reign, Kamrupa emerged as a major political force on the Indian subcontinent.
• Collaborated with Harshavardhana to defeat the Bengal ruler Sasanka, effectively forcing him to flee to Orissa, illustrating military prowess and strategic alliances.
• Hosted Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang at his court, leading to cultural exchanges and contributing to historical records of the period.
• The Assamese calendar (Bhaskarābda) commenced from the time of Kumar Bhaskar Barman's ascension, indicating the importance of his reign in the historical timeline of Assam.

This quiz explores the rulers Mahendra Varman and Bhutivarman of the Varman Dynasty, focusing on their significant accomplishments and historical influence during their reigns. Delve into the Aswamedh ritual, military conquests, and land donations that define their legacy.