Chandragupta I Conquest of Vaishali

Chandragupta I 's Conquest of Vaishali
Part of Wars of Gupta Empire
Date 4th Century Location Vaishali (Bihar, Modern day India) Result Gupta victory Territorial changes Vaishali Kingdom conquered by Chandragupta I
Belligerents
Gupta Empire	Licchavis of Vaishali
Commanders and leaders
Chandragupta I	Unknown

Numismatist John Allan suggested that Chandragupta defeated a Lichchhavi kingdom based in Vaishali and married Kumaradevi, a Lichchhavi princess, as part of a peace treaty.^[1]

He believed the Guptas valued this marriage because of the Lichchhavis' ancient lineage. However, the Manusamhita, an ancient text, describes the Lichchhavis as "unorthodox and impure," making it unlikely that the Guptas mentioned Samudragupta's Lichchhavi ancestry to enhance their social status. It is also unlikely that they would feature the Lichchhavis' name on their coins if they had defeated them.^[2]

Instead, the marriage likely helped Chandragupta expand his political power and adopt the title Maharajadhiraja (Great King of Kings).^[3] The Lichchhavi name on Gupta coins may symbolize their role in strengthening Gupta rule.^[1] After the marriage, Chandragupta probably took control of Lichchhavi territories. Alternatively, the Gupta and Lichchhavi states may have formed a union, with Chandragupta and Kumaradevi ruling their respective regions until their son Samudragupta united the kingdoms under his sole rule.^[2]

Obverse and reverse of the commemorative Chandragupta and Kumaradevi type.
Obverse:
Kumaradeva and Chandragupta standing, legend to the left Śrī Kumāradevā, to the right / Cha-ndra/gu-pta vertically.
Reverse:
Goddess seated on lion, with the legend 𑁊 Li-ccha-va-yah.^[4]

References

1. Agrawal, Ashvini (1989). Rise and Fall of the Imperial Guptas. Motilal Banarsidass Publ. p. 90. ISBN 978-81-208-0592-7.
2. A Comprehensive History of India: pt. 1. A.D. 300-985. People's Publishing House. 1981. pp. 10–11.
3. K. K Dasgupta (1960). A Comprehensive History Of India Vol. 3, Part. 1.
4. Allen, John (1914). Catalogue of the coins of the Gupta dynasties. p. 8.