Gupta War of Succession (455-456)

Historians believe that this conflict was caused by a fight over who would become king after Kumaragupta's death. Records suggest that several people claimed power during this time. These included Kumaragupta's brother Govindagupta, a relative named Ghatotkachagupta, and someone called Prakashaditya, known from his gold coins as well as his step brother Purugupta. They may have been rivals to Skandagupta for the throne.

Skandagupta became king in the year 136 of the Gupta era (around 455-456 CE) by defeating others. According to the Bhitari pillar inscription, he saved his family's fortunes, which were in trouble. The inscription says that before fighting his enemies, he spent a night sleeping on the bare ground. He then defeated his enemies, who had become strong and wealthy. After his victory, he visited his mother, who was overjoyed and had tears in her eyes. Some believe these troubles, mentioned in the Bhitari inscription, happened after his death due to a succession dispute.**Obv:** Bust of King Kumaragupta with cap decorated with crescents.**Rev:** Garuda bird, circled by legend in Brahmi *"Parama-bhagavata rajadhiraja Sri Kumaragupta Mahendraditya"* ("Most devout King of Kings Kumaragupta Mahendraditya").]]

### Skandagupta
Skandagupta was the son of Gupta emperor Kumaragupta I. Some believe she was a junior queen or of lower caste, based on a line in the Bhitari pillar inscription. However, others argue the inscription shows Skandagupta's respect for his mother, comparing her to Devaki, the mother of Krishna.

Some scholars suggest his mother’s name was Devaki, but historians like R. C. Majumdar believe the comparison highlights how Skandagupta restored her honor. Overall, evidence suggests she was a queen, making Skandagupta a legitimate heir.

#### Govindagupta
Chandragupta II was officially succeeded by his son Kumaragupta I, but a Basarh clay seal mentions Queen Dhruvasvamini as the mother of Govindagupta, not Kumaragupta. Govindagupta may have been a governor of Tira-bhukti (Vaishali), which explains the seal's focus.

Some historians suggest Govindagupta briefly ruled after Chandragupta II’s death (c. 411-414 CE) before Kumaragupta took over. Others believe he was a governor, regent, or rebel who created a short-lived kingdom in western Malwa.]]
## Prelude
### Legitimacy of Skandagupta
The idea that Skandagupta's mother was not the Chief Queen and of low status was suggested by A.L. Basham, who misinterpreted a line in the Bhitari Pillar inscription as saying Skandagupta was "raised to Aryan status" by bards' praises. P.L. Gupta supported this, claiming the omission of his mother’s name indicated shame about her lower status.

However, earlier scholars like Dr. Fleet translated the text differently, showing the bards simply praised Skandagupta's achievements. Recent studies confirm the text reflects Skandagupta’s humility, not his mother’s status. Court poets aimed to honor kings, making any negative suggestion about his lineage highly unlikely. Skandagupta defeated them in battle, causing heavy losses for the Hunas. The exact date of the invasion is unclear, but it likely occurred during Skandagupta's early reign or even during his father Kumaragupta’s time. Inscriptions from Junagadh and Bhitari mention Skandagupta’s victory over the invaders, probably the Hunas. A 7th-century Sanskrit text and a story from the Kathasaritsagara also refer to Skandagupta’s victory. He successfully repelled the Huna invasion, securing the empire.
## References