Chronology Of Gujarat

This document is a detailed historical chronology of Gujarat, covering the period from its earliest times up to 942 A.D. It was compiled and edited by M. R. Majmudar and published by the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda in 1960. The book aims to provide a comprehensive framework of Gujarat's historical and cultural timeline, drawing from a wide range of sources including ancient traditions, literature, inscriptions, coins, and archaeological findings.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects and content:

Scope and Objective:

• The primary objective is to compile a chronological and geographical framework for the political, social, religious, literary, artistic, and architectural history of Gujarat.
• It aims to consolidate fragmented information that has emerged from research since the publication of the Bombay Gazetteer Vol. I in 1896.
• The scope extends beyond Gujarat's political boundaries to include relevant historical data from adjacent regions like Rajasthan and Malwa, due to their political and cultural affinities during the periods covered.
• The term 'Gujarat' is defined to encompass the land between the areas west of Mount Abu and south of Daman Ganga, as well as the broader linguistic area where Gujarati is spoken.

Chronological Structure: The book is divided into eight periods, each with an introductory historical note, chronological entries, and notes on antiquities, often accompanied by art plates and maps:

1. Pre- and Proto-history of Gujarat: Covers the earliest stages of human presence and the extension of the Harappan culture into Gujarat. It discusses early tools, microlithic cultures, and the significance of sites like Lothal and Rangpur.
2. Pre-Mauryan Period (Traditional History): Focuses on traditional history gathered from Brahmanical, Buddhist, and Jaina literature, including Puranic legends about Aryan colonization and the Yādava migration to Dwarka. It also touches upon the early reformers Buddha and Mahavira.
3. Mauryan Period (C. 322 B.C. - 185 B.C.): Details the establishment of Mauryan rule in Gujarat, with particular emphasis on Candragupta Maurya and Asoka. It highlights the significance of the Junagadh rock inscription and the Sudarsana lake project.
4. Indo-Greek Period (C. 185 B.C. - 78 A.D.): Discusses the influence and presence of Indo-Greek rulers and their coinage in Gujarat, with references to figures like Menander and Apollodotus.
5. Ksatrapa Period (78 A.D. - 397-8 A.D.): A significant portion of the book, detailing the rule of the Ksatrapas (Kshaharata and Kardamaka dynasties). It extensively covers their political history, administrative divisions, the Saka era, and their coinage, as well as significant archaeological sites like Junagadh caves, Talaja, Dhank, and the Ksatrapa inscriptions and seals.
6. Gupta Period (C. 400 A.D. - 470 A.D.): Covers the period of Gupta supremacy over Gujarat after the decline of the Western Ksatrapas. It discusses the administrative consolidation, the role of figures like Candragupta II and Skandagupta, and artistic achievements, including the Gop temple.
7. Maitraka-Gurjara Period (C. 470 A.D. - 745 A.D.): Chronicles the rise of the Maitraka kingdom at Valabhi, their administrative machinery, patronage of Buddhism and learning (Valabhi University), and their eventual decline. It also discusses the establishment of the Gurjara kingdom and their interactions with other powers. The section highlights the importance of inscriptions and their contribution to understanding the period.
8. Rastrakuta-Pratihara Period (C. 745 A.D. - 942 A.D.): Details the political landscape shaped by the powerful Rastrakutas from the South and the Gurjara-Pratiharas from the North, and their contest for supremacy over Gujarat. It covers the reign of prominent rulers like Dantidurga, Govinda III, Nagabhata II, and Mihira Bhoja, as well as the emergence of the Caapa dynasty and the early foundations of the Caulukyas. It also notes the literary contributions of the era.

Key Themes and Contributions:

• Integration of Diverse Sources: The book meticulously combines information from textual traditions (Puranas, Epics, Jaina and Buddhist literature) with epigraphic (inscriptions on stone and copper-plates), numismatic (coins), and archaeological evidence (excavations, sculptures, pottery).
• Archaeological Significance: Numerous art plates and maps are included to illustrate significant archaeological finds, such as the Harappan sites at Lothal and Rangpur, Mauryan inscriptions, Ksatrapa coins and sculptures, Gupta-period temples, and Maitraka-era seals and coins.
• Cultural History: Beyond political chronology, the book emphasizes cultural aspects, including the evolution of art styles (Gandhara, Gupta, post-Gupta, Western Indian School), religious practices (Buddhism, Saivism, Vaisnavism, Jainism, Sun-worship), and literary activities.
• Scholarly Collaboration: The preface and acknowledgments highlight the collaborative effort of various scholars who contributed specific sections based on their expertise, including Dr. A. N. Jani (Puranic Tradition), Prof. H. R. Kapadia (Jaina Canonical Literature), Dr. H. G. Shastri (Coins and Inscriptions), and Shri Amrit Pandya (Pre-history).
• Early Jainism in Gujarat: Given the publisher (Jain Education International) and some of the contributors (like Prof. H. R. Kapadia), the text pays attention to the presence and activities of Jainism, mentioning Jaina monasteries, temples, and the influence of Jaina ācāryas.
• Geographical Context: An appendix is dedicated to providing geographical data from Puranic tradition, listing place names and their Puranic references, which helps in understanding the territorial context of ancient Gujarat.
• Addenda and Errata: The book includes addenda with further details on specific excavations (Devani Mori) and additional notes to clarify or expand upon points made in the main text. An errata section indicates corrections to ensure accuracy.

In essence, "Chronology of Gujarat" is a monumental scholarly work that provides a foundational reference for understanding the history and culture of Gujarat from antiquity up to the 10th century A.D., serving as a crucial building block for a national history of India.