The Vakataka–Gupta Age (circa 200–550 A.D.) c14.2

c14.2

About the time of the inroads of Toramāṇa and Mihirakula, and largely as a direct consequence of them, we notice a steady progress of the forces of disintegration within the empire itself. Feudal chiefs and high officials gradually assumed great power and authority and finally set up as independent kings. The dwindling resources of the empire are shown by the poor and scanty coinage of a single type. The inscriptions of different chiefs such as the Maukharis and Later Guptas refer to battles in all directions, and although we cannot always locate them, they unerringly indicate a period of unrest and excitement. Taking advantage of this situation Hariṣeṇa, the Vākāṭaka ruler, invaded Malwa. According to the Vākāṭaka records he conquered or extended his political authority over Mālava, Gujrat and other countries (see *ante* Ch. V). Although the exact date of Hariṣeṇa is not known, he flourished towards the close of the fifth and the beginning of the sixth century A.D. It is probable, therefore, that it was during the trouble and confusion following the invasion of Toramāṇa that he invaded the distracted province of Mālava and obtained some success. But his triumph was short-lived. Soon an ambitious and enterprising hero appeared on the scene. This was Yaśodharman, who not only established independent authority in Mālava but was soon in a position to hurl open defiance against the emperor.