The Early History of the Deccan (Parts I–XI) v1.c8.s9.13

v1.c8.s9.13

Narendrasena is described in his son's record as being the overlord of Malwa. This province had been included in the Gupta empire since the beginning of the fourth century; does it then follow that Narendrasena sided with the Puṣyamitras, the enemies of Kumāragupta and Skandagupta, and secured a temporary overlordship over Malwa during the period of confusion following the defeat of Kumāragupta I? Though possible, this does not seem actually to have been the case. Narendrasena’s hands were too full with the Naḷa invasion to permit any offensive alliance with the Pushyamitras. The Guptas were besides near relations of the Vākāṭakas, and Narendrasena is not likely to have exploited their difficulties by stabbing them in the back. Had the Vākāṭakas sided with the Pushyamitras, the Bhitari inscription would have described the defeat not only of the Pushyamitras but also of their allies. It would then appear that when the Gupta empire was for a time reeling under the blows of the Pushyamitras, the king of Malwa may have for a time transferred his allegiance to the Vākāṭakas, who were related to the Guptas, in the hope that they might help him in the task of maintaining his own position. We should remember that at this time the prestige of the Vākāṭakas had been increased by the defeat of the Naḷas. Malwa, however, did not long remain within the Vākāṭaka sphere of influence; for it came under Gupta overlordship during the reign of Skandagupta and Budhagupta.