Ancient and Medieval Indian Rulers

Ashoka appointed a Yavana (Greek/Ionian) officer named Tushaspha to govern the rich province of Gandhara (northwestern frontier). This is evidenced by his edicts and historical records. The Mauryas maintained good relations with Seleucus, and Greek officers were employed in administration, especially in border regions with Greek populations.

Pushyagupta (or Pushyagupta) was the Mauryan governor appointed to rule over Saurashtra (western Gujarat) under Chandragupta Maurya's reign. This region was important for trade and maritime activity. Pushyagupta is mentioned in historical accounts as one of Chandragupta's trusted regional administrators.

The Tibetan Buddhist historian Taranatha (1575-1634) wrote in his 'History of Buddhism in India' that Bindusara conquered territories 'between the two seas' (likely referring to the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, indicating peninsular India). While earlier historians like the Mahavamsa author may have noted Bindusara's southern conquests, Taranatha is specifically credited with this geographic description.

Kunala (or Kunala) was Ashoka's son who governed the western part of the empire (including Taxila region) after Ashoka's reign. According to Buddhist and Jain traditions, Kunala was initially heir apparent but was blinded due to court intrigue. He later served as governor in the western provinces before the empire's decline.

Bindusara, Ashoka's father and Chandragupta's successor, is credited with expanding Mauryan control into the Deccan region. Historical sources like the Mahavamsa note that Bindusara conquered several southern kingdoms ('all except the land of the Cholas, Pandyas, and Keralas'). This established Mauryan presence beyond the Vindhya ranges into peninsular India.

Kautilya (also known as Chanakya), the author of Arthashastra and advisor to Chandragupta, advocated that in emergencies (war, famine, calamity), the king could appropriate funds from temple treasuries. The Arthashastra explicitly discusses the doctrine of 'apad-dharma' (duty in times of emergency) which permits extraordinary measures including using religious wealth for state welfare.

Samprati (Samprathy), grandson of Ashoka, was a devout Jain and is known for spreading Jainism. He built numerous Jain temples and is credited with being a great patron of Jainism, unlike Ashoka who converted to Buddhism.

Avantivarman founded the Utpala Dynasty in Kashmir in 855 CE. He was a patron of arts and literature, and his reign is considered a golden period of Kashmir. He built the famous Avantipura city and temples.

Durlabhavardhana (Durlabha Vardhana) founded the Karkota Dynasty in Kashmir in the early 7th century (around 627 CE). This dynasty ruled Kashmir for several centuries and produced famous rulers like Lalitaditya Muktapida.

Samagramraja founded the Lohara Dynasty in Kashmir around 1003 CE. The Lohara dynasty succeeded the Utpala dynasty and ruled Kashmir until the 14th century. They were originally from the Lohara region (modern Poonch).

Vaishali in Bihar is historically significant as the birthplace of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. It was also the venue of the second Buddhist Council. Buddha was born in Lumbini (Nepal), and Ashoka was born in Pataliputra (modern Patna), not Vaishali.

Chandragupta II, ruler of the Gupta Empire, adopted the title Vikramaditya symbolizing his valor and achievements. His reign is considered the golden age of ancient Indian culture and learning.

The Brihadeeswarar Temple (Grand Temple of Tanjore) was built by Raja Raja Chola I and completed in 1010 AD. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the largest temples in India and represents the pinnacle of Chola architecture. Sundar Chola was his father, Kulotunga Chola came later, and Rajendra Chola was Raja Raja's son.

The Maski edict is a significant rock inscription of Emperor Ashoka that contains his name 'Devanampriya Priyadarsin' (Beloved of the Gods, King Piyadasi). While other edicts like those at Kalasi, Rummindei (Lumbini), and various locations exist, the Maski edict was particularly important because it definitively identified 'Priyadarsin' with Ashoka himself, resolving historical debates about his identity.