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Shashanka
Royal Seal of Shashanka
The Royal Seal of Shashanka
King of Gauda
Reign 590 CE - 625 CE
Successor Manava
Dynasty Gauda Kingdom

Shashanka (IAST: Śaśāṃka) was the first independent king of a unified polity in the Bengal region, called the Gauda Kingdom and is a major figure in Bengali history. He reigned in the 7th century, some historians place his rule between circa 600 CE and 636/7 CE, whereas other sources place his reign between 590 and 625 CE.

He is the contemporary of Harsha and of Bhaskaravarman of Kamarupa. His capital was at Karnasubarna, in present-day Murshidabad in West Bengal. The development of the Bengali calendar is often attributed to Shashanka because the starting date falls within his reign.

Images for kids

  • Map of the Shashankas

    Map of the Shashankas or "Gauda Kingdom", circa 600 CE.

  • Rohtasgarh Fort Inside Side View

    The Rohtasgarh Fort, built circa 7th century

  • Gauda ruler Sasanka Deva. Circa AD 600-635. Samatata type. Assam mint

    Coinage of Sasanka Deva. Samatata type. Assam mint.

  • Sasanka Deva king of Gauda circa 600-630

    Coin of Śaśānka-deva, king of Gauda, circa 600–630. Shiva seated facing on bull seated left / Lakshmi seated facing on lotus; being watered by small elephants at either side.

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