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Introduction of Amshuverma
Amshuverma was also known as Amshu Varman or Amshu Varma. The name “Amshuverma” translates to “brilliant warrior” in Sanskrit. Amshuverma, the Licchhavi King who didn’t belong to the dynasty, ruled Nepal from 605 to 621 A.D.
He was known for his intelligence, bravery, and farsightedness, as well as his love for art, architecture, and literature. Under his leadership, Nepal flourished both culturally and politically.
Amshuverma was the king of Nepal who ruled from 605 AD to 621 AD. He was the relative of King Shivadeva. He is considered to be one of the greatest kings of Nepal. He contributed to the development of the Arts and Architecture of Nepal. He also improved the fame and respect of Nepali Kings in the International Arena. He promoted decentralization and legal transparency in Nepal.
Biography of King Amshuverma
It can be assumed that Amshuverma was born between 560 A.D. to 570 A.D. Amshuverma was made Feudal Lord or Samanta by King Shivadeva during the start of his reign. King Shivadeva was the Uncle of his and the ruler of the Lichhavi Dynasty from 590 A.D. to 605 A.D. King Shivadeva was also the direct descendant of King Manadeva.
As the Gupta Family was influential in Nepal court, King Shivadeva wanted to replace the Gupta Family with Amshuverma. Hence, he was given many opportunities by King Shivadeva.
Within 600 A.D. Amshuverma became Maha Samanta or Feudal Overlord and handled most of the administrative affairs of Nepal himself. He became the Co-ruler of Nepal and he replaced King Shivadeva in 605 C.E. to become the de-facto and de-jure King of Nepal. He reigned from 605-621 C.E. However, he claimed the Title of Maharajadhiraja in 620 A.D.
It is said that the Daughter of King Amshuverma was Bhrikuti whom he married to Songsten Gampo. But, Bhrikuti was born three years after his death in 621 A.D. He also had a sister named Bhoga Devi. He cemented ties with India by marrying his sister Bhoga Devi to Indian Runaway Prince Sur Sen.
After Ruling Nepal alone for 16 Years, he passed away in 621 A.D. Long before his death, he adopted the son of King Shivadeva, Udayadeva as his son, and he became the King of Nepal.
Inscriptions of Amshuverma
Inscription of Changu
The Inscription of Changu of King Shivadeva and Samanta Amshuverma dating back to 650 A.D. is the First Inscription in which he seems to be influential and Powerful. It was the Inscription that saw his rise in the Annals of Nepali History.
In this Inscription, Durgas or Protective Forests are mentioned. This Inscription has set some practical laws from preventing the selling of Wood and Trees from the Forest. It was an act of Defensive Security.
Inscription of Golmadhi Tol
This Inscription dating back to 651 B.S. or 594 A.D., where both Shivadeva and Amshuverma are mentioned sees the Increase in Power of Amshuverma. Before this Inscription, he used the Title of Samanta. However, after this Inscription, he uses the title of Shree Mahasamanta to describe himself.
It has also been mentioned that through his Charismatic Presence, Amshuverma ended the prominence of his enemies.
Inscription of Dharmasthali
The Inscription of Dharmasthali is one of the most important Administrative Inscriptions of Nepal. Dating back to 652 B.S. or 595 A.D., this Inscription mentions the Decentralization of Administrative Authority to Local Grams.
Inscription of Bungmati
The Inscription of Bungmati is the first Inscription of Nepali History where only the name of Amshuverma is mentioned. The Inscription of Bungmati dates back to 605 A.D.
In this Inscription, he still uses the Title of Shree Mahasamanta despite being the De-Facto ruler of Nepal. He also makes Kailakshkut Bhawan the Official Palace of his Residence.
He started to circulate his coins as well. The Coin contained the symbol of the Moon hinting that he belonged to the Lunar Dynasty, unlike the Lichhavi Kings who belonged to the Solar Dynasty.
Inscription of Deupatan
This Inscription of Shree Amshuverma dates back to 672 B.S. or 615 A.D. The Inscription of Deupatan, which mentions his relatives and his close ones doesn’t have the name Bhrikuti at all meaning that Bhrikuti wasn’t really his daughter. In this Inscription, he has left the Title of Mahasamanta and claimed the Title of Shree Amshuverma meaning he started to act as an independent King.
Contributions of Amshuverma
Foreign Relations
Amshuverma, according to Historians, was active in improving Foreign Relations between the Kingdoms of Indian and Chinese Sub-Continents.
Arts and Architecture
He was not only a skilled diplomat and warrior but also a lover of art and architecture. His grand palace, the Kailashkut Bhawan, was built as an Alternative to the famed Managriha.
The remains of this building can still be found near Hadigaun in Kathmandu. During his rule, Nepali art, architecture, and Buddhism spread over Tibet, China, and Japan.
Amshuverma also circulated Coins named SRI Amsu as well.
Administrative Reforms
Amshuverma was involved in bringing radical changes into the Administration of Neal. He introduced several reforms that helped to improve the lives of his subjects. He attempted to abolish the practice of slavery and introduced measures to promote agriculture, trade, and commerce.
His greatest contribution to Administration is that he practiced a Decentralized Form of Governance.
Amshuverma is remembered as a king who put the needs of his people first and was always willing to listen to their concerns and address their grievances.
Religious Tolerance
His specialty was that he encouraged all kinds of religion and similar to previous kings promoted Religious Secularism. He was a keen follower of Shaivism. After the reign of Amshuverma, the Kings of Lichhavi Dynasty became devout Followers of Shaivism.
Legacy of Amshuverma
King Amshuverma‘s contributions to Nepal’s trade and economy have made him a national hero. His reign is widely regarded as the golden age of the Licchhavi dynasty.
King Amshuverma was described as a man of many talents by the Chinese Buddhist traveler Hiuen Tsang.
He also constructed Kailashkut Bhawan, a magnificent building of Ancient Nepal. Additionally, his Sanskrit grammar, titled Shabda Vidya, made him popular outside the nation.
Conclusion
Amshuverma wasn’t destined to be the King of Nepal. It was his Administrative and Political Abilities that made him Popular and led to him claiming the Title of Maharajadhiraja.
Miscellaneous
References
Citation
Pokhrel, A. (2023). King Amshuverma – Itihasaa. Encyclopedia of Nepali History. https://itihasaa.com/lichhavi-kings/amshuverma/
FAQ’s
Who was Amshuverma King of Nepal?
Amshuverma was the King of Nepal from 605 A.D.- 621 A.D. He was known for his intelligence, bravery, and farsightedness, as well as his love for art, architecture, and literature. Under his leadership, Nepal flourished both culturally and politically.
What did Amshuverma do to Protect Nepal?
Historians have argued that Amshuverma was the first King of Nepal to apply the Foreign Policy of Neutrality. He is also proclaimed the First Nationalist King of Nepal. He ensured diplomatic relations with both the Chinese and Indian Sub-Continent. He also ensured the Economic Prosperity of Nepal.
Who built Kailashkut Bhawan?
Amshuverma built the Kailashkut Bhawan by 605 A.D. It became the Official Palace of Reisdence for Amshuverma, Imperial Guptas, and later Narendradeva as well. However, its location is still unknown.
What was the main contribution of Amshuverma?
Amshuverma was a skilled diplomat and established diplomatic relations with several neighboring kingdoms, including Tibet, China, and India. He is said to have maintained good relations with the Tang Dynasty, which is evident in the Chinese records of that time. He also established trade routes between Nepal and Tibet.
