King Dhruvadeva

Introduction of King Dhruvadeva

King Dhruvadeva became the King of Nepal in 624 A.D. and ruled for a few years alongside Shree Jisnu Gupta Deva as Dual Rulers. He was a puppet ruler to Jisnu Gupta.

Although the identity of Dhruvadeva is still controversial, he was kin and a member of The Lichhavi Dynasty. He replaced Udayadeva as the King of Nepal. Udayadeva was forced to flee Tibet.

The son of Udayadeva, Narendradeva returned to Nepal and defeated the Bhimarjunadeva to become the King of Nepal and establish a legacy comparable to King Manadeva.

Similar to Amshuverma, Jisnu Gupta used another King to cement his claim on Lichhavi Throne. Although Jisnu Gupta didn’t proclaim himself to be King like Amshuverma, he certainly put the epithet Deva in his name.

Nearly Five Inscriptions in the name of Dhruvadeva and Jisnu Gupta have been discovered to this date. He has been provided the title of “Bhattarak Maharaj Shree”.

However, he doesn’t have the phrase “Bappadhanudhyat”( one who has received blessings from his father’s foot, meaning that he is less likely to be the descendant of King Shivadeva.

In the Tang Britanta, it has been stated that King Udayadeva was replaced by his brother. In consequence, it is likely that Dhruvadeva was a relative and family of Udayadeva.

Character of Dhruvadeva

King Dhruvadeva has been mentioned in the inscriptions as the King whose Legend is known throughout the Four Directions. Also, He is said to be a man without any arrogance or pride. Another Inscription states that He was a Loving King who was caring for every organism on Earth.

Gopal Raja Bansawali on The Reign of Gupta in Nepal

Gopal Raja Bansawali mentions that:

“Sri Vishnu Gupta became the king and ruled for 71 years. On the east bank of the Vagvati River near Sri Pashupatisthan, he constructed a sizable stone Vishnu Bhattarak. Vishnumurti was made of his own body, and his two sons were kept next to one another. Likewise, in Narasimhasthan, a sizable stone monument of Jalshayi Vishnu was erected at the base of the hill to the north.

Again, one copper figure of Vishnu was constructed and revered at each location on the fast day of every Ekadashi. The system was made by God, and Chatumurthi Dhunge Vishnu Bhattarak was worshiped there.

For 45 Years, Sribhumigupta became king. In Nepal, he wrote a play titled Goli. Dharnivarah gave Vishnu respect. There were the three Gopal kings that ruled Nepal. 

Then, Suryavanshi became Kings once again.   Shivadev became the king for  41 years. Sri Anshuvarma, the 43-year king, was Shivadev’s nephew. He constructed a palace. Tie the pindak and other arrangements.

Conversations about grammar and other subjects began. Son of the king (Anshuvarma), Manuvarma; 65th year. Srikritavarma, the 76th year.
These are the rulers of a different dynasty, the Gaud kings. In Nepal, his majesty held power. 
Then Suryavanshi reclaimed his monarchy. Sri Dhruvavarma became the king in the year 105.”

Conclusion

To Conclude, King Dhruvadeva is another one of those Kings without any importance or seriousness attached to him. He certainly assisted Jisnu Gupta to remove Udayadeva from the throne of Nepal and send his Brother to Tibet. Hence, his character doesn’t seem as good as it may be portrayed.

References