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Lakshmana SenaThe third ruler of the Hindu Sena dynasty.
Date of Birth: .
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Content:
- Lakshman Sena: The Last Ruler of United Bengal
- Control of Gauda
- Monuments and Military Glorifications
- Contrasting Accounts
- Reign and Cultural Flourishing
- Religious Devotion
- Decline and Disintegration
Lakshman Sena: The Last Ruler of United Bengal
Early Life and Military CampaignsBorn into the Sena dynasty, Lakshman Sena emerged as the third ruler in 1179 and reigned for 27 years. Prior to his ascension, he demonstrated his military prowess by defeating rulers in Gauda and Varanasi and launching campaigns against neighboring states like Kamrupa and Kalinga.
Control of Gauda
Historical sources suggest that Lakshman Sena might have been the first Sena ruler to adopt the title "Gaudeshvara," indicating control over the region of Gauda. However, most scholars believe this control was established earlier, during the reign of his grandfather, Vijaya Sena.
Monuments and Military Glorifications
Copper plates discovered from the time of Lakshman Sena's sons reveal his construction of monuments in Puri, Varanasi, and Allahabad to commemorate his victories. Court poets like Umaipati-d hara and Sharana also praised his military achievements.
Contrasting Accounts
Despite these accounts, inconsistencies exist between inscriptions. For instance, the Akaltara inscription mentions the defeat of the Gauda ruler by Vallabharaja, a vassal of the Chedi king. However, other inscriptions attribute this victory to Lakshman Sena.
Reign and Cultural Flourishing
Lakshman Sena ascended the throne in his later years and oversaw a period of cultural prosperity. He was a renowned scholar and wrote Sanskrit poems, some of which were preserved in the "Sadukti-karnamrita" anthology. His court was graced by esteemed poets such as Jayadeva, Sharana, Dhoyi, and possibly Govardhana.
Religious Devotion
In contrast to his predecessors who worshipped Shiva, Lakshman Sena was a staunch Vaishnavite. He referred to himself as "parama-vaishnava" or "parama-narasimha."
Decline and Disintegration
Towards the end of his reign, Lakshman Sena faced challenges in maintaining control over his kingdom. Inscriptions indicate rising independence among provincial rulers, marking the beginning of the Sena dynasty's decline.
