Prabhavati gupta was the daughter of gupt emperor Chandragupt second. She was married to Rudrasen second, the vakataka king. Rudrasen second was a Shaiv religion while Prabhavati was a vaishnav.
After his short reign Rudrasen second died in 390 AD, and Prabhavati ruled as guardian of her young adult sons for 13 years. Her eldest son Divakarsen was 5 years old and Damodarsen was a minor of 2 years.
Guardian of the state
Prabhavati gupta was young and inexperienced. However she managed the kingdom of vakataka very efficiently. She must have received substantial help from his experienced father(chandragupt second). Chandragupt second sent his experienced ministers of his state to assist his daughter in administrative work.
The Baseem branch of vakatakas was ruled by vindhyashakti second at this time. He din not oppose Prabhavati gupta and even at this time the relations of two branches remained cordial. At the same time chandragupt second marched on the shak kingdom of Gujarat and kaathiyavan and Prabhavati gupta helped both the army and money in his father’s campaign. Shakon were defeated by the combined army of vakatakas and guptas. Relation of vakatakas and guptas.
Dhaaran Gautra
The influence of chandragupt second on vakatakas during the time of Prabhavati gupta was immense. That is why Prabhavati gupta in his Poona Tamrapatra mentions the father’s gautra (dhaaran gautra) by not mentioning her husband gautra. Prabhavati gupta had to suffer another great pain.Her Elder son Divakarsen died during her patronage. Hence, In 410 AD ,her younger son Damodarsen who was an adult by this time, ascended the throne by the name of Pravarsen second.
Prabhavati gupta survived for some time even during the reign of her son. She was a woman religious temper and had deep faith in Lord Vishnu. Her donations are received from Riddhpur till Poona. In which mention is made of her donations. Thus Prabhavati gupta lived for almost 25 years under Pravarsen second reign and died at a longevity of 75 years.
Reference : https://www.indiaolddays.com
