Valabhi
Also called: Vallabhi · Topic: Gupta Empire and the Classical Age · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
Valabhi (also spelt Vallabhi) was the capital of the Maitraka dynasty (c. 475–776 CE) in Saurashtra, Gujarat. The Maitrakas began as Gupta officers and became independent as Gupta power declined. Valabhi was a busy port town and a famous centre of learning, often named alongside Nalanda. It is also important in Jain history: the second Jain council was held there.
Example
At the Jain council at Valabhi, held in c. 5th–6th century CE under Devarddhi Kshamashramana, the Jain sacred texts (the Agamas) were finally written down. Until then they had been passed on by memory. The Chinese monk Yijing later praised Valabhi as a great place of study.
Don't confuse with
- First Jain council at Pataliputra: held much earlier, in Mauryan times (c. 3rd century BCE). The canon was put in writing only at Valabhi.
Related concepts
- Hunas
- Skandagupta
- Bhitari pillar inscription
- Eran inscription of Bhanugupta
- Mihirakula
- Song Yun
- Yashodharman
- Aulikara dynasty
- Decline of the Guptas