Pushya Varman

Pushya Varman (Reign 350–374) was first historical ruler of Kamarupa (Assam), who established the Varman dynasty in 350 AD.

He encouraged Vedic culture to flourish in his country. Brahminical influence was widespread during his reign. He maintained cultural, political and diplomatic relationship with other states under Gupta Empire most notably rulers of stature like Samudra Gupta. The son of Pushya Varman was Samudra Varman who married Datta Devi. The name of the queen of his great contemporary Samudra Gupta was also Datta Devi, probably both married in the same family. Though related Samudra Gupta fought with and defeated Bala Varman, son of Samudra Varman, in connection with the performance of the Asvamedha sacrifice. This is recorded in Samudra Gupta's Allahabad Inscription. He had to quell internal dissidence as well as external threats. Just as Samudra Gupta founded an empire which included at last the Indian subcontinent, Samudra Varman extended his power to the Eastern Peninsula the shores of which were washed by the Pacific Ocean.