Presentation on

“Matsyanyayam”
By Nazia Elham
Chowdhury
“
◈ It is impossible to write ancient
history because we lack source of
materials, and impossible to write
modern history because we have
far too many- “Charles Peguy”
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History of Anarchy in Bengal

 Death of Shasanka ( First independent king) during 595-650 AD

 Gopala the founder of Pala dynasty during 756-781 AD

 Anarchical situation. It was the state of a society being freely constituted

without authorities or a governing body.

 All control over GOUDA, VANGA or SAMATATA. Ksatriyas, Brahmanas,

merchants and townsmen all were kings in their own homes. The sufferings
and strife of the common people were intolerable.

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Matsyanayam(650-750 AD)
Kautilya wrote a book named Artha-shastra,
(Sanskrit: “The Science of Material Gain”) 
explained that- “When the law of punishment
is kept in abeyance it gives rise to such
disorder like the fishes- which means larger
fish swallow the smaller ones and strong one
will swallow the weak in absence of
magistrate”.

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Two major sources of Matsyanyayam
Khalimpur Copper Plate
◈ Established By Dharampal
◈ Discovered in Khalimpur
◈ Descriptoon of Copper Plate:
◈ No Ruler.
◈ Not surviving due to conflict.
◈ Bishishtojon elected Gopal as the king.

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Two major source of Matsyanyanyam
Account of
Lamataranatha
◈  17th century Tibetan historian (China
to Bengal)
◈ Folk tale :
◈ King’s death because of super natural
power.
◈ Everyone frequently dying.
◈ It is also Gopal could save himself
because of the blessed cane of goddess
Chandra.
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The end of “Matsyanayam”
 Gopal became king by influential
people of the society
 The competition stopped when
powerful people could take over.
 Therefore, due to Matsyanayam
there was political anarchy.

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THANK
S!
Any questions?