Rudradaman I vs Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz

Rudradaman I expanded the Western Kshatrapa kingdom by conquering territories in Gujarat, Malwa, and parts of Rajasthan. He brought several regions under Shaka control, strengthening their position in western India.

Rudradaman I ordered the repair of the Sudarshana Lake dam in the Kathiawar peninsula, which had been damaged by a storm. The project involved reinforcing the embankment and restoring irrigation to the region, benefiting agriculture.

Rudradaman I fought against the Satavahana king Vashishtiputra Satakarni, defeating him in battle. However, he spared his life due to a marital alliance, as Satakarni was his son-in-law.

Rudradaman I commissioned the Junagadh rock inscription, which records his repair of the Sudarshana Lake dam and details his reign. The inscription is notable for being one of the earliest long Sanskrit inscriptions in India.

Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz became the eighth Umayyad caliph after the death of Sulayman ibn Abd al-Malik. His reign, though short, was marked by significant reforms and a departure from the policies of his predecessors.

Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz ordered the withdrawal of Umayyad forces from the prolonged and unsuccessful siege of Constantinople. This decision ended a costly military campaign and shifted focus to internal consolidation and reform.

Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz implemented sweeping tax reforms, abolishing the jizya (poll tax) for non-Muslims who converted to Islam and ensuring equal treatment of all subjects. He also ordered the return of confiscated lands and property to their rightful owners.