Rudradaman I

AncientEmperorIndia109 — 150

Shaka ruler who repaired Sudarshana Lake dam.

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Quick Facts

Born

109

Died

150

Country

India

Era

Ancient

Occupation

Emperor

Score Overview

Military (10%)50

Political (20%)68

Influence (20%)52

Legacy (20%)45

Leadership (15%)40

Strategy (15%)60

Total Score51.4

Rudradaman I — Complete Timeline

135 AD

Expanded Shaka TerritoryWar◆ Major

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.

ConquestExpansionShaka

Impact: regional

140 AD

Repaired the Sudarshana Lake DamReform◆ Major

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.

IrrigationPublic WorksAgriculture

Impact: regionalconstructive

145 AD

Defeated the SatavahanasWar◆ Major

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.

WarSatavahanaAlliance

Impact: regional

150 AD

Commissioned the Junagadh Rock InscriptionCultural◆ Major

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.

InscriptionSanskritHistorical Record

Impact: regionalconstructive