Sharvavarman was the Maukhari ruler of Kanyakubja from circa 560-575 CE and held the title of "Mahārājādhirāja", "King of Kings" i.e. "Emperor".
Nalanda clay seals of Sharvavarman
"Lord Sharvavarman" in the Asirgarh seal: "Śrī Śa-rvva-va-rmmā"
Asirgarh seal inscription of Sharvavarman
Sasanian Empire King Khosrow I sits before the chessboard, while his vizir and the Indian envoy of Kannauj are playing chess. Shahnama, 10th century CE.
The Maukhari dynasty was a post-Gupta dynasty who controlled the vast plains of Ganga-Yamuna for over six generations from their capital at Kanyakubja. Maukharis were Kshatriyas who belonged to the Chandravamsha or the Lunar race. They earlier served as vassals of the Guptas and later of Harsha's Vardhana dynasty. The Maukharis established their independence during the mid 6th century. The dynasty ruled over much of Uttar Pradesh and Magadha. Around 606 CE, a large area of their empire was reconquered by the Later Guptas. According to Hieun-Tsang, the territory may have been lost to King Shashanka of the Gauda Kingdom, who declared independence circa 600CE.
Maukhari dynasty
The Aphsad inscription of Ādityasena
Asirgarh seal inscription of Sharvavarman, Maukhari dynasty, 6th century .
Sasanian Empire King Khosrow I sits before the chessboard, while his vizir and the Indian envoy of Kannauj are playing chess. Shahnama, 10th century CE.
