Issues of Power and Identity

Abstract

This article looks at issues of power and attempts to understand gender identity through the study of inscriptions. The aim is to trace features of kingship and look for the queen’s place in the power structure. Through the study of inscriptions implicit and explicit aspects of gender identity claimed could be understood. Aim is to understand kingship for the Vākātakas and look at the identity claimed by the regent-queen, Prabhāvatīguptā. The question that remains pertinent is how far can queens claim power and to what extent. For women who had access to political power, how far were they capable of claiming a position similar to that of the king? Can we try and formulate a gradation for the queens according to the power and identity claimed or ascribed to them? The present study explores the Vākātaka inscriptions and looks at the construction of gender identity through the formalised structure of kingship.