Shashanka is often attributed with creating the first separate political entity in a unified Bengal called Gauda and as such is a major figure in Bengali history.

He reigns in the 7th century CE, and some historians place his rule approximately between 590 AD and 625.

He is the contemporary of Harshavardana and Bhaskar Varman of Kamarupa.

His capital is called Karnasuvarna and is located in modern Murshidabad.

The development of the Bengali calendar is also often attributed to Shashanka as the starting date falls squarely within his reign.