Satavahana’s Dynasty:

The reign of the Satavahana Dynasty began in the mid-1st century BCE and came to an end in
the early 3rd century CE. The area of the Satavahana Dynasty is debated where some historians
argue that the Satavahanas initially established their hold over the area around Pratishthana
(modern Paithan) in the western Deccan, and expanded from there into the eastern Deccan,
Andhra, and the western coast.

Origin & Development of the Satavahana Dynasty

The Sunga dynasty came to an end around 73 BCE when their ruler Devabhuti was killed by
Vasudeva Kanva. The Kanva dynasty then ruled over Magadha for about 45 years. Around this
time, another powerful dynasty, the Satavahanas came to power in the Deccan area.
The term “Satvahana” originated from the Prakrit which means” driven by seven” which is an
implication of the Sun God’s chariot that is driven by seven horses as per Hindu mythology.
The first king of the Satavahana dynasty was Simuka. Before the emergence of the Satavahana
dynasty, a brief history of the other dynasties are mentioned below:

Kanva Dynasty:
According to the Puranas, there were 4 kings of the Kanva dynasty who were, Vasudeva,
Bhumimitra, Narayana and Susarman.
The Kanvas were said to be Brahmins.
The Magadha Empire had declined by this time to a great extent.
The Northwest region was under the Greeks and parts of the Gangetic plains were under various
rulers.
Susarman, who was the last Kanva king, was killed by a Satavahana (Andhra) king.
Read in detail about the Kanva Dynasty in the linked article.
Chedi Dynasty:
The Chedi/Cheti dynasty rose in Kalinga in the 1st century BCE.
The Hathigumpha inscription situated near Bhubaneswar talks about this.
This inscription was engraved by king Kharavela who was the third Cheti king.
King Kharavela followed Jainism.
 Chedi dynasty was also known as Cheta or Mahameghavahana or Chetavamsa.

Facts about Satavahana Dynasty

In the northern region, the Mauryas were succeeded by the Sungas and the Kanvas. However,
the Satavahanas (natives) succeeded the Mauryas in Deccan and in Central India.
It is believed that after the decline of the Mauryas and before the advent of the Satavahans,
there must have been numerous small political principalities that were ruling in different parts
of the Deccan (for about 100 years).
Probably the Rathikas and the Bhojikas that have been mentioned in the Ashokan inscriptions
gradually progressed into the Maharathis and Mahabhojas of pre-Satavahana times.
The Satavahanas are considered to be identical with the Andhras who are mentioned in the
Puranas, but neither the name Andhra appears in the Satavahana inscriptions nor do the
Puranas mention the Satavahanas.
According to some Puranas, the Andhras ruled for 300 years and this period is assigned to the
rule of the Satavahana dynasty, with their capital at Pratishthana (modern Paithan) on the
Godavari in Aurangabad district.
The Satavahana kingdom majorly comprised present Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra
and Telangana. At times, their rule also included parts of Gujarat, Karnataka as well as Madhya
Pradesh.
The kingdom had different capitals at different times. Two of the capitals were Amaravati and
Pratishthana (Paithan).
The earliest inscriptions of the Satavahans belong to the first century BCE when they defeated
the Kanvas and established their power in parts of Central India.
It is important to mention that the early Satavahana kings appeared not in Andhra but in
Maharashtra, where most of their early inscriptions have been found. Gradually they extended
their power over Karnataka and Andhra.
Their greatest competitors were the Shaka Kshatrapas of western India, who had established
themselves in the upper Deccan and western India.
The Satavahans were Brahmanas and worshipped gods like Vasudeva Krishna.
The Satavahans kings used matronyms like Gautamiputra and Vaishishthiputra, although they
were not matriarchal or matrilineal in any sense.
They assumed the title of Dakshinapatha Pati (Lord of Dakshinapatha).
The Satavahanas are known for starting the practice of giving royal grants of land to Brahmans
and Buddhist monks.

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Simuka was the founder of the Satavahana Dynasty.
The Satavahanas were the first native Indian kings to have issued their own coins which had the
rulers’ portraits on them. Gautamiputra Satakarni started this practice which he imbibed from
the Western Satraps after vanquishing them.
The coin legends were in Prakrit. Some reverse coin legends are in Tamil, Telugu and Kannada
also.
They patronised Prakrit more than Sanskrit.
Even though the rulers were Hindus and claimed Brahmanical status, they
supported Buddhism also.
They were successful in defending their areas from foreign invaders and had many battles with
the Sakas.
The Satavahana Dynasty map is given below:

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Important Rulers of the Satavahana dynasty

Simuka
Considered to be the founder of the Satavahana dynasty and was immediately active after
Ashoka’s death.
Built Jain and Buddhist temples.

Satakarni I (70- 60 BC)

Satakarni I was the 3rd king of the Satavahanas.
Satakarni I was the first Satavahana king to expand his empire by military conquests.
He conquered Kalinga after the death of Kharavela.
He also pushed back the Sungas in Pataliputra.
He also ruled over Madhya Pradesh.
After annexing the Godavari Valley, he assumed the title of ‘Lord of Dakshinapatha’.
His queen Nayanika wrote the Naneghat inscription which describes the king as
Dakshinapathapati.
He performed Ashvamedha and revived Vedic Brahmanism in the Deccan.

Hala
King Hala compiled the Gatha Saptashati. Called Gaha Sattasai in Prakrit, it is a collection of
poems with mostly love as the theme. Around forty of the poems are attributed to Hala himself.
Hala’s minister Gunadhya composed Brihatkatha.

Gautamiputra Satakarni of Satavahana Dynasty (106 – 130 AD or 86 – 110 AD)

He is considered the greatest king of the Satavahana dynasty.
It is believed that at one stage, the Satavahanas were dispossessed of their dominions in
the upper Deccan and western India. The fortunes of the Satavahanas were restored by
Gautamiputra Satkarni. He called himself the only Brahmana who defeated the Shakas and
destroyed many Kshatriya rulers.
He is believed to have destroyed the Kshaharata lineage to which his adversary
Nahapana belonged. More than 800 silver coins of Nahapana (found near Nasik) bears marks of

4
being restruck by the Satavahana king. Nahapana was an important king of the Western
Satraps.
His kingdom ran from Krishna in the south to Malwa and Saurashtra in the north and from
Berar in the east to the Konkan in the west.
In a Nasik inscription of his mother Gautami Balashri, he is described as the destroyer of
the Shakas, Pahlavas and the Yavanas (Greeks); as the uprooter of the Kshaharatas and the
restorer of the glory of the Satavahanas. He is also described as Ekabrahmana (a peerless
Brahmana) and Khatiya-dapa-manamada (destroyer of the pride of Kshatriyas).
He was given the titles Rajaraja and Maharaja.
He donated land to the Buddhist monks. The Karle inscription mentions the grant of
Karajika village, near Pune, Maharashtra.
In the later part of his reign, he probably lost some of the conquered Kshaharata territories to
the Kardamaka line of the Shaka Kshatrapas of western India, as is mentioned in the Junagadh
inscription of Rudradaman Ⅰ.
His mother was Gautami Balasri and hence his name Gautamiputra (son of Gautami).
He was succeeded by his son Vasisthiputra Sri Pulamavi/Pulumavi or Pulamavi II. (Alternatively
spelt Pulumayi.)
Vashishthiputra Pulumayi (c. 130 – 154 CE)
He was the immediate successor of Gautamiputra. The coins and inscriptions of
Vashishthiputra Pulumayi are found in Andhra.
According to Junagadh inscriptions, he was married to the daughter of Rudradaman Ⅰ.
The Shaka-Kshatrapas of western India recovered some of their territories due to
his engagements in the east.

Yajna Sri Satakarni (c. 165 – 194 CE)

One of the later kings of the Satavahana dynasty. He recovered north Kokan and Malwa from
the Shaka rulers.
He was a lover of trade and navigation, as is evident from the motif of a ship on his coins.
His coins have been found in Andhra, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.

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Famous Inscriptions during the reign of the Satavahanas
The 13th inscription mentions the Satavahanas as the vassal kings of the Mauryas.

Nanaghat inscription:
It was written in Prakrit by Devi Naganika who was the wife of the first Satakarni. This
inscription mentions the marital relations between the Satavahanas and the Marathas and
also mentions the conquests of Satakarni I.

Hatigumpha inscription:
It was written by the Kalinga ruler Kharavela. This inscription mentions the four powers of
Chaturanga.

Nasik Inscription:
It was written by Gautami Balashri, and this inscription records the conquests, achievements,
imperial expansion, and titles of Gautami Putrasatakarni.

Amaravati inscription:
It was written by the second Pulumavi and is the first inscription of Satavahanas in Andhra
Pradesh. This indicates that the Satavahana empire spread to Andhra during the Pulumavi II
period.

Junagadh inscription:
It was written by Saka Rudradaman. It is the first inscription in Sanskrit. It tells about the
marriage relations of Satavahanas and Ujjayi.

Bhattiprolu Nigamsabha inscription:

It was passed by Kubera. It tells about the Nigam Sabhas means the municipal councils, and
the urban areas of the Satavahanas.

Unnagar inscription:
It describes the administrative system and cabinet systems of the Satavahanas.

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Macedonian inscription:
It was written by Pulumavi III. It tells about the fall of the kingdom of Satavahanas and the
village rule of the Satavahanas.

Satavahana Dynasty Administration

The administration of the Satavahana dynasty was entirely based on the Shastras, and it had
the following structure:
Rajan or the king who was the ruler
Princes or Rajas who had their names inscribed on coins
Maharathis, who had the power of granting villages and also had the privilege of maintaining
marital relations with the ruling family.
Mahasenapati
Mahatalavara
The inscription of the ruler Guatamipurna Satakarni throws some light on the bureaucratic
structure of administration. However, clarity on the detailed structure is still awaited by
historians.

Features of Satavahana Administration

The king was represented as the upholder of dharma and he strove for the royal ideal set forth
in the Dharmashastras. The Satavahana king is represented as possessing the divine qualities of
ancient gods such as Rama, Bhima, Arjuna, etc.
The Satavahanas retained some of the administrative units of Ashokan times. The kingdom was
divided into districts called ahara. Their officials were known as amatyas and
mahamatras (same as in Mauryan times). But unlike Mauryan times, certain military and feudal
elements are found in the administration of the Satavahanas. For instance, the senapati was
appointed provincial governor. It was probably done to keep the tribal people in the Deccan
who were not completely brahmanised under strong military control.
The administration in the rural areas was placed in the hands of gaulmika (village headman)
who was also the head of a military regiment consisting of 9 chariots, 9 elephants, 25 horses
and 45-foot soldiers.
The military character of the Satavahana rule is also evident from the common use of terms
like kataka and skandhavara in their inscriptions. These were military camps and settlements

7
which served as administrative centres when the king was there. Thus, force played an
important part in the Satavahana administration.
The Satavahanas started the practice of granting tax-free villages to brahmanas and buddhist
monks.
The Satavahana kingdom had three grades of feudatories – Raja (who had the right to strike
coins), Mahabhoja and Senapati.

Economy of Satavahana Empire

Agriculture was the backbone of the economy during the rule of Satavahana kings. They also
relied on trade and production of various commodities within and outside India.

Satavahana Coins
Some important points related to Satavahana coinage are mentioned below:
The coins of the Satavahanas have been excavated from Deccan, western India, Vidarbha,
Western and Eastern Ghats, etc.
Most of the coins in the Satavahana dynasty were die-struck.
Cast-coins too existed in the Satavahana empire and there were multiple combinations of
techniques that were used to cast coins.
There was silver, copper, lead and potin coins in the Satavahana empire.
The portrait coins were mostly in silver and some were in lead too. Dravidian language and
Brahmi script were used on portrait coins.
There were punch-marked coins too that were circulated alongside the Satavahana dynasty.
The importance of maritime trade was derived from the images of ships present on the
Satavahana coins.
Many Satavahana coins bore the names of ‘Satakarni’ and ‘Pulumavi.’
Satavahana coins were of different shapes – round, square, rectangular, etc.
Many symbols have appeared on the Satavahana coins, the major ones of which are:
Chaitya symbol
Chakra symbol
Conch Shell symbol
Lotus symbol

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Nandipada symbol
Ship symbol
Swastik symbol
Animal motifs were found on the Satavahana coins.

Religion & Language of Satavahana Kingdom

The Satavahanas belonged to the Hindu religion and the Brahmanical caste. But the interesting
fact is their generosity towards other castes and religions which is evident from the donations
made by them towards Buddhist monasteries. Many Buddhist monasteries were constructed
during the rule of the Satavahana dynasty.
The official language of the Satavahanas was Prakrit, though the script was Brahmi (as was the
case in the Ashokan times). Political inscriptions also threw some light on the rare use of
Sanskrit Literature.

Satavahanas – Material Culture

The material culture of the Deccan under the Satavahanas was a fusion of local elements
(Deccan) and northern ingredients.
The people of the Deccan were fairly acquainted with the use of iron and agriculture. The
Satavahanas probably exploited the rich mineral resources of the Deccan such as iron ores from
Karimnagar and Warangal and gold from Kolar fields. They mostly issued coins of lead, which is
found on the Deccan and also coins of copper and bronze.
The paddy transplantation was an art well known to the Satavahanas and the area between the
Krishna and Godavari, especially at the mouth of the two rivers, formed a great rice bowl. The
people of the Deccan also produced cotton. Thus, a good portion of the Deccan developed a
very advanced rural economy.
The people of the Deccan learnt the use of coins, burnt bricks, ring wells, etc. through its
contacts with the north. There was regular use of fire-baked bricks and use of flat, perforated
roof tiles which must have added to the life of the structures. The drains were covered and
underground to lead wastewater into soakage pits. The Andhra in the east Deccan included 30
walled towns, besides numerous villages.

Satavahanas – Social Organizations

The Satavahanas originally seem to have been a tribe of the Deccan. They, however, were so
brahmanized that they claimed to be Brahmanas. The most famous Satavahana king

9
Gautamiputra claimed to be a Brahman and thought it his duty to uphold the four-fold varna
system.
The Satavahanas were the first rulers to make land grants to the Brahmans and there are also
instances of grants made to Buddhist monks, especially to Mahayana Buddhists.
Nagarjunakonda and Amravati in Andhra Pradesh and Nasik and Junar in Maharashtra became
important Buddhist sites under the Satavahanas and their successors, the Ikshvakus.
The artisans and merchants formed an important class of society due to flourishing trade and
commerce.
Merchants took pride in naming themselves after the towns to which they belonged.
Among the artisans, the Gandhikas (perfumers) are mentioned as donors and later the term
came to be used for all kinds of shopkeepers. The title ‘Gandhi’ is derived from this ancient
term Gandhika.
It was customary for their king to be named after his mother, (Gautamiputra and
Vashishthiputra) which indicates that the women occupied an important position in the society.

Satavahana Architecture
In the Satavahana phase, many temples called chaityas and monasteries called viharas were cut
out of the solid rock in the northwestern Deccan or Maharashtra with great precision and
patience.
The Karle chaitya is the most famous in western Deccan.
The three viharas at Nasik carry inscriptions of Nahapana and Gautamiputra.
The most important stupas of this period are Amravati and Nagarjunakonda. The Amaravati
stupa is full of sculptures that depict the various scenes from the life of the Buddha. The
Nagarjunakonda stupa contains Buddhist monuments and also the earliest Brahmanical brick
temples.

The Decline of the Satavahanas

Pulamavi IV is considered the last king of the main Satavahana line.
He ruled until 225 AD. After his death, the empire fragmented into five smaller kingdoms.

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Ikshwakulu’s Dynasty
The Ikshvaku clan has played a unique role in the history of Telangana. They were a prominent
ruling dynasty in ancient India, and their influence extended to various regions, including
Telangana. The Ikshvakus are often associated with the early history of Andhra Pradesh and
Telangana.
The Ikshvaku dynasty is believed to have originated in the northern part of India and later
migrated to the Deccan region. They are mentioned in ancient Indian texts such as Puranas and
epics like Ramayana. According to some accounts, Rama, the main character of the Ramayana,
belonged to the Ikshvaku clan.
A total 7 kings belong to Ikshvakus dynasty ruled for 100 years. Four of them were mentioned
in various inscriptions and ruled for 68 years. Later 3 more kings ruled for 30 more years whose
names are unavailable.

History of the Ikshvakus

From the history of Telangana, it is known that the Ikshvakus ruled some parts of this region in
ancient times. Below are the details of Ikshwakus.
The founder Vasishtiputra srisanthamuludu

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 Symbol The lion
Royal insignia Popularly known as sons of harathi / sri parvati

Capital Vijayapuri
Royal language Prakrit
Religion Vaishnavism, buddhism
Statutes Nagarjuna Hill, Amaravati
Sculpture Sculptures on green stone, mandatha sculpture
(jaggaiyapet)
Great Veerapurusha datta
The last one Adopted by rudrapurusha

Birth Place of Ikshvakus:

There is difference in opinion among the historians about the birth place of Ikshvakus.
 According to a Historian called Rapsan Bular belongs to North India.

 Another historian named Vogel (south India) Ikshvakus they belong to kanada region
 According to Gopala Chary they belong to Tamil Nadu.
 Prominent Historians like Burgen, Caldwell argue that a branch of the ancient iskhvakus
of north India came to South and founded another kingdom there.
 According to a Jain work called ‘Dharmamrutham’ Karnataka reports that an Ikshvaku
prince founded a kingdom at the mouth of river Krishna with Pratipalapura as its capital.
 According to Nagarjuna Konda Inscription Veerapurusha Datta belongs to lord Buddha
Dynasty.

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Sources of Ikshvakus History:

Inscription or Legislation:

Literacy Sources:

Matsya Purana:
The Matsya Purana states that seven Ikshvaku kings ruled for a hundred years and they are
Sriparvatiyas and the Andhrabhrityas.

Vishnu Purana
The Vishnu Purana states that Ikshvaku princes came to the southern region and established
kingdoms.

Dharmamrita
(Jain poetry, Kannada text).
It was written by Nyayasena in the 11th century.
In the Nagarjunakonda inscription, the Ikshvakas declared themselves to be of the lineage of
the Buddha (Sakyamuni).
According to Vishnu Purana and Jainadharmamrita, Ikshva princes came to the southern region
and established kingdoms.

Non-Literacy Sources:

Jaggayapet and Nagarjunakonda inscriptions:

As per these inscriptions only four Ikshvaku kings ruled.

Nagarjunakonda inscription:
Vasishtaputra Shantamula founded the kingdom of Ikshvaku.

Alluri inscription:
Veerapurushadattu mentions the Ikshvakas as vassals of the Satavahanas.

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Manchikallu inscription:
Last king of the Ikshvaku dynasty, Rudrapurushadattu, was defeated by Simhavarma, the
founder of the Pallava dynasty.
Inscriptions mentioning the end of the Ikshvakas

Maidavolu Inscription: By Shivaskandavarma (Pallava Dynasty)

Manhikallu inscription

Ramireddy Palli Inscription

Amravati Inscription

Ikshvaku Rulers & Their Political History

Political background:

Vasishtiputra Santamula (180-193 A.D):

 He is the earliest known king of Ikshvaku Dynasty.
 He is the founder if Ikshvaku Dynasty. He came into prominence in the second quarter
of 3rd century A.D
 He followed Hindu Religion but performed vedic sacrifices like Rajasuya.
 He performed Yaga’s like Aswamedha Yaga, Rajasuya Yaga and Vajapeya.
 He was married to a Brahmin lady named Matari Devi.
 vasishtiputra Santamula has two sisters Santisri and Harmyasri.
 His elder sister Santisri followed Buddhism and constructed Maha Chaitya at Nagarjuna
Konda.
 He worked for the development of Agriculture by donating land and ploughs.
 vasishtiputra Santamula donated lakhs of cows and land and gold for Brahmins and got
a title called Mahadanapati.
 His Inscriptions are found in Panigiri, Dachepalli, Rentala.

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Veerapurusha Datta (193-213 A.D):
 His rule started in the third quarter of the 3rd
 He followed and Patronised Buddhism and give it back the fame it lost during his
father’s reign.
 He is known as southern Ashoka.
 Veerapurusha Datta is the only Ikshvaku king who adopted Buddhism.
 In his time Nagarjuna Konda used to be great pilgrimage for Buddhism.
 In his period only Sri Parvata University started.
 Sri Parvata University is the India’s first Buddhist University.
 Veerapurusha Datta married to three daughters of his parental aunts
 (Santisri and Harmyasri).
 His first queen is Batti Mahadevi and 2nd queen is Rudra Batakari
 Ikshvaku Kings did not try to encourage Buddhism, their queens donated vigorously to
the Buddhist.
 Important Inscriptions of Veerapurusha Datta:
1. Alluri Inscription.
2. Nagarjuna Konda Inscription.
3. Amravati Inscription.
4. Uppugundur Inscription.
5. Jaggayyapet Inscription
Note: oldest university in India is Takshashila

Ehuvala Santamula (213-237 A.D):

 He is the third and last independent ruler of Ikshvaku Dynasty.
 He ruled for 24 Years.
 He is the son of Veerapurusha Datta and Batti Mahadevi.
 The Inscriptions of his age are found in Nagarjuna Konda.
 Method of writing inscriptions was changed to Sanskrit Instead of Prakrit in his period
only.
 Most number of Hindu temples were constructed during his reign.
 Ehuvala Santamula was the first king who constructed Hindu temples in Southern India.
 Ehuvala Santamula has a sister named Konda Siri she constructed and donated Viharas
for Buddhist.
 Temples Constructed by Ehuvala Santamula:
1. Pushpabhadra Narayanaswamy

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 2. Nandikeswara
3. Kartikeya
4. Navagraha
5. Hariti Temple.
6. Ashtabuja Narayanaswamy

 In his reign of 11 years, his Prime Minister ‘Elisiri’ constructed a “Shaiva Temple” named
“swarna devalaya”. And laid an Inscription there described himself about his victories in
many wars.

Rudrapurusha Datta (237-248A.D):

 Ehuvala Santamula was succeeded by his own son Rudrapurusha Datta.
 During his ascension to throne, Pallava king Simhavarma invaded the Ikshvaku Kingdom.
 Milavolu Inscription issued my Shivaskanda Varma Pallava king says about the downfall
of Ikshvaku Dynasty.

Ikshvaku Culture:
 The 100-year period of Ikshvaku Dynasty is considered as a turning point in the cultural
and religious development of the Region.
 Ikshvaku Dynasty supported both Vedic and Buddhist faiths.
 They followed Prakrit Language their Official for quite some of time.
 Ikshvaku Dynasty is first south Indian Dynasty who worked for the development of
Sanskrit.
 Ehuvala Santamula is the first south Indian king to issue Inscriptions in Sanskrit.
 Students used to come from all over Asia to Nagarjuna Konda University to get trained
as the Propagators of Buddhist faith.
Religion:
 In Ikshvaku dynasty Kings used to follow Brahmin and queens used to follow Buddhism.
 Vasishtiputra Santamula donated land and gold and cows to Brahmins.
 Viiragal (Special Protection Force who lives and dies for king) started with Ikshvaku
Dynasty. And they used to plant Statues in the memory of those great soldiers.
 They are the first Dynasty in south India to construct Hindu temples.

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Buddhism:
 Buddhism is flourished during Ikshvaku Dynasty.
 Veerapurusha Datta is known as southern Ashoka for his contribution in the
development of Buddhism.
 Many Buddhist Stupas and Viharas were built in and around jaggayyapeta, Bhattiprolu,
Chinna Ganjam, and other places. The Maha Chaitya was renovated at the Nagarguna
Konda.
 Sri parvata University is first Buddhist University in India Constructed in Nagarguna
Konda by Veerapurusha Datta.
 Queens of Ikshvaku Dynasty donated vigorously to the Buddhist.
Economy:
 Ikshvaku Dynasty worked for the development of Agriculture by donating Land and
Ploughs.
 According to Nagarjuna Konda Inscription vasishtiputra Santamula donated ploughs
regularly.
 During the time of Ikshvaku Dynasty trade used to happen with Rome in large quantity.
 In recent excavations Romans golden coins are found out in Nagarjuna Konda this show
the life style and trade during Ikshvaku Dynasty.
 Handlooms association leader is known as Uliki Pramuka.
 According to Inscription of Visha Vatti it is known that Professional Taxes are issued to
people.

Vishnukundini’s Dynasty

History:
The Vishnukundina dynasty is also known as Vinukunda dynasty. The Vishnukundina dynasty
was an Indian dynasty based in the Deccan that ruled parts of modern Andhra Pradesh,
Telangana, Odisha and parts of southern India. During the 5th and 6th centuries the
Vishnukundina dynasty rose to power in the Deccan. The dynasty first ruled from
Indrapalanagara (present-day Nalgonda district in Telangana), then moved to Dendulur and
Amaravati.
Founder Indravarma (Maharajendravarma)
Royal Emblem A Lion With raised cawls
Capitals 1. Amrabad in Nagarkurnool Dist
2. Indrapalanagaram in Nalagonda DIst.

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 3. Denduluru in Andra
Royal Language Sanskrit
Religion Vaishnavism
Uniquness Encouraging Human Sacrfices (Madhava
Varma-2)
Great Personality Madhava Varama 2, The Golden age of
administration.
The Last Ruler Manchanna Bhattarak
Sculptures Undavalli Caves (Andra)

Evidence of history of Vishnukundins

Literary sources:
1. Janashraya Chandowichitti,
2. Texts called Setubandha

Legal Evidence:
INSCRIPTIONS OF THE VISHNUKUNDINS:
1. Tummalagudem Plates (Set I) of Govindavarman Year 37
2. Velpuru Pillar Inscription of Madhavavarman, Year 33
3. Ipur Plates (Set I) of Madhavavarman, Year 37
4. Khanapur Plates of the Time of Madhavavarman
5. Ipur Plates (Set II) of Madhavavarman Year 47
6. Ramatirtham Plates of Indravarman, Year 27
7. Chikkulla Plates of Vikramendravarman , Year 10
8. Tummalagudem Plates (Set II) of Vikramendravarman , Year 11, Saka 488
9. Kundulapalem Plates of Vikramendravarman , Year 14
10. Polamuru Plates (Sot I) of Madhavavarman

380 AD - 394 AD : Indravarma

Started his rule from Amrabad in current Nagarkurnool district and extended it to Bhuvanagiri,
Ramannapeta in current Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district and Keesaragutta in current Medchal-
Malkajgiri district.

394 AD - 419 AD : Madhavavarma I

Conducted thousands of rituals and sacrifices like Ashwamedha, Bahusuverna, Poundraka and
vajapeya.

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His kingdom was limited to combined Nalgonda and Mahabubnagar districts. At that time
remaining areas of Telangana was under the rule of Vakatakas.

419 AD - 456 AD : Govindavarman I

Tummalagudem Inscription issued by Govindavarman I in his 37th regnal year in the Telugu
Month Vaisakha on Purnima (full moon) day.
He was the most famous of early rulers, married Parama Bhattarika, daughter of Mularaju who
was the ruler of Gunapasapura and expanded his kingdom with the support of his father-in-law
and declared independence from Vakatakas.
Indrapala copper plate charter informs us that the Vishnukundin ruler Govindavarman, son of
Madhavavarman and grand son, of Indravarman gave away the village of Penkapara to the arya
sangha of the four quarters at the priory of his chief queen (agra-ma-hishi), Paramamahadevi, for
the uninterrupted provision of lamps, incense, perfumes, flowers, flags, drinks and food, beds,
seats, grass medicine and repair-work in his thirty seventh regnal year.
Issued First Inscription of Tummalagudem that he treated all castes and creeds in his kingdom
equally and described himself as koustuba (jewel) of sriparvata region.
Govindavarma I was a follower of Budhism and also a great scholar in Buddhist texts and other
sciences. Built Govinda Vihara on the banks of river Musi at Hyderabad (Chaitanyapuri).

456 AD - 504 AD : Madhavavarma II

Wife : Vakataka Princess Mahadevi
Ruled at least 48 years
Ipur plates (first set) of the 37th year of Maharaja Madhavavarman who was the son of
Govindavarman.
Polamuru plates of the 48th year of Maharaja Madhavavarman who was the son of
Govindavarman and grandson of vikramahendra on a full moon day in the month of Phalguna
when Lunar eclipse occurred.
The reign of Madhavavarma was a golden age in the history of the Vishnukundins. It was
during this period, the small Vishnukundin dynasty rose to imperial heights.
This alliance gave them great power and made it easy for them to extend their influence to the
east coast and vanquishing the petty chieftains lingering on in that area. Madhav Varma II led his
arms against Ananda Gotrikas who were ruling over Guntur, Tenali and Ongole, probably
enjoying subordinate position under the Pallavas of Kanchipuram.
Madhav Varma II next turned his attention against the Vengi kingdom which was under the
Salankayanas. The Vengi region was annexed. The Godavari tract became part of the
Vishnukundin territory. After these conquests the capital might have been shifted to Bezwada
(Vijayawada), a more central location than Amarapura. These extensive conquests entitle him to
the title of the lord of Dakshinapatha (southern country). After these various conquests Madhav
Varma performed many Asvamedha, Rajasuya and other Vedic sacrifices. The Most Notable

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Military Achievement of Madhava Varma II was his Victory over the Powerful Vakataka
Emperor Prithvishena II
495 AD : The new masters of Vidarbha, the Vishnukundins did not allow any of Prthvisena II's
descendents to rule. From A.D. 495 Vishnukundin king Madavavarman Janasraya ruled over
Vaktataka kingdom.
Madhava Varma has 3 sons Devavarma, Vikramendra Varma I and Manchana
Bhattaraka Varma.
504 AD - 508 AD - Devavarma
Devavarma ruled for a short period of time, died fighting with Simhavarman III of Pallava
Dynasty during the rule of Vishnugopa II (c.500 - 525 A.D)
508 AD - 555 AD : Madhava Varma III
Ruled atleast 47 years
After the death of Devavarma, his son Madhava Varma III came to rule as simhva varma-III of
the pallavas died. Madhavavarma defeated Anantavarma of vasishti dynasty. He ruled for atleast
47 years years and bought the fame of vishnukundin dynasty up to the peak again.
In one of the battles Vishnugopa II (500 - 525 A.D) the Pallava king, was defeated.
504 AD - 528 AD : Vikramendra Varman I
Son of Vakataka queen Mahadevi and Madhava Varma II
Worshipper of Budha and son of Vakataka Princess. As the Pravarapura-Nandivardhana branch
has no heir, Vikramendra has become the ruler of whole of Vakataka kingdom.
528 AD – 555 AD : Indra Bhattarakavarma or Indravarman II
Ruled at least 27 years
Ramatirtham plates of the 27th year of Rajan Indravarman son of Rajan Vikramendra and
grandson of Madhavavarman. Son of Vikramendra Varma I and succeed in suppressing the
dominance of Madhava Varma III. The first king to form and conduct Ghatikas (parishads) in the
field of education and a devote follower of veridic religion and was called as a great
Brahmin. He formed a new type of army wing with the powerful elephants defeated all the sub-
ordinate rulers like pridhvimula and others who declared independence during his fathers reign
with the backing of Indravarma of Ganga Dynasty. Wiped off the Mathara, vasishta,
Ramakasyapa and pitrubhakta dynasties. Later he also defeated Madhava Varma III from trikuta
and other regions.

But, Indra Bhattarakavarma was defeated by Ishana Varma (550 to 574 AD), the Moukhari ruler.
He gave his daughter to Sarva Varma, son of Ishnavarma in marriage and made a peace
agreement with them.

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555 AD - 569 AD : Vikramendra Varman II
Vikramendravarman II is said to have adopted a certain Madhavaraja as his son.
Queen Paramabhattaikamahadevi descended from the royal family known as Prithvimula, caused
to be erected a monastery known after her own name Paramabhattaikamahavihara at Indrapura to
display, as it were the wealth of Sri-Govindaraja.
566 AD : Copper plates from Tummalagudem (set II) current — reign of
Vikramendravarman II, year 11, 488 śaka, approximately in 566-67 CE.
After defeating the Pallava king Simha, Vikramendravarman II happened to come to Sakrapura
(Indrapura) . This event took place on the 8th tithi of the dark half of the month of kartika in the
saka year 488 (566 A.D)
On the basis of the Indrapalanagara grant dated in the 11th regnal year corresponding to Saka
488, Vikramendra-varma II may be said to have ascended the throne in Saka 477 i.e., 555 A.D.
His Tundi grant gives his latest regnal year as fourteen. So his reign period may be placed
between 555 A.D.
and 569 A.D.

Chikkula plates of the 10th year of Maharaja Vikramendravarman II son of Maharaja

Indrabhattarakvarman grand son of Vikramendaravraman I and great grandson of Maharaja
Madhavavarman

Issued Second Tummalagudem inscription in the 11th regnal year, Telugu month Kartika, in the
second fortnight. He had a title Bhuvana Raksha Bharanaikasraya and fought battles with
challenge royal families and palavas.

While he was fighting a battle with the Pallavas, Pridhvi Maharaja of Ranadurjaya dynasty
declare independence. So, Vikramendra invaded pisthpur (Pithapuram) and died in the battle.

569 AD - 611 AD : Madhavavarma IV

Vishnukundina Empire expanded under its able ruler Janssraya Madhav Varma IV. He
consolidated his position in Vengi. An incomplete work on Sanskrit poetics called Janasraya
Chando Vichiti was attributed to Madhav Varma IV, who bore the title of 'Janasraya'. Generally,
Sanskrit (not Telugu) enjoyed royal patronage under the Vishnukundins. Madhav Varma IV had
to face the Chalukyan attack in his last years of rule.

Polamaru Grant by Madhavarman is dated in his 40th year. The day on which the grant was
made was Phalguni Purnima on which lunar eclipse occurred.

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The grant of Jayasiṃha I who began to rule from 633 A.D., records that in his fifth year (638) he
granted the village of Puloṃbūra in the Guddavāḍi viṣaya to Rudraśarman son of Śivaśarman
and grandson of Dāmaśarman. In Mādhavavarman’s grant it is Śivaśarman son of Dāmaśarman
that gets the same village. So it is clear that the Polamūru grant of Mādhavavarman is separated
from the grant of Jayasiṃha by at least one generation.

611 A.D : It is likely that the Chalukya Pulikesin II (610– 642 AD) defeated Madhava Varma IV
as per the Kopparam plates of Pulikesin II issued on 21st October 611 AD

Cultural Conditions:
Vishnukundin’s have divided Kingdom into States and Vishayas for administration.
During Vishnukundin’s period, there were army chiefs for different wings of army.
Hastikosha – Head of Elephantry
Veerakosha – Head of Infantry
Other officers were:
Rajjuka – Land Surveyor, the one who Measures the land using thread and decides ayacut (the
area by an Irrigation project)
Phaladhara – the one who estimates the quantity of crop produce to be given to the state.
Setti – officer incharge of crop produce Measurement given to the state.
Akshapataladhikari – Head of archives / He protects government Documents.

Economic Conditions & Trade:

During Vishnukundin’s, Self Sufficient rural economy was prevailed.
They implemented different methods for development of agriculture.
During this period, trade took place with Rome and Greece along with East Asian countries.
The importance of international trade is evident from the title “Trisamudradipathi” given to
Madhav Varma -2.

Coins:
The coins were made up of Copper and Iron.
The coins were minted with the words “Sri Parvata” and had symbols of Lion and Shankha
(Cone).

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According to Chinese traveller Fa-hein, the shells were also used as Currency during
Vishnukundin’s period.
Other Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang had mentioned that there were golden Buddha idols statues
on Sri Parvata,But at present, these are present at Amaravati.
Based on this, we can say that goldsmith were good at their work.
A sniff box of 7 centimetres size ( made of cast iron, was in mango shape) was found at Keesara
Gutta is another evidence.
During excavation in Kudali Sangameshwaram near Alampur, the golden coins of Roman
emperor Constantine(A.D. 306-337) were found.
Social Conditions:
During their period, caste system was Strengthened.
Madhav Varma used to bow down and touch the feet of his parents regularly, by this we can tell
that people used to respect their parents and elders.
In their inscriptions it is mentioned that “ Vishnu Kundinulu Danamanadula che
Anuraktamagu Varnashrama Swajana Parijanulu”.

Judiciary:
Vishnukundin’s were known for their Judiciary.
Madhav Varma–2 had invented Judicial Proceedings Known as “Divya’s”.
Madhav Varma had punished his son with death sentence as he drown the cart and crushed a son
of Tamarind merchant to death.

Literature – Religion
Vishnukundin’s were the first to make “Sanskrit” as official Language.
In Chikkulla Copper inscription given by King Vikramendra Bhattaraka Varma, the telugu
word “Vijayarajya Samvastharambul” was found.
A true telugu word “Tolchuvandlu” was inscripted on a big rock at Keesara gutta.
Title of Indra Bhattaraka Varma : “GhatikaVastha Punya Sanchaya”
Title of Madhav Varma -2: “Vidya Dvijaguda Vistha Vruda Tapasvi Janashraya”.
Govinda Varma was known as “Shadabignya”.
By all the above titles, we can say that kings of Vishnukundin’s were great poets and Patrones of
Poets

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Religious Conditions:
Vedic Religion:
Vishnukundin’s followed Vedic religion.
Their family presiding diety was “Sri Parvata Swamy”.
By their names we can know that they patronized vedic religion.
They were the 1st to built Hindu cave temples in south india.
Ikshvakus were 1st to built Hindu temples.
The Uma Maheshwaram temple (at Amrabad) in Sri Parvatam was known as the Northern
Gateway for Srisailam.
Being the followers of Vedic religion also, they did not hate other religions.

Jainism:
During Vishnukundin’s period, Srisailam was a great jain centre later it became great Shaiva
centre.
This was mentioned in “Dharma Amarutham” written by Jain poet Nyaya Sena.

Buddhism:
Jainism was degraded due to “kapalika” sect of Jainism.
The Prominent Buddhist Guru during Vishnukundin’s was Dignaga.
His famous Sanskrit literary work was “Pramana Samucchaya”.
Dignaga taught “Yogachara” methods.
Dignaga was the last Buddhist Guru in Telugu states.
He debated with “Eshwar Krishna”, a poet of Vengi.
Duggipalli Duggena of Vishnukundin’s period wrote “Nachiketopakyanam”.
Great Buddhist place during Vishnukundin’s was “Bojjana Konda”
Symbolic stupa during their period was “Lingala Mettu”.
Vishnukundin’s were the last rulers, who patronised Buddhism.
During 5th century A.D, a new Buddhist sect “Vajrayana” entered Amaravati and Nagarjuna
Konda.
Buddhism lost its sanctity because “Vajrayana” sect have allowed women,alcohol and
encouraged black magic.
Due to Vajrayana sect finally Buddism destroyed and lost people’s faith.

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Later, the Brahmins changed the minds of people by saying that “Buddha” was the 9th
incarnation of Vishnu and changed all the Buddhist centres into Vaishnava temples / centres.

Art – Architecture
The special features in the temples built by Vishnukundin’s were Garbagriha, Mukha
Mandapam and Artha Mandapam.
The official emblem of Vishnukundinas roaring lions statues at Bhuvanagiri fort are the
evidences to say that Bhuvanagiri fort was first built by Vishnukundinas.
Buddhist centres during Vishnukundin’s period were Phanigiri and Nelakondapally.
The Buddhist stupa at Nelakondapally was known as “Virat Stupa”, later it came to be known
as throne of “Virata Raja”.
Chaitya decorations (Buddhist Aramas) are seen on the caves of Gouri Gundam waterfalls and
L. Madugu near Manthani city of Peddapalli District.
Komati caves near L. Madugu belongs to the contemporary Jaina aramas.
The Great Shaiva-shakti temples Uma Maheshwaram, Saleshwaram caves and Alampur are
nearby Amaravati, which is the birth place of Vishnukundin’s
Uma Maheshwaram has become the Northern gateway for Srisailam.
The Shiva Linga designed by Pallavas and Nagara Bheri which was made by Vishnukundin’s are
still present at Uma Maheshwaram temple.
On the walls of Saleshwaram cave temples the following words “Vishvesha kakkalasa” are
inscribed in Brahmi script. This was found by Dr. Dyavanavalli Satyanarayana.

Caves During Vishnukundins:

Moghal rajapuram Caves (Krishna district):
Total 5 caves are there in Moghalrajapuram.
5th cave is the largest. It contains the statue of “Arthanarishvara”. This cave is known as
“Shiva Tandava” cave.
Astabhuja Narayana Swamy and Trivikramavatara statues are present.
Undavalli Caves (Krishna district):
It has 3 caves. The middle one is the largest. Ananta Padmanabhaswamy temple is present in
the caves.
These caves contain inscription as “Utpathi Pidugu”.

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“Purna Kumbha” is present on this cave.
Akkanna – Madanna caves:
These caves are constructed by Vishnukundin’s.
These are present near Kanaka Durga temple in Vijayawada

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