Vakataka dynasty facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Vakataka dynasty
c. 250–c. 510
Capital	Vatsagulma (Now Washim)
Common languages	Maharashtri Prakrit Sanskrit
Religion	Hinduism Buddhism Jainism
Government	Monarchy
Maharaja
• 250–270	Vindhyashakti
• 270–330	Pravarasena I
• 480–510	Harishena
Historical era	Classical India
• Established	c. 250
• Disestablished	c. 510
Preceded by Succeeded by Western Satraps Satavahana dynasty Abhira dynasty Kalachuris of Mahishmati Vishnukundina Chalukya dynasty Rajarsitulyakula
Today part of	India

The Vakataka dynasty was an important ancient Indian kingdom that ruled a large part of central India, known as the Deccan, from about 250 CE to 510 CE. Their kingdom stretched from the northern areas of Malwa and Gujarat all the way south to the Tungabhadra River. To the west, it reached the Arabian Sea, and to the east, it touched the edges of Chhattisgarh. The Vakatakas were powerful rulers who came after the Satavahanas in the Deccan and were contemporaries of the famous Gupta Empire in northern India.

The Vakatakas were great supporters of art, architecture, and literature. They built many public works, and their monuments are still visible today. For example, the famous rock-cut Buddhist caves at Ajanta Caves (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) were created with the help of Vakataka kings, especially Harishena.

The Vakataka Dynasty: Rulers of Ancient India

This dynasty played a key role in shaping ancient Indian history. They were known for their strong leadership and for encouraging a rich cultural life.

Meet the First Vakataka Kings

Vindhyashakti: The Founder

The Vakataka dynasty was started by a ruler named Vindhyashakti, who reigned from about 250 to 270 CE. His name comes from the goddess Vindhyavasini. Not much is known about him, but ancient records describe him as a powerful warrior who built up the Vakataka family's strength through many battles. He had a large army, especially a strong cavalry (soldiers on horseback).

Pravarasena I: The Great Expander

Pravarasena I, Vindhyashakti's son, ruled from about 270 to 330 CE. He was a very successful king and the first Vakataka ruler to call himself a Samrat, which means a "universal ruler" or "emperor." He expanded the kingdom significantly, fighting wars with other kings and extending Vakataka control over a large area.

Pravarasena I was also a very religious king who followed the ancient Vedic traditions. He performed many important ceremonies called Yajnas, including four Asvamedhas (horse sacrifices), which were grand rituals performed by powerful kings to show their dominance. He also took the title of Dharmamaharaja, meaning "great king of righteousness." He ruled for a long time, about 60 years, and had four sons. He arranged for his son Gautamiputra to marry a princess from the powerful Bharashiva family, which helped strengthen the Vakataka kingdom.

Two Main Branches of the Vakatakas

After Pravarasena I passed away, the Vakataka kingdom split into different parts, with two main branches becoming well-known. These were the Pravarapura-Nandivardhana branch and the Vatsagulma branch.

The Pravarapura-Nandivardhana Rulers

This branch of the Vakataka family ruled from cities like Pravarapura (now Paunar) and Nandivardhan (now Nagardhan). They had important family connections with the powerful Gupta Empire in northern India.

Rudrasena I and Prithivishena I

Ruins of Nandivardhana fort

Rudrasena I, Pravarasena I's grandson, ruled from Nandivardhana. Not much is known about his reign, but his kingdom was located south of the Narmada River. His son, Prithivishena I, followed him as ruler.

The Gupta Connection: Rudrasena II and Prabhavatigupta

Remains of the Pravareshvara Shiva temple built by Pravarasena II at Mansar

Rudrasena II (380–385 CE) married Prabhavatigupta, who was the daughter of the famous Gupta Emperor Chandragupta II. This marriage was a very important alliance between the two powerful dynasties. Sadly, Rudrasena II died young, after only a short reign.

After his death, Queen Prabhavatigupta ruled as a regent for her young sons, Divakarasena and Damodarasena (who later became Pravarasena II). She governed the kingdom for about 20 years (385–405 CE). During this time, the Vakataka kingdom had close ties with the Gupta Empire.

Pravarasena II, one of Prabhavatigupta's sons, became king later (420–455 CE). He was a talented writer and composed a famous poem called Setubandha in the Prakrit language. He also moved the capital to a new city he founded, called Pravarapura.

Narendrasena and Prithivishena II

Narendrasena (440–460 CE) followed Pravarasena II, and under his rule, the Vakataka influence grew in central India. His son, Prithivishena II, was the last known king of this branch. After his death around 480 CE, his kingdom was likely taken over by the Vatsagulma branch of the Vakatakas.

The Vatsagulma Rulers and Ajanta Caves

Ajanta Caves

The Ajanta Caves, built under the patronage of the Vatsagulma branch of the Vakataka rulers.

Bird's Eye View of Ajanta Caves.

Entrance of cave no. 9.

Lord Buddha statue at Ajanta.

The Vatsagulma branch was founded by Sarvasena, another son of Pravarasena I. Their capital was Vatsagulma, which is now Washim in Maharashtra. This branch ruled the area between the Sahyadri Mountains and the Godavari River. They were especially known for supporting the creation of some of the beautiful Buddhist caves at Ajanta Caves.

Sarvasena: A Poet King

Sarvasena (c. 330–355 CE) was not only a king but also a talented writer. He wrote a poem called Harivijaya in Prakrit, which tells the story of Krishna bringing a special tree from heaven. He also wrote many verses for another collection of poems.

Vindhyasena and Pravarasena II

Sarvasena's son, Vindhyasena (c. 355–400 CE), also known as Vindhyashakti II, continued to rule strongly. Records show he made land grants, which means he gave land to people, often for religious purposes. He also defeated a neighboring ruler from Kuntala. His son, Pravarasena II (c. 400–415 CE), had a short but successful reign.

Devasena and Harishena: The Golden Age of Ajanta

South-Asia
480 CE

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Approximate extent of Vakataka territory and location of neighbouring polities c. 480 CE, at the end of Vakataka rule, during the reign of king Harishena, when most of the caves of Ajanta (red dot) were built.

Devasena (c. 450–475 CE) followed Pravarasena II. His kingdom was well-managed by his wise minister, Hastibhoja. During Devasena's time, a large water tank called Sudarshana was built near Washim.

Harishena (c. 475–500 CE) was Devasena's son and one of the most famous Vakataka kings. He was a great supporter of Buddhist art and culture. The incredible Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a lasting example of his patronage. Many of the rock-cut Buddhist monasteries (viharas) and prayer halls (chaityas) at Ajanta, with their stunning paintings and sculptures, were created during Harishena's reign. His minister, Varahadeva, was also involved in excavating some of these caves. Harishena expanded his kingdom, conquering areas like Malwa, Chhattisgarh, Kalinga, and parts of Gujarat and southern Maharashtra.

How the Vakataka Dynasty Ended

After Harishena, two more rulers from the Vatsagulma branch followed, but their names are not well-known. The Vakataka dynasty eventually came to an end around 510 CE. It is believed that they were defeated by another powerful family called the Kalachuris of Mahishmati.

Another ancient story, written about 125 years after the Vakatakas fell, tells a slightly different tale. It suggests that Harishena's son, instead of focusing on ruling, spent too much time enjoying himself and neglected his royal duties. This made the kingdom weak. A clever minister from a neighboring kingdom, Ashmaka, took advantage of this. He secretly weakened the Vakataka army and then encouraged another king, the Kadamba ruler of Vanavasi, to attack. The Vakataka king was defeated and killed in battle, leading to the end of the dynasty. Records from the Kadamba king Ravivarma (485–519 CE) suggest that the Kadambas did indeed conquer the Vakataka kingdom around 500 CE.

Vakataka Legacy: Art and Culture

The Vakatakas left behind a rich legacy, especially in art and architecture. Their support for the Ajanta Caves is a testament to their love for beauty and religious devotion. These caves are filled with intricate carvings and vibrant paintings that tell stories of ancient India and Buddhist teachings.

Interestingly, even though the Vakatakas were powerful rulers, no coins belonging to their dynasty have ever been found. This is different from many other ancient Indian kingdoms that minted their own coins.

Family Tree

See also

In Spanish: Dinastía Vakataka para niños

• Maharashtra
• Marathi people
• Maharashtri Prakrit
• Maratha
• Deccan
• Maharatta tribe or region