Kakatiya Dynasty

Period : 1083 AD–1323 AD
Capital : Orugallu (Warangal)
Languages: Telugu
Religion Patronised :Hinduism
Founder : Beta I .
Source of their history : Historians have found some inscriptions of Kakatiyas in Gutur district of Andhra Pradesh. According to one of the inscriptions, the kakatiyas are known to belong to solar race kings. Some historians believe that the kakatiyas who worshipped Goddess Kakati (Kakatamma) were from fishermen community.
Etymology :The name “Kakatiya” is derived from the highly revered goddess of power : Kakati Devi (Durga Matha). Kakati Devi was the goddess mother for the founding fathers of Kakatiya dynasty. Kakati could be the Goddess of Bhairavi, an other form of Durga.
The dynasty’s name might also be associated with a town known as Kakatipura (since the kings bore the title “Kakatipuravallabha”) . Kakatiyas belonged to the Durjaya family/clan.
Greatness
The Kakatiya reign is said to be the brightest period of the Telugu land with the Kakatiya rulers extending the empire beyond Warangal all th way upto Raichur, Karnataka. Warangal embellished their reign, as the metropolis of Andhra(Deccan) region, standing the testimony of time for nearly a millenium (more than 800 years). The stalwarts of the Kakatiyan Dynasty united all the Telugu kings under one administration and are the most brilliant monarchs ever to rule the Andhra region right up there with the Satavahanas.
The Kakatiya period was rightly called the brightest period of the Telugu history. The entire Telugu speaking area was under the kings who spoke Telugu and encouraged Telugu. They established order throughout the strife torn land and the forts built by them played a dominant role in the defence of the realm. Anumakonda and Gandikota among the `giridurgas’, Kandur and Narayanavanam among the `vanadurgas’, Divi and Kolanu among the `jaladurgas’, and Warangal and Dharanikota among the `sthaladurgas’ were reckoned as the most famous strongholds in the Kakatiya period. The administration of the kingdom was organized with accent on the military

HISTORY : Lineage of Kings
1.The rulers of Kakatiya Dynasty were originally the feudatory of the Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi. Taking advantages of the confusion that followed after the death of the Eastern Chalukya king Ammaraja II , Beta I, a feudatory of the Eastern Chalukyas declared his independence by establishing a new dynasty in the year 1,000 A.D. He ruled the Kakatiya Kingdom for 30 years and was succeeded by his son Prola I.
2.Prola I (1030-1075 A.D.)
Prola I who succeeded his father in 1030 faced a critical situation as the small principality was threatened by both the Cholas and the Western Chalukyas of Kalyani. Nagavamsi of Chakrakuta (Bastar) tried to annex the new principality. Prola I was able to overcome all these dangers. He attacked Chakrakuta and defeated its ruler Dharavasu. During his rule of 36 years Prola was able to extend the Kakatias territories of his principality in all directions. He was succeeded by his son Beta II who ruled from 1075-1110 A.D. His reign was uneventful. He shifted his capital to Anamakonda near Warangal and took the title Tribhuvanamalla.
3.Prola II (1110-1158 A.D.)
Prola II was an important king of the early Kakatiyas. His exploits are described at length in the Anamakonda inscription of his son Rudradeva. He is credited to have defeated Mailapadeva, Govindaraja, Gunda and Jaggadeva. There is a great deal of controversy regarding the identity of these rulers and the location of their territories.
4.Rudradeva (1158-1195 A.D.)
Rudradeva who succeeded his father Prola II in 1158 A.D. was a great fighter. His exploits are described in his famous inscription in the Rudres­vara temple at Anumakonda. From this inscription it is evident that he had defeated a large number of Chalukyan feudatories round his kingdom. He was also engaged in numerous wars with the rulers of Velanadu in the east and Yadavas in the west.
Rudradeva was a great patron of art literature. He constructed the majes­tic Rudresvara temple in Anamakonda. He was the author of the Sanskrit work `Nitisara’. He extended his patronage to Saivite divines like Palkurki Somanatha
King Mahadeva ruled for only 3 years between 1195 and 1198 AD.
5.Ganapathideva (1198-1262 A.D.)
Ganapathideva was the greatest of all the Kakatiyas. He accompanied his father Mahadeva when the latter besieged Devagiri, the Yadava capital. Mahadeva was killed before the walls of Devagiri and Ganapathideva was taken prisoner by the Yadavas. The news of the death of Mahadeva and the arrest of Ganapathideva created great commotion in the Kakatiya kingdom. Many feudatories of the Kakatiyas rose in revolt and tried to assert their independence, but the loyal general of the Kakatiyas, Recherla Rudra, put down these revolts and looked after the kingdom. Ganapathideva was released in 1202 and allowed to return to his kingdom.
In the course of his long reign extending over sixty years Ganapathideva brought a great part of the present Andhra Pradesh under his control. He first turned his attention towards Velanadu and Vengi regions of coastal Andhra and brought them under his control. He conquered Kalinga. He helped Manumasiddi the ruler of Nellore in regaining his kingdom
The greatest triumph of the Ganapathideva was the con­quest of Kanchi and the subjugation of the Yadavas of Devagiri.
In spite of his engagements in numerous wars, Ganapathideva did not neglect the administration. In fact, he constructed many temples and improved irrigational facilities. He had also improved trade and commerce.
Ganapathideva had no son but two daughters only. The elder daughter was Rudramba and the younger Ganapamba. Rudramba was actively associ­ated in the administration of the kingdom. Ganapathideva passed away in 1262 A.D. after a glorious reign of 64 years. He is undoubtedly the greatest emperor of the Kakatiya dynasty. He brought a large part of the Telugu-speaking area under his control and laid the foundation for its development in agricultural, commercial and other spheres. He had the foresight to train his daughter in the art of administration by associating her in the govern­ment as early as 1240 A.D.
6.Rani Rudrama Devi (1262 – 1296 A.D.)
Rani Rudrama Devi was the daughter of Ganpathideva. She was one of the most influential women personality in Indian History. Infact, She was the only woman to rule over Andhra. She was declared Queen and given the male name “Rudradeva”.
Rani Rudrama Devi became the ruler of the Kakatiya Empire after the death of her Father. She was the daughter of Ganpathideva. She was the first and the only woman to rule over Andhra.
Ganpathideva did not had any son. After his death, his elder daughter, Rani Rudrama Devi, was coronated as the Queen of Kakatiya Dynasty and assumed the male name “Rudradeva”. Warangal was the Capital of Kakatiya Empire.
Her reign was marked by the uprising of her feudatories who did not like the succession of a woman to the throne. Rani Rudrama overcame all the difficulties and maintained the integrity of the empire. She was married to Veera Bhadra but lost him early. This incident gave her severe grief.
She is known for defending her empire from the Cholas and Yadavas. She also completed the contruction of Warangal Fort and and even captured many other forts. She had faith in religious beliefs and worshipped many goddesses.The administrative system of Rani Rudrama was efficient and the general people led a happy life.
7.Prataparudra (1296-1323 A.D.)
Prataparudra ascended the throne after the death of his grandmother, in 1296. He began his reign with a series of reforms in the administration. During the reign of Ganapathideva the governors of different areas of the empire known as Nayaks were appointed from the members of different castes. This was known as the Nayamkara system. Prataparudradeva reorganized this system appointing only Padmanayaks to these officers. He dismissed Nayaks belonging to other communities.
His reforming activity ended in 1303 when the empire had to face the first shock of a Muslim invasion from the north. From 1303 to 1323 the Muslim rulers of Delhi invaded five times and finally annihilated the Kakatiya Empire.
End of the Empire
The king of Delhi Sultanate Ala-ud-din Khilji the famous ruler send his army for defeating the empire in AD 1303. Upparhalli which the Prataparuda District overpowered them. Again in AD 1310 Malik Kafur sent his army to capture Warangal and invade it. Another major invasion of Muslims in Kakatiya Dynasty took place in order to capture ‘Tilling’, Ghiaz-ud-din Tughlaq the ruler of Tughlaq Dynasty sent his huge army under the leadership of Ulguh Khan during AD 1321. How ever due to some blockades faced by him due to some internal rebellions withdrew the army and left to Delhi. He only went back to return in a very short while and came back with huge army against Prataparuda where he was defeated and forced to surrender and then Prataparuda was taken as a prisoner. This marked an end to the Kakatiya Dynasty.

Society, religion and culture

The age of kakatiya marks a distinct phase in the cultural history of Telugus. They not only inherited the cultural heritage of the Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi , but also substantially enriched and developed it.
SOCIETY :
In the social framework, the caste system continued to be the basis for the social organisation. Though, the Brahmins continued to enjoy the privileged position, the chaturdhavarna rose to prominance . The reddy, kamma, velama, balija and naidu’s emerged as a ruling class.
The process of sankritisation (social phenomenon by which lower castes emulate the socio-religious practices of the upper caste to gain a higher heiarchy in the social position) continued. As a result , new sub-castes like the vishwa-brahmins and veerapanchalas emerged in the society
The amalagamation of the tribes into the mainstream of the socity continued. The forest tribes like the ”lenkas” entered into the mainstream of the society to render services to the upper castes.
As the economy under the kakatiya’s flourished well, the social evils cropped up . Vinukonda Vallabha raya in his ”Kreedabhiramam”, an illustrated work on contemporary society talks about the prostitution, gambling, sati etc of this age.
The social conflict called ”Idangai”(right handed castes- agriculturalists) and ”vedangai”(left handed castes- professionals) entered the telugudesa began . The kakatiyas could strike a balance and maintain social harmony by accomodating all the sections in their administrative system

Religion:
This age witnessd the virtual elimination of Jainism from the telugudesa. According to the ”Siddheswara charitra” , Ganapatideva under the influence of Tikkanna , somayaji and his master Viswesawarasiva destroyed the jain settlements.
”saivism” continued to flourish as the popular sect. The saiva sects like the pashupathas, agamanthas and kalamukhas were well estblished. Vishweshwarasiva , an ardent follower of agamantaha sect founded ”golaki” mathas to promote saivism.
veer shaivism of brahannaidu fluotished in tirupati, simhachalam, srikakulam, nandaluru. Due to its impact, a new community called ”padmanaikas” was founded.
The sectarian conflict between saivism and vaishnavism continued. The great poet ”tikkana” made an attempt to end the conflict in his ”Harihara aaradhana” and by reviving ”smartha” system which permitted worshipping of nay God.

Cultural development :
The great cultural development under the kakatiyas influenced each and every sphere of the social life. Infact cultural development has witnessed its last stage in telugudesa under kakatiyas.
In the field of literature, both sanskrit and telugu were given due patronage. Kakati rudra wrote the ”neetisaara” on the basis of the sanskrit text ”neetisaara”(same name) .
Vidyanath , most popular poet in the court of prataparudra wrote ”prataparudra yashobhushanam”, a text on alankarashastra.
Agastya wrote ”balabhratam” and ”nalakeerthikaumudi”.
In the telugu literature, desa kavitha movement started with palkuriki somana. He wrote ”vipadhakavyas” like ‘panditarajya charitra’ and ‘basavapuranam’. He also contributed for the ‘sataka literature’ with his ”vrishadeepa satakam”.
Kethana wrote ”dashakumara charite”, the first khandhkavya in telugu literature.
Bodhena enriched the telugu literature with his ”sumati satakam”.
The art of wrtiting plays was perfected by tripurantaka wgo wrote the street play ”premabhiramama”. On the basis of this text Vinukonda Vallaba raya wrote ”kreedabiramam” .
Music and Dance :
Classics were composed during this age. ”jayapasenani” was the celebrated author of ”vijayaratnavali”, ”nrutyaratnavali” and ”geetharatnavali”. The literary works bear a testimony to the development of the fine arts.
Painting :
Machaladevi was an accomplished painter in the court of prataparudra. She founded a school for promoting painting called ”chitrashala” at warangal. The text ”pratapacharite” tells us that there were around 1500 painters in warangal .

Art and literature of Kakatiya dynasty

A distinct ”kakatiya school of architecture” was developed. Its unique aspects were, the city entrance pillars called ”nagara toranas”, extensive use of stone pillars with richly carved designs and structures and templed grafted platforms(Adishtanas).
”kakati prola” constructed the ”siddeshwara” and ”padmakshi” temples in hanamakonda, ”swayambhu” and ”kesava” temples in warangal.
He constructed the magnificent 1000 pillar temple in hanamakonda
The Kakatiya dynasty expressed itself best through religious art. Kakatiya art preserved the balance between architecture and sculpture, that is, while valuing sculpture, it laid emphasis on architecture where due.

Ramappa temple

The Kakatiya temples, dedicated mostly to Siva, reveal in their construction a happy blending of the styles of North India and South India which influenced the political life of the Deccan.The most important of these temples are those at Palampeta, Hanamkonda and the incomplete one in the Warangal fort.
The temple at Palampeta, described as the `brightest gem in the galaxy of Medieval Deccan temple architecture’, was constructed by Recherla Rudra, a general of Kakatiya Ganapati, in S.1135 (A.D.1213).
The figures in the temple are of a heterogeneous character comprising gods, goddesses, warriors, acrobats, musicians, mithuna pairs in abnormal attitudes and dancing girls. The sculptures, especially of the dancing girls, possess the suggestion of movement and pulsating life. A striking peculiarity of this temple is the figure-brackets which spring from the shoulders of the outer pillars of the temple. The figure-brackets are mere ornaments and represent the intermediate stage between their earlier analogues at Sanchi and the later examples at Vijayanagara.

The Thousand-Pillared Temple at Hanamkonda, built by the Kakatiya king Rudra in A.D.1162, is similar in style and workmanship to the Ramappa temple. This temple, dedicated to Siva, Vishnu and Surya, is star-shaped. The Nandi pavilion, in which a huge granite bull still stands, the beautiful entrances to the shrine, the pierced slabs used for screens and windows, and the elegant open work by which the bracket-shafts are attached to the pillars are the other most interesting features of this temple.

The temple in the Warangal fort, believed to have been built by Kakatiya Ganapati, was constructed making use of large slabs. The floor of the shrine is beautifully polished and shines like a mirror. An interesting feature of this temple is the

Ruins of Warangal Fort

four gateways called `Kirti Stambhas’ which face the four cardinal points of the compass. In their design the gateways are reminiscent of the `toranas’ of the Great Stupa at Sanchi. The architecture and sculpture of these temples are thus conventional to a degree but no one can deny their magnificence nor can any one fail to see the rich imagination, patient industry and skilful workmanship of the builders of the temples of the Kakatiya period.


The Rulers of Kakatiya Dynasty had great patronage for art and literature. They took initiative to promote Sanskrit and during this period there was revival of Sanskrit literature. Among the rulers, Prataparuda had good writing flair which is interesting to note. He even promoted literature. The rulers had a treasure for the religious art. They also built temples of Lord Shiva which were perfect examples of blending between the style forms of northern and southern India.
During AD 1162, the Thousand-Pillared Temple at Hanamkonda was built by the Kakatiya Dynasty. King Rudramba built this in is similar style and workmanship to the Ramappa temple. This temple is dedicated to Siva, Vishnu and Surya, and is star-shaped. The Nandi pavilion is also famous in which a huge granite bull still stands, which has the beautiful entrances to the shrine with pierced slabs used for screens and windows and an elegant open work by which the bracket-shafts are attached to the pillars are the other most interesting features of this temple.

Warangal Fort
Warangal fort temple had been built by Kakatiya Ganapati, which was constructed making use of large slabs. Floor of the temple shrine is beautifully polished and twinkles like a mirror. An interesting feature of Warangal fort temple is there are four gateways called ‘Kirti Stambhas’ which face the four cardinal points of the compass.
The design of the gateways is redolent like the ‘toranas’ of the Great Stupa at Sanchi. The architecture and sculpture of these temples are magnificent as no one can fail to see the rich imagination, patient industry and skilful workmanship of the builders of the temples of the Kakatiya period.
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Though Saivism continued to be the religion of the masses, intellectuals favoured revival of Vedic rituals. They sought to reconcile the Vaishnavites and the Saivites through the worship of Harihara. Arts and literature found patrons in the Kakatiyas and their feudatories. Tikkana Somayaji, who adorned the court of the Telugu Chola ruler Manumasiddhi II, wrote the last 15 cantos of the Mahabharata which was lying unfinished. Sanskrit, which could not find a place in the Muslim-occupied north, received encouragement at the hands of the Kakatiyas. Prataparudra was himself a writer and he encouraged other literature.

Rashtrakuta Dynasty

Period:  753 A.D- 975 A.D.
Capital : Manyakheta.
Languages: Sanskrit, Ancient kannada, ancient telugu.
Religions patronised : Hinduism,Buddhism, Jainism.
Founder : Dantidurga
Spread Of Kingdom- During the peak of their rule, they ruled from the north of River cauvery till the south of river ganga and from the western shoreline in the west to the eastern shoreline.
But the heart of the Kingdom remained the present day Karnataka, Maharashtra and Telangana.
Sources Of their History
The sources for Rashtrakuta history include medieval inscriptions, ancient literature in the Pali language, contemporaneous literature in Sanskrit, Telugu and Kannada and notes of the Arab travellers  like Arabs Al Masudi and Ibn Khordidbih of the 10th century .
Theories about the dynastic lineage (Surya Vamsa—Solar line and Chandra Vamsa—Lunar line), the native region and the ancestral home have been proposed, based on information gleaned from inscriptions, royal emblems, the ancient clan names such as “Rashtrika”, epithets (Ratta, Rashtrakuta, Lattalura Puravaradhiswara), the names of princes and princesses of the dynasty, and clues from relics such as coins.
Scholars debate over which ethnic/linguistic groups can claim the early Rashtrakutas. Possibilities include the north western ethnic groups of India, the Kannadiga, Reddy,  the Maratha, or the tribes from the Punjab region. The Samangadh copper plate Grant (753 AD) confirms that the feudatory king Dantidurga, wo probably ruled from achalapur in Berar (modern elichapur, Maharasthra), defeated the great Badami Chalukyan army of Kirtivarman II and took control of the northern regions of chalukyan empire.

HISTORY:

• Dantidurga’s successor Krishna I brought major portions of present
  day Karnataka and Konkan under his control.
• During the rule of Dhruva Dharavarsha who took control in 780, the kingdom expanded into an empire that encompassed all of the territory between the Kaveri River and Central India. He led successful expeditions to Kannauj, the seat of northern Indian power where he defeated the Gurjara Pratiharas and the Palas of Bengal, gaining him fame and vast booty but not more territory. He also brought the Eastern Chalukyas and Gangas of Talakad under his control. According to Altekar and Sen, the Rashtrakutas became a panIndia power during his rule.

TRIPARTITE STRUGGLE:
It is a period the period of struggle for the control resources and area of  Gangetic Plains (centered around KANNAUJ) among  the three parties i.e  The Rashtrakutas of south,  The Palas of east and The Pratiharas of west India  during the 8th century and the 10th century AD.
The struggle seems to have started with the Pratihara ruler, Vatsaraja, who wanted to take control of the city of Kannauj and its environs, as did the Pala ruler, Dharmapala. This brought the two rulers into conflict and during this time the Rastrakuta king, Dhruva, attacked both combatants and claimed to have won .
The significance of Kannauj
Kannauj was located on the Ganga trade route and was connected to the Silk route. It made Kannauj strategically and commercially very important. It was also the erstwhile capital of Harshvardhana’s empire in north India. Conquest of Kannauj was equated to the conquest of entire North India.

• The ascent of Dhruva Dharavarsha’s third son, Govinda III, to the throne heralded an era of success like never before.[42] There is uncertainty about the location of the early capital of the Rashtrakutas at this time. During his rule there was a three way conflict between the Rashtrakutas, the Palas and the Pratiharas for control over the Gangetic plains. The Sanjan inscription describes his victories over the Pratihara Emperor Nagabhatta II. During his reign the Rashtrakutas empire  was spread over the areas from Cape Comorin to Kannauj and from Banaras to Broach.
• The successor of Govinda III, Amoghavarsha I made Manyakheta his capital and ruled a large empire. Manyakheta remained the Rashtrakutas’ regal capital until the end of the empire. He came to the throne in 814 but it was not until 821 that he had suppressed revolts from feudatories and ministers. Amoghavarsha I made peace with the Western Ganga dynasty by giving them his two daughters in marriage, and then defeated the invading Eastern Chalukyas at Vingavalli and assumed the title Viranarayana.
• His rule was not as militant as that of Govinda III as he preferred to maintain friendly relations with his neighbours, the Gangas, the Eastern Chalukyas and the Pallavas with whom he also cultivated marital ties. His era was an enriching one for the arts, literature and religion. Widely seen as the most famous of the Rashtrakuta Emperors, Amoghavarsha I was an accomplished scholar in Kannada and Sanskrit. His Kavirajamarga is considered an important landmark in Kannada poetics and Prashnottara Ratnamalika in Sanskrit is a writing of high merit and was later translated into the Tibetan language.Because of his religious temperament, his interest in the arts and literature and his peaceloving nature, he has been compared to the emperor Ashoka and called “Ashoka of the South”.
• During the rule of Krishna II, the empire faced a revolt from the Eastern Chalukyas and its size decreased to the area including most of the Western Deccan and Gujarat. Krishna II ended the Rashtrakuta dynasty  independent status of the Gujarat branch and brought it under direct control from Manyakheta. Indra III recovered the dynasty’s fortunes in central India by defeating the Paramara and then invaded the doab region of the Ganges and Jamuna rivers. He also defeated the dynasty’s traditional enemies, the Pratiharas and the Palas, while maintaining his influence over Vengi. The effect of his victories in Kannauj lasted several years according to the 930 copper plate inscription of Emperor Govinda IV. After a succession of weak kings during whose reigns the empire lost control of territories in the north and east, Krishna III the last great ruler consolidated the empire so that it stretched from the Narmada River to Kaveri River and included the northern Tamil country (Tondaimandalam) while levying tribute on the king of Ceylon.
  During the rule of Khottiga Amoghavarsha, the Paramara King Siyaka Harsha attacked the empire and plundered Manyakheta, the capital of the Rastrakutas. This seriously undermined the reputation of the Rastrakuta Empire and consequently led to its downfall.
• The final decline was sudden as Tailapa II, a feudatory of the
  Rashtrakuta ruling from Tardavadi province in modern Bijapur district, declared himself independent by taking advantage of this defeat. Indra IV, the last emperor, committed Sallekhana (fasting unto death practised by Jain monks) at Shravanabelagola. With the fall of the Rashtrakutas, their feudatories and related clans in the Deccan and northern India declared independence. The
  Western Chalukyas annexed Manyakheta and made it their capital until 1015 and built an impressive empire in the Rashtrakuta heartland during the 11th century.

Administration

• The Rashtrakuta Empire was divided into several provinces called rashtras under the control of rashtrapatis. They were further divided into vishayas or districts governed by vishayapatis.
• The next subdivision was bhukti consisting of 50 to 70 villages under the control of bhogapatis. These officers were directly appointed by the central government. The village administration was carried on by the village headmen.
• However, the village assemblies played a significant role in the village administration.
• Under the king, the vital position was of the chief minister called as Mahasandhivigrah who had five motifs adequate to his position those were conch, a flag, a large drum, a white umbrella and five musical instruments called Panchamahashabdas.
• The Commander was known as Dandanayaka and the foreign minster as Mahaskhapataladhikrita, Prime minister as Mahamatya or Purnamathya. They all were linked with the king and with the government. The Rastrakuta Dynasty  army consisted of infantry, countless elephants and several horsemen.
• The inspiring and majestic capital of Manyakheta was the most evident footing military geared up for war in a cantonment. The kings participated in the wars with enormorus defence forces. The chiefs and administratiors served as leaders whose jobs were rotated according to the situation across the region. The Rastrakusta dynasty also saw the issue of coins like Suvarna, Drammas in silver and gold.

 Architecture

• The Rashtrakutas contributed much to the architectural heritage of the Deccan. The Rashtrakuta contributions to art and architecture are reflected in the splendid rock-cut cave temples at Ellora and Elephanta, located in present day Maharashtra.
• The Ellora site was originally part of a complex of 34 Buddhist caves probably created in the first half of the 6th century in rocky areas also occupied by Jains monks whose structural details show Pandyan influence. Cave temples occupied by Hindus only became feasible later.
• The Rashtrakutas renovated these Buddhist caves and re-dedicated the rock-cut shrines. Amoghavarsha I espoused Jainism and there are five Jain cave temples at Ellora ascribed to his period. The most extensive and sumptuous of the Rashtrakutas work at Ellora is their creation of the monolithic Kailasanath Temple, a splendid achievement confirming the “Balhara” status as “one among the four principle Kings of the world”. The walls of the temple have marvellous sculptures from Hindu mythology including Ravana, Shiva and Parvathi while the ceilings have paintings.
• The Kailasanath Temple project was commissioned by King
  
  

  kailasanath temple
  Krishna I after the Rashtrakuta rule had spread into South India from the Deccan. The architectural style used was Dravidian. It does not contain any of the Shikharas common to the Nagara style and was built on the same lines as the Virupaksha temple at Pattadakal in Karnataka.
• The achievement at the Kailasanath temple is considered an architectural consummation of the monolithic rock-cut temple and deserves be considered one of the wonders of the world. As an accomplishment of art, the Kailasnatha temple is considered an unrivalled work of rock architecture, a monument that has always excited and astonished travellers.
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  elephanta caves
  While some scholars have claimed the architecture at Elephanta is attributable to the Kalachuri, others claim that it was built during the Rashtrakuta period. Some of the sculptures such as Nataraja and Sadashiva excel in beauty and craftmanship even that of the Ellora sculptures. Famous sculptures at Elephanta include Ardhanarishvara and Maheshamurthy. The latter, a three faced bust of Lord Shiva, is 25 feet (8 m) tall and considered one of the finest pieces of sculpture in India. It is said that, in the world of sculpture, few works of art depicting a divinity are as balanced. Other famous rock-cut temples in the Maharashtra region are the Dhumer Lena and Dashvatara cave temples in Ellora (famous for its sculptures of Vishnu and Shivaleela) and the Jogeshvari temple near Mumbai.

Economy

• The Rashtrakuta economy was sustained by its natural and agricultural produce, its manufacturing revenues and moneys gained from its conquests.
• Cotton was the chief crop of the regions of southern Gujarat, Khandesh and Berar. Minnagar, Gujarat, Ujjain, Paithan and Tagara were important centres of textile industry.
• Muslin cloth were manufactured in Paithan and Warangal. The cotton yarn and cloth was exported from Bharoch. White calicos were manufactured in Burhanpur and Berar and exported to Persia, Turkey, Poland, Arabia and Egypt.
• The Konkan region,  produced large quantities of betel leaves, coconut and rice while the lush forests of Mysore, produced such woods as sandal, timber, teak and ebony. Incense and perfumes were exported from the ports of Thana and Saimur.

 Cultural Contributions

• The Rashtrakutas widely patronized the Sanskrit literature. There were many scholars in the Rashtrakuta court. Trivikrama wrote Nalachampu and the Kavirahasya was composed by Halayudha during the reign of Krishna III.
• The Jain literature flourished under the patronage of the Rashtrakutas. Amogavarsha I, who was a Jain patronized many Jain scholars. His teacher Jinasena composed Parsvabhudaya, a biography of Parsva in verses. Another scholar Gunabhadra wrote the Adipurana, the life stories of various Jain saints. Sakatayana wrote the grammer work called Amogavritti.
• The great mathematician of this period, Viracharya was the author of Ganitasaram. The Kannada literature saw its beginning during the period of the Rashtrakutas. Amogavarsha’s Kavirajamarga was the first poetic work in Kannada language. Pampa was the greatest of the Kannada poets. His famous work was Vikramasenavijaya. Ponna was another famous Kannada poet and he wrote Santipurana.

  Religion

• They were religious tolerant.  The Rashtrakutas built well known Jain temples at locations such as Lokapura in Bagalkot district and their loyal feudatory, the Western Ganga Dynasty, built Jain monuments at Shravanabelagola and Kambadahalli. Scholars have suggested that Jainism was a principal religion at the very heart of the empire, modern Karnataka, accounting for a more than 30% of the population and dominating the culture of the region.
• King Amoghavarsha I was a disciple of the Jain acharya Jinasena . The mathematician Mahaviracharya wrote in his Ganita Sarasangraha, “The subjects under Amoghavarsha are happy and the land yields plenty of grain. May the kingdom of King Nripatunga Amoghavarsha, follower of Jainism ever increase far and wide.” Amoghavarsha may have taken up Jainism in his old age.
• However,few of the Rashtrakuta kings were Hindus, followers of the Shaiva, Vaishnava and Shakta faiths. Almost all of their inscriptions begin with an invocation to god Vishnu or god Shiva. The Sanjan inscriptions tell of King Amoghavarsha I sacrificing a finger from his left hand at the Lakshmi temple at Kolhapur to avert a calamity in his kingdom.
• King Dantidurga performed the Hiranyagarbha (horse sacrifice) and the Sanjan and Cambay plates of King Govinda IV mention Brahmins performing such rituals as Rajasuya, Vajapeya and Agnishtoma.
• An early copper plate grant of King Dantidurga (753) shows an image of god Shiva and the coins of his successor, King Krishna I (768), bear the legend Parama Maheshwara (another name for Shiva). The kings’ titles such as Veeranarayana showed their Vaishnava leanings. Their flag had the sign of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers, perhaps copied from the Badami Chalukyas.
• The famous Kailasnatha temple at Ellora and other rock-cut caves attributed to them show that the Hinduism was flourishing. Their family deity was a goddess by name Latana (also known as Rashtrashyena, Manasa Vindyavasini) who took the form of a falcon to save the kingdom. They built temples with iconification and ornamentation that satisfied the needs of different faiths. The temple at Salotgi was meant for followers of Shiva and Vishnu and the temple at Kargudri was meant for worshipers of Shiva, Vishnu and Bhaskara (Surya, the sun god).
• In short, the Rashtrakuta rule was tolerant to multiple popular religions, Jainism, Vaishnavaism and Shaivism. Buddhism too found support and was popular in places such as Dambal and Balligavi, although it had declined significantly by this time. The decline of Buddhism in South India began in the 8th century with the spread of Adi Shankara’s Advaita philosophy.
• Islamic contact with South India began as early as the 7th century, a result of trade between the Southern kingdoms and Arab lands. Jumma Masjids existed in the Rashtrakuta empire by the 10th century and many Muslims lived and mosques flourished on the coasts, specifically in towns such as Kayalpattanam and Nagore. Muslim settlers married local women; their children were known as Mappilas (Moplahs) and were actively involved in horse trading and manning shipping fleets.

 
  Society

• Chronicles mention more castes than the four commonly known castes in the Hindu social system, some as many as seven castes(proliferation of castes). One traveller’s account mentions sixteen castes including the four basic castes of Brahmins, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Sudras.
• The Zakaya or Lahud caste consisted of communities specialising in dance and acrobatics. People in the professions of sailing, hunting, weaving, cobblery, basket making and fishing belonged to specific castes or subcastes.
• The Antyajas caste provided many menial services to the wealthy. Brahmins enjoyed the highest status in Rashtrakuta society; only those Kshatriyas in the Sat-Kshatriya sub-caste (noble Kshatriyas) were higher in status .

Chalukya Dynasty

Time period – 6th A.D to 12th A.D . They ruled Telangana areas mainly from 543 A.D to 753 A.D .
Capital – Vatapi (modern day Badami) . Hence they are also called as Badami chalukyas.
Languages- Sanskrit, prakrit, Old kannada. Old telugu.
Religion- Hinduism, Jainism.
Sources of History –

• Inscriptions in Sanskrit and Kannada , Badami cave inscriptions of Mangalesa, Peddavaduguru inscription of Pulakesi II, the Kanchi Kailasanatha Temple inscription and Pattadakal Virupaksha Temple inscription of Vikramaditya II. The Badami cliff inscription of Pulakesi I , the Mahakuta Pillar inscription of Mangalesa  and the Aihole inscription of Pulakesi II .
• Travelogues of contemporary foreign travellers have provided useful information about the Chalukyan empire. The Chinese traveller Hsüan tsang (Xuanzang) had visited the court of Pulakesi II .

The rule of the Chalukyas marks an important milestone in the history of South India. Since it is the first south indian based kingdom to take control and consolidated the entire region between the Kaveri and the Narmada rivers.
Badami Chalukya Dynasty:
Pulakesi I and his descendants, are referred to as Chalukyas of Badami who ruled over an empire that comprised the entire state of Karnataka and most of Telangana in the Deccan. Pulakesi IIwhose precoronation name was Ereya was perhaps the greatest emperor of the Badami Chalukyas. Immadi Pulakesi (Immadi in old Kannada means “II”) is considered as one of the great kings in Indian history. His queen Kadamba Devi was a princess from the dynasty of Alupas. They maintained close family and marital relationship with the Alupas of South Canara and the Gangas of Talakad.
Pulakesi II extended the Chalukya Empire up to the northern extents of the Pallava kingdom and halted the southward march
of Harsha by defeating him on the banks of the river Narmada. He then defeated the Vishnukundins in the southeastern
Deccan. Pallava Narasimhavarman however reversed this victory by attacking and occupying the Chalukya capital Vatapi (Badami).
The Badami Chalukya dynasty went in to a brief decline following the death of Pulakesi II due to internal feuds. It recovered during the reign of Vikramaditya I, who succeeded in pushing the Pallavas out of Badami and restoring order to the empire. The empire reached a peak during the rule of the illustrious Vikramaditya II who defeated the Pallava Nandivarman II and captured Kanchipuram.

List of Badami Chalukyas:

NOTE: Only Important kings are covered here.
Pulakesi I (543 – 566 C.E.)
Pulakesi I established the Chalukya dynasty in then western Deccan and his descendants ruled over an empire that comprised the entire state of Karnataka and most of Telangana. Pulakesi overthrew the Kadambas to establish the Chalukya kingdom. He had the titles Satyashraya, Vallabha and Dharmamaharaja.
Pulakesi I was Ranaranga’s son. His wife was Durlabhadevi of Bappura family.He earned the distinction of being the first independent King and the real founder of the Chalukya dynasty. He successfully defied the waning power of the Kadambas and proclaimed the Chalukyan independence. He chose Badami (Vatapi) as his capital and constructed a strong hill fortress there. The new fortress stood on the defensible location surrounded by rivers and steep mountains. The Chalukyan kingdom did not extend much beyond the immediate vicinities of Badami.
Pulakesi performed sacrifices like Asvamedha, Hiranyagarbha, Agnistoma, Vajapeya, Bahusuvarna and Paundarika. These details are provided by his Badami Cliff inscription dated Saka 565 (543 CE).Inscriptions compares him with such mythical heroes as Yayati and Dilipa.
Kirtivarman I (566 – 597 C.E.)
Kirtivarman I succeeded Pulakesi I as the ruler of the Chalukya Dynasty. Kirtivarman I consolidated the newly founded Chalukya Kingdom. He completed the subjugation of the Kadambas, and he secured the extension of the Chalukya Kingdom by subduing the Nalas of Nalavadi, the Alupas of South Kanara and the Maurya chiefs of Konkan.
He also annexed the port of Goa, then known as Revatidvipa. The Sendrakas, the feudatories of the Kadambas who ruled in Shimoga district, now shifted their political allegiance to the Chalukyas, and married a princess from this family.
At the demise of Kirtivarman, his son Pulakesi II was too young to rule and Kirtivarman’s brother Mangalesa assumed the responsibilities of the crown.
Mangalesa (597 – 609 C.E.)
Mangalesa was an energetic and ambitious ruler succeeded Kirtivarman I to the Chalukya throne. He ruled as regent as the heir to the throne Pulakesi II was considered too young to rule.
Mangalesa won several laurels in war. Mangalesa continued the policy of expansion. He invaded the territory of the Kalachuri ruler Buddhiraja who ruled over Gujarat, Khandesh and Malwa. From the Mahakuta pillar inscription of 595 it is known that he subdued the Gangas, Pallava, Chola, Alupas and Kadambas rulers.
Mangalesa assumed the titles like Ururanaparakrama, Ranavikrama and Paramabhagavata. As Mangalesa was ruling as a regent, he should have surrendered the throne to Pulakesi II when the latter came of age. Instead he sought to prolong his reign with the view of handing the throne to his own son Sundaravarma in due course.
This forced Pulakesi to rebel against his uncle. Pulakesi left the court and by his own martial prowess, waged a war on Mangalesa with the help of few of his friends. Mangalesa was routed and killed in the battlefield of ElapattuSimbige. This incident is mentioned in the Peddavaduguru inscription, and the incident must have happened about 610 A.D
Pulakesi II (609 – 642 C.E.)
Pulakesi II is the most famous ruler of the Chalukya dynasty. In his reign the Chalukyas of Badami saw their kingdom extend over most of the Deccan.
Ereya, who assumed the name Pulakesi on his coronation, was born to the Chalukya king Kirtivarman I.  Ereya ascended the Chalukya throne as Pulakesi II and assumed the title Chalukya Parameshwara after defeating his uncle. His other assumed titles are Satyashraya, Prithvivallabha.
With this conquest, Pulakesi’s control extended completely over Southern India, including Maharashtra and parts of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. He received the title Dakshinapatheshvara (Lord of the South) at around the same time (630-634 A.D).
The Ganga ruler Durvinita gave one of his daughters in marriage to Pulakesi, and she was the mother of Vikramaditya I. Pulakesi was the first ruler in South India to issue gold coinage. Broad and circular in shape, the punchmarked coins had various punches at the edge, and a central punch depicting a Varaha or Boar. The Boar was the royal emblem of the Chalukyas. Contemporary literature cites the gold coins of south India as Varahas. It is possible that Pulakesi II lost his life in one of these encounters against the Pallavas.
Pulakesi had five sons, Chandraditya, Adityavarma, Vikramaditya, Jayasimha and Ambera. They fought among themselves after his demise, trying to divide the kingdom into territories for each of themselves. Pulakesi’s third son Vikramaditya I became the Chalukya king 642 and attempted to reunite the kingdom after defeating his brothers.
Vikramaditya I (655 – 680 C.E.)
Vikramaditya I was the third son and followed his father, Pulakesi II on to the Chalukya throne. He restored order in the fractured kingdom and made the Pallavas retreat from the capital Vatapi. Vikramaditya, with the help of his maternal grandfather Bhuvikarma of Western Ganga Dynasty set himself the task of repelling the Pallava invasion and restoring the unity of his father’s kingdom.
He defeated the Pallava Narasimhavarman I to end his occupation, which had lasted for thirteen years and expelled him from Vatapi. He defeated his brothers and other feudatories who wished to divide the empire and then declared himself king of the Chalukyas (655). He rewarded his younger brother Jayasimhavarman who was loyal to him, with the viceroyalty of Lata in the southern
Gujarat.
Vikramaditya continued his enimity with Narasimhavarman’s son and successor Mahendravarman II, and later with his son Paramesvaravarman I. He allied himself with the Pallava’s other enemy the Pandyan Arikesari Parankusa
Vinayaditya (680 – 696 C.E.)
Vinayaditya succeeded his father, Vikramaditya I on to the Chalukya throne. His reign was marked by general peace and harmony. He earned the titles Yuddhamalla, Sahasarasika, Satyashraya. He had fought alongside his father against the Pallavas, he defeated the Pallavas, Kalabhras, Keralas and the Kalachuri of central India.
From the Kolhapur plates of 678 he defeated the kingdoms of Lanka and Kamera. The Vakkaleri plates confirm the Chalukya levying tribute on Kamera, Lanka and Parasika (Persia). During this time, Persia was under Islamic invasion. Vinayaditya sent an expedition to the north under the command of his son Vijayaditya.
According to some accounts, Vijayaditya was captured and held prisoner and after a period of incarceration, escaped and returned to the Chalukyan kingdom to be crowned the monarch of the empire. Vinayaditya sent an ambassador to the Chinese court in 692.
Vikramaditya II (733 – 746 C.E.)
Vikramaditya II was the son of King Vijayaditya succeeded the Badami Chalukya throne. He had conduce  successful military campaigns against their arch enemy, the Pallavas of Kanchipuram. His most important achievements were the capture of Kanchipuram on three occasions, the first time as a crown prince, the second time as an emperor and the third time under the leadership of his son and crown prince Kirtivarman II.
Virupaksha Temple inscription alludes to the emperor as the conqueror of Kanchi on three occasions and reads Sri VikramadityabhatararmumeKanchiyanmume parajisidor. The other notable achievement was the consecration of the famous Virupaksha Temple (Lokeshwara temple) and Mallikarjuna Temple (Trilokeshwara temple) by his queens Lokamahadevi and Trilokadevi at Pattadakal. These two monuments are the centre piece of the UNESCO World Heritage Monuments at Pattadakal.
Kirtivarman II (746 – 753 C.E.)
Kirtivarman II also known as Rahappa succeeded his father Vikramaditya II. His reign was continuously troubled by the growing power of the Rashtrakutas and finally succumbed to them. Kirtivarman and his Ganga feudatory Sripurusha came into conflict with the Pandya ruler Maravarman Rajasimha I who was extending the Pandya Empire on to the Kongu country which was adjacent
to the Ganga kingdom.
Rajasimha crossed the Kaveri and engaged Kirtivarman and Sripurusha in a big battle at Venbai on the banks of the river Kaveri. The Chalukya king was defeated. Kirtivarman II was the last king of the Badami dynasty. There was a period of 220 years in which the western branch of the Chalukyas was in eclipse.

Contribution of the Chalukyas:

Art and Architecture:
The Chalukyas of Badami developed the Deccan or Vesara style in the building of structural temples, which reached culmination, however, only under the Rashtrakutas and the Hoysalas. They perfected the art of stone building without mortar. Under their auspices, the Buddhists, Jainas and Brahmanas competed with each other in building cave temples. Some of the finest specimens of the cave frescoes belonged to the Chalukya era.
Temples:
The temple building activity under the Chalukyas of Badami can be broadly divided into two stages.
The first stage is represented by the temples at Aihole and Badami. Of the temples at Aihole, four are prominent. The Ladh Khan temple is a flat roofed structure. The Durga temple was an experiment seeking to adopt the Buddhist Chaitya to a Brahmanical temple. The Hucimaligudi temple is very similar to the Durga temple, but smaller than it.
The Jaina temple of Meguti shows some progress in the construction of structural temples, but it is unfinished. Of the temples at Badami, the Melagitti Sivalaya is a small but finely proportioned and magnificently located temple. A group of four rockcut halls (one Jaina and three of them Hindu) at Badami are all of the same type.
The second stage is represented by the temples at Pattadakal.There are four temples in the northern style and six in the southern style. The Papanatha temple is the most notable among the temples of the northern style and it also reveals attempts to combine northern and southern features in one structure. The Virupaksha temple, a direct imitation of the Kailasanatha temple of Kanchi was built by one of the queens of Vikramaditya II.

Different styles of architecture

1.Nagara architecture (North Indian style)
Distinct Features:
1.In plan, the temple is a square with a number of graduated projections in the middle of each side giving a cruciform shape with a number of re-entrant angles on each side.
2.In elevation, a Sikhara, i.e., tower gradually inclines inwards in a convex curve, using a concentric rotating-squares and circles principle.
The projections in the plan are also carried upwards to the top of the Sikhara and, thus, there is strong emphasis on vertical lines in elevation. The Nagara style is widely distributed over a greater part of India, exhibiting distinct varieties and ramifications in lines of evolution and elaboration according to each locality. An example of Nagara architecture is the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple.

2. Dravidian architecture
Following four parts are important:
1.  The principal part, the temple itself, is called the Vimana (or Vimanam). It is always square in plan and surmounted by a pyramidal roof of one or more stories; it contains the cell where the image of the god or his emblem is placed.
2.The porches or Mandapas (or Mantapams), which always cover and precede the door leading to the cell.
3.Gate-pyramids, Gopurams, which are the principal features in the quadrangular enclosures that surround the more notable temples.
4.Pillared halls or Chaultris—properly Chawadis — used for various purposes, and which are the invariable accompaniments of these temples.     
Besides these, a temple always contains temple tanks or wells for water (used for sacred purposes or the convenience of the priests), dwellings for all grades of the priesthood are attached to it, and other buildings for state or convenience.

3.Vesara Style
It is a combination of  both the Nagara and the Dravida styles. This style of architecture reached perfection during the era of badami chalukyas.This style reduces the height of the individual tiers without reducing their number resulting in a reduction in the height of the temple towers.
The semi-circular structures of the Buddhist Chaityas are also incorporated in some of the temples of this style. The temples of Halebid, Belur, Somnathapura and Pattadakal are some of the examples of this style.

Polity :

The empire was divided into Maharashtrakas (provinces), then into minor Rashtrakas (Mandala), Vishaya (district), Bhoga (group of 10 villages), analogous to the Dasagrama unit used by the Kadambas. At the subordinate levels of organization, the Kadamba style entirely reigned. The Sanjan plates of Vikramaditya I have mentioned a land unit termed Dasagrama. There were many regions ruled by feudatories like Alupas, Gangas, Banas, Sendrakas etc.
Local assemblies worked on the local issues. Groups of mahajanas (learned brahmins) looked after agraharas (like Ghatika or place of higher learning) like the ones at Badami (2000 mahajans) and Aihole (500 mahajanas).
Coinage:
The Badami Chalukyas imprinted coins were included Nagari and Kannada legends. They minted coins with cryptograms of temples, lion or boar facing right and the lotus.
The coins were called honnu in old Kannada and had fractions such as fana and the quarter fana, whose contemporary equivalent being hana (literally means money). It weighed 4 grams. A gold coin called Gadyana is mentioned in some record in Pattadakal that later came to be known a varaha which was also witnessed on their emblem.
Religion:
The rule of the Badami Chalukya was a period of religious development. Initially they followed Vedic Hindusim, as observed in the diverse shrines devoted to countless popular Hindu deities. Pattadakal is the location of their grandest architecture. The worship of Lajja Gauri, the fertility goddess was equally popular.
They enthusiastically encouraged Jainsm and confirmed to by one of the Badami cave temples and other Jain temples in the Aihole complex. Aihole and Kurtukoti, Puligere (Laksmeshwara in Gadag district) were primary places of learning.
Literature
The Aihole inscription of Pulakesi II (634) written by his court poet Ravikirti in Sanskrit language and Kannada script is considered as an classical piece of poetry.
A few verses of a poetess named Vijayanaka who describes herself as the “dark Sarasvati” have been preserved. It is possible that she may have been a queen of prince Chandraditya (a son of Pulakesi II). Famous writers in Sanskrit from the Badami Chalukya period are Vijnaneshwara who achieved fame by writing Mitakshara, a book on Hindu law, and King Somesvara III, a noted scholar, who compiled an encyclopedia of all arts and sciences called Manasollasa.
From the period of the Badami Chalukyas, references are made to the existence of Kannada literature, though not much has survived. Inscriptions however refer to Kannada as the “natural language”.
The Kappe Arabhatta record of c. 700 in tripadi (three line) metre is the earliest available work in Kannada poetics.
Karnateshwara Katha, which was quoted later by Jayakirti, is
believed to be a eulogy of Pulakesi II and to have belonged to this
period. Other probable Kannada writers, whose works are not
extant now but titles of which are known from independent
references are Syamakundacharya (650), who is said to have
authored the Prabhrita, and Srivaradhadeva (also called
Tumubuluracharya, 650 or earlier), the possible author of the
Chudamani (“Crest Jewel”), a lengthy commentary on
logic .
Around 6th century AD, the Chalukya kings of Telangana also started using Telugu for inscriptions. Telugu was most exposed to the influence of Sanskrit, as opposed to Prakrit, during this period. This period mainly corresponded to the advent of literature in Telugu.

Vakataka Dynasty

Period – around 250A.D to 500 A.D .
Territorial Expanse : Their state is believed to have extended from the southern edges of Malwa and Gujarat in the north to the Tungabhadra River in the south as well as from the Arabian Sea in the western to the edges of Chhattisgarh in the east. 
Languages – Ancient Maharasthri, Sanskrit, Prakrit.
Sources of their History- Allahabad inscriptions, Ajanta caves.
Religions Patronised- Hinduism, Buddhism.
Founder – King Vindhyasakthi is considered to be  the original founder .
Rulers of the Vakataka dynasty
Vindhyasakti (250270)
Pravarasena I (270330)
1. The PravarapuraNandivardhana branch
Rudrasena I (330 355)
Prithvisena I (355 380)
Rudrasena II (380385)
Divakarasena (385400)
Prabhavatigupta (fem.), Regent (385405)
Damodarasena (Pravarasena II) (400440)
Narendrasena (440460)
Prithvishena II (460480)
2.The Vatsagulma branch
Sarvasena (330 355)
Vindhyasena (Vindhyashakti II) (355 400)
Pravarasena II (400 415)
Unknown (415 450)
Devasena (450 475)
Harishena (475500)
Territorial expansion began in the reign of his son Pravarasena I, who came to the throne about 270 and reached the Narmada River in the north by annexing the kingdom of Purika.
Branches of Vakataka Dynasty
It is generally believed that the Vakataka ruling family was divided into four branches after Pravarsena I. Two branches are known and
two are unknown. The known branches are the
1.Pravarpura Nandivardhana branch  – They ruled from various sites like Pravarapura (Paunar) in Wardha district and Mansar
and Nandivardhan (Nagardhan) in Nagpur district. This branch maintained matrimonial relations with the Imperial Guptas.
Prominent Kings were –  Rudrasena I, Pravarasena ,

2.Vatsagulma branch – This  branch was founded by Sarvasena, the
second son of Pravarasena I after his death. King Sarvasena made Vatsagulma, the present day Washim in Washim district of Maharashtra his capital .
The territory ruled by this branch was between the Sahydri Range and the Godavari River .
Important kings under this branch are :
Sarvasena
Sarvasena (c.330 355) took the title of Dharmamaharaja. He is also known as the author of Harivijaya in Prakrit which is based on the story of bringing the parijat tree from
heaven by Krishna. This work,praised by later writers is lost.
He is also known as the author of many verses of the Prakrit
Gaha Sattasai. One of his minister’s name was Ravi. He
was succeeded by his son Vindhyasena.
Vindhyasena
Vindhysena (c.355 400) was also known as Vindhyashakti II. He is known from the well known Washim plates which recorded
the grant of a village situated in the northern marga (subdivision)
of Nandikata (presently Nanded) in his 37th regnal year. The
genealogical portion of the grant is written in Sanskrit and the formal portion in Prakrit. This is the first known land grant by any Vakataka ruler. He also took the title of Dharmamaharaja.
Pravarsena II
Pravarasena II (c.400 415) was the next ruler of whom very little is known except from the Cave XVI inscription of Ajanta, which says that he became exalted by his excellent, powerful and liberal rule. He died after a very short rule and succeeded by his minor son, who was only 8 years old when his father died. Name of this ruler is lost from the Cave XVI inscription.
Devasena
This unknown ruler was succeeded by his son Devasena (c.450 475). His administration was actually run by his minister
Hastibhoja.[6] During his reign, one of his servant Svaminadeva
excavated a tank named Sudarshana near Washim
Harishena
Harishena (c.475 500) succeeded his father Devasena. He was a
great patron of Buddhist architecture, art and culture. The World
Heritage monument Ajanta is surviving example of his works. The
rock cut architectural cellXVI inscription of Ajanta states that he
conquered Avanti (Malwa) in the north, Kosala (Chhattisgarh),
Kalinga and Telangana in the east, Lata (Central and Southern Gujarat) Harishena was succeeded by two rulers whose names are not known.
The end of the dynasty is unknown. They were probably defeated by
the Kalachuri of Mahismati.

Cultural Contributions
Some of the kings of the Vakataka dynasty contributed heavily towards the sectors of culture, religion and arts. Though the rule of these kings was not as famous or as significant as the
kings of other famous dynasties, they still played a big role in those days.

Art

AJANTA CAVES
The caves, famous for its murals, are the finest surviving examples of Indian art, particularly painting.
These caves are excavated in horse–shoe shaped bend of rock surface nearly 76 m in height overlooking a narrow stream known as Waghora.
The location of this valley provided a calm and serene environment for the Buddhist monks who retreated at these secluded places during the rainy seasons. This retreat also provided them with enough time for furthering their religious pursuits through intellectual discourses for a considerably longer period
The caves were caused to be excavated by royal patronage and the feudatories under the Vakatakas as illustrated by the inscriptions found in the caves. Varahadeva, the minister of Vakataka king Harishena (A.D. 475-500) dedicated Cave 16 to the Buddhist Sangha while Cave 17 was the gift of a prince (who subjugated Asmaka) feudatory to the same king.
The flurry of activities at Ajanta was between mid 5th century A.D. to mid 6th century A.D.
During the rule of King Harishena, cave numbers sixteen and seventeen were dug out and adorned with excellent paintings and sculptures. One of the famous historians, Walter Spink
has recorded that all the caves in the Ajanta rock cut temples, except caves 9, 10, 12, 13 and
15A, were constructed during the historic rule of Harishena.
Literature
One of the rulers of the Vatsagulma branch, King Sarvasena, was also a famous poet and is best known for his work, Harivijaya in Prakrit script. During the time it was written, this work was praised by lot of literature experts. However, this work got lost over time due to lack of preservation. The work termed as Gaha Sattasai, was also penned by Sarvasena.
Religion
The last significant ruler of the Vatsagulma branch, Harishena, was known to have contributed excessively towards Buddhism culture. Cave number 16 in Ajanta caves found in the Aurangabad district is proof of the fact that Harishena won places like Nasik’s Trikuta (west), Central and Southern Gujarat’s Lata (west), Telangana (east), Kalinga (east), Malwa’s Avanti (north), Chhattisgarh’s Kosala (east) and Southern Maharashtra’s Kuntala (south).