Vaakaataka Vakataka kingdom history

Vaakaataka Dynasty History

250 A.D. – 550 A.D

Vaakaataka dynasty is one of the important dynasties that ruled after Saatavaahanas.

After Saatavaahanas Abhiras ruled Nasik, Maharashtra.

                                    Vaakaatakaas ruled Eastern Bihar.

In no time Abhiras became weak and Vaakaatakaas strengthened their position and proved as the real descendants of Saatavaahanas.

Vaakaatakas matrimonial relations – North Side – Guptha, Naga dynasties.

                                                            East Deccan – Vishnukundins.

                                                            West Deccan – Kadambas.

Extent of Vaakaataka kingdom –       North – Malwa, Bundelkhand, Gujarath.

                                                            South – River Thungabhadra

                                                            West – Arabian ocean.

                                                            East – Chattisgarh.

Vatsa Gulma – A branch of Vaakaatakaas.

Vasta Gulmas ruled Nanded, Aurangabad, Adilabad.

Political centre of Vaakaatakaas – Vidrabha, Baghelkhand.

According to early inscriptions of Vaakaatakaas, ‘Purika’ city and ‘Chanaka’ city were their capitals.

Later capital of Vaakaatakas – Pravara Pura, present day Pounar near Vardha.

Vaakaatakas stabilized political conditions in Deccan and Central India.

Vaakaatakas followed liberal religious policy.

Vaakaatakas patronized arts and letters.

Sources for Vaakaatakas’ history –

Stone slab inscriptions and Copper plate inscriptions.

Some are Vasta Gulma (Basim) branch inscriptions.

Maximum Mahaanandi Vardhana, Pravarapura inscriptions.

Language on the inscriptions – Sanskrit language and Brahmi script.

Maximum inscriptions are related to donations to Monks, Temples, Brahmins and Officers.

With these inscriptions we get to know about –

            Information related to Land, Donor, Donee.

            King’s lineage, Villages donated, Donee’s family details.

            Donee’s qualities, Donee’s place.

Nandi Vardhana Pravarapura branch inscriptions

1. 4 Munthal copper plate inscriptions – It tells about Rudra Sena’s favoritism to Vaishnavism. Issued in his 5^th regnal year.

2. Indore, Yavatmal, Masod, Manthal inscriptions by Pravara Sena –I.

Masod inscription is regarding donations to 19 Brahmins.

Yavatmal inscription is regarding reaffirming previous donation made to them.

            3. Manthal, Maharjari inscription by Prithivsena – II.

            4. Miregaon inscription is issued by Prabhavathi Guptha during Pravarasena II’s period.

Miregaon inscriptions was found at Pune.

This inscription is important to establish the date of Vakatakas.

Prabhavathi Guptha – Wife of Rudrasena II.

Prabhavathi Guptha – Daughter of Chandra Guptha II Vikramadhithya.  

After the death of Rudra Sena II Prabhavathi Guptha acted as regent to Divakarasena, Damodarasena, and Pravarasena.