Vakatakas and Other Dynasties of Peninsular India (c. 300 AD – c. 600 AD)

Vakatakas and other dynasties of Gupta Age by Harsh

Guptas were an important power in north India in the time period of c. 300 AD to c. 600 AD but it was not a pan-India empire as there were some powerful and independent empires in other parts of India. For example, Vakatakas were the major power in Deccan India. Apart from Vakatakas, there were some other empires in Peninsular India. In this blog, we will discuss about politico-administration, economic and social factors of these empires.

Also Read : Gupta Period – Military Campaigns, Rama Gupta and War with Hunas

Gupta Age – Nature and Character of Administration

Gupta Age – Foundation and Political System

Vakatakas of Deccan

 The history of Vakatakas is largely gathered from the inscriptions and texts like Puranas. They initially established in north of River Narmada (Vindhyan Region) and ruled form mid-3^rd century to later 5^th-early 6^th century. They shared matrimonial alliances with Guptas, Nagas, Kadambas and Vishnukundins of Andhra. Vindhyashakti was the founder of Vakataka dynasty.

He was succeeded by Pravarasena who extended the empire to southwards, his capital was Kanchanaka. He was the only Vakataka who adopted the title of Samrat, others were called as Maharaja. After Pravarasena, the dynasty was get divided into two branches; Padmapura-Nandivardhana-Pravarapura line and other was Vatsagumla line.

The first line was represented by Rudrasena, the successor of Pravarasena. Rudrasena was succeeded by Prithvisena. Prithvisena, the second, was the last ruler of this line and most of the inscriptions of Vakatakas were also belonged to Prithvisena.

The second branch was founded by Sarvasena adopted the title of Dharma-Maharaja and he was succeeded by Vindhyashakti, the second. They ruled over the Marathwada region. Harisena was the last king of this branch. Most of the Ajanta caves were executed during this period.

Other Dynasties of Peninsular India

The region of Odisha was divided into several principalities such as Pitribhaktas, Matharas and Vasishthas, they rose in power in south Odisha. The rise of Eastern Ganges in south Kalinga was most prominent development in Odisha and they were probably a branch of Western Ganges. Nala, Sharabhapuriya and Panduvamshi established themselves in Dakshin Kosala (western Odisha and Eastern Madhya Pradesh).

In the region of western Deccan, Bhojas were emerged who originally based in Berar region. Traikutakas were located on western coast between Kanheri and Surat. Kalachuris were came in prominence in second half of the 6^th century AD in north Maharashtra, Gujarat and parts of Malwa. In Mysore, Western Ganges came fore in 4^th century AD, founded by Kongunivarman (Madhava) whose capital was Kolar.

Chalukyas of Badami was a small power during this time as they started to emerged slowly in the region of North Karnataka. In the Eastern Deccan, Vishnukundins were ruling in the area of Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. But they originally seem to be based in Kurnool. In the area of far south, Pallavas of Kanchi were major power who generally associated with Tondaimandalam.

The Prakrit inscription mention several kings including Shivakandavarman ruled in early 4^th century AD. Vishnugopa was one of the kings of Dakshinapatha, defeated by Samudra Gupta. Kalabhras includes Muttaraiyar rulers of Kodumballu, a people of Karnataka. The Vellala community and Kalavar chieftains mostly seem to dominated the region of Tamilnadu.

Administrative Structure of Vakatakas

Vakatakas divided the empire into number of provinces called Rashtras or Rajyas, for example, Varuchha Rajya. These Rajyas were administered by Rajyadhikritas. Provinces were further divided into Vishayas which divided into Aharas and Bhogas or Bhuktis. Vakataka grants refers to an officer called Sarvadhyaksha, who appointed and directed subordinate officers known as Kulaputras.

Kulaputras duties included maintenance of law and order. Rajukas was associated with revenue assessment. Senapati and Dandanayaka were the military officers. Rashika, a rule of Mekala, seem to been a confidential officer attached to king. Gramakuta was the village headmen. Devavarika was the head of police village.

Revenue Resources of States

Vakatakas inscriptions mention the term Klipta and Upaklipta. The Klipta was the sale tax or purchase tax imposed on products. There were royal monopolies on some areas of economy. They enjoyed royal monopolies over treasure trove, deposits, mines and salt reserves.

Land Ownership

There are some inscriptions which suggested that land was considered as the property of village community. Other evidences suggested royal ownership, owned by king. Manusmriti and Dharmashastra also gave evidences of land ownership. Angula (3/4^th of an inch) was the smallest measuring unit. Adhavapa, Dronavapa, nala etc. were also some land measures.

Vakatakas were great donors of land to Brahmanas. For example, Pravarasena donated 20 villages. Land grants to Brahmanas begun in Karnataka in 2^nd century AD.

Craft Production, Guilds and Trade

 The inscriptions of Vakatakas mentioned several types of artisans, traders and occupational groups. Metal working is listed in Kamasutra as one of the 64 arts. The Iron Pillar at Mehrauli reflects high level metallurgy skill. Coin casting, metal engraving, pottery making, terracotta work and wood carving are some specialized crafts mentioned. The arts of Ajanta caves are well known.

Narada Smriti and Brihaspati Smriti describes the organization and activities of guilds as the donors and banker. The account of Cosmas mention ports on western coast of India such as Calliena (Kalyan), Sibor (Chaul), Male (Malabar), Mangrouth (Mangalore), Solapatana etc. Fa-Hien mentioned sea route between India and China. The main trading item were cotton cloth silk, sandalwood, spices and camphor.

Thus, apart from Guptas, regional kingdoms played crucial role in every field of state. Vakatakas played important role in the field of art and culture, Ajanta caves are the example of same.