Telangana360

The Vakataka Dynasty Vastagulma Branch (c. 335 – c. 483 CE) ruled Telangana from c.340 CE - c. 483 CE.  The Vastagulma rulers controlled territories stretching from Vidarbha to parts of Telangana, though their influence in Telangana was often indirect, exercised through feudatories and military campaigns, rather than through centralized control. The region later came under the dominance of the Vishnukundins, who inherited much of the former Vakataka territory there. At their zenith under Harisena (c. 460–478 CE), the Western Vakatakas extended influence over Avanti, Kosala, Kalinga, Andhra, and Gujarat. Culturally, the dynasty is remembered for its religious pluralism, patronage of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, and for monumental achievements in art and literature. Their greatest legacy is seen in the Ajanta Caves, where exquisite paintings and sculptures sponsored during Harisena’s reign remain a UNESCO World Heritage treasure. However, internal weaknesses, feudal revolts, and ...

The Pallava Dynasty (c. 275 CE – 897 CE) briefly ruled parts of Telangana between c. 310 - 340 CE and later emerged as a major power in South India. From their capital at Kanchipuram, the Pallavas transformed the political, cultural, and artistic landscape of the region. They presided over a golden age of Tamil civilization, pioneered the evolution of Dravidian temple architecture, and extended their influence across the Deccan and Southeast Asia. Capital : Kanchipuram Founder : Virakurcha Languages : Sanskrit, Prakrit, Tamil Religion : Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism 1. Origins and Rise Feudatory Beginnings: The Pallavas initially served as feudatories (samantas) to the Satavahana Empire. Naga Dynasty Succession : They are also believed to have succeeded the Chutu dynasty (often associated with the Naga race), establishing their independent rule. Rise to Power: The pivotal moment came through a strategic marriage alliance. A Pallava prince (likely Simhavarman I) married a daughter of th...

Mahisha Saka Chutu Dynasty (c.208 CE - c.310 CE) represents a fascinating and pivotal, yet often overlooked, chapter in the history of post-Satavahana South India. Emerging from the twilight of the mighty Satavahana Empire in the late 2nd century CE, the Chutus were a Saka (Indo-Scythian) lineage that successfully carved out a kingdom spanning parts of modern-day Telangana, Karnataka and Maharashtra, ruling for over a century until approximately 310 CE. Founder : Rano Chutukulananda  Capitals : Kondapur (administrative center in the north) modern Telangana, and Banavasi (Vaijayantipura) (primary capital in the south) modern Karanataka Language : Prakrit was the language of administration and inscriptions, using the Brahmi script. Religion : Predominantly Buddhist, as evidenced by donations for Viharas (e.g., by Queen Kundavallisri and Princess Sivaskanda Nagasri). However, the land grants to Brahmins and the installation of the Naga sculpture show a syncretic religious policy and ...

The Abhiras also called Abheeras, ruled Telanagana from c.208 CE to 280 CE  and Maharashtra and Konkan until  375 AD were a powerful dynasty that emerged in the power vacuum following the decline of the Satavahanas in the western Deccan. Initially serving as military commanders for the Western Satraps (Sakas), they eventually declared independence and established a kingdom that, while brief in its sovereign zenith, played a significant role in the transitional period of Indian history. Founder : Isvarasena Language : Sanskrit Religion : Hinduism (Saivism) 1. Origins and Rise Ethnic and Social Background : The Abhiras were traditionally a pastoral community (cowherds), often referred to as Gavali rajas. They claimed descent from the Yaduvanshi Kshatriya clan, linking themselves to the lineage of Lord Krishna. Military Service : They initially entered the military service of the Western Satraps, rising to high ranks. Their martial prowess was crucial to the Saka rulers. J...

The Satavahanas (also known as the Satakarnis or Salivahanas) ruled the Deccan from c. 232 BCE to c. 208 CE. Originating in present-day Telangana, they rose to power after the decline of the Mauryan Empire and became one of the most influential dynasties of early India. The Satavahanas consolidated political authority across the Deccan, controlled vital trade routes including extensive commerce with the Roman world and actively supported agriculture, crafts, and guild-based industries. They were also notable patrons of religion and culture, extending support to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism, which is reflected in the art and architecture of sites such as Amaravati, Nashik, and Karle. Their administration combined dynastic rule with unique features such as succession occasionally passing through queens which set them apart from many contemporary dynasties. The Satavahanas thus laid enduring foundations in politics, economy, and culture, shaping the historical trajectory of southern a...

The Ikshvaku Dynasty (c. 208 – 320 CE) also called Andhra Ikṣvakus or Sriparvatiya Ikṣvakus was a powerful kingdom that rose in the eastern Deccan following the decline of the Satavahana Empire. Originally feudatories, they declared independence and established a vibrant, cosmopolitan capital at Vijayapuri (modern Nagarjunakonda). Though their reign was brief, their legacy is profound, marked by a unique blend of Vedic Brahmanism and Buddhism, active international trade, and sophisticated art and architecture. Their capital, now largely submerged under the Nagarjuna Sagar reservoir, was a major intellectual and religious center. Founder: Vasiṣṭhiputra Śrī Śāntamūla (Śāntamūla I) Capitals: Vijayapuri (modern Nagarjunakonda, submerged under Nagarjunasagar Dam), Palnadu, Andhra Pradesh Extent: Eastern Krishna Valley; ruled parts of modern Andhra Pradesh (Palnadu, Guntur, Krishna) and Telangana (Nalgonda, Mahbubnagar, Khammam) Religion: Brahmanism (royal), Buddhism (queens, princesses), Ja...

Mauryan Empire in Telangana (c. 300 BCE - 232 BCE) Founder : Chandragupta Maurya (320 BC - 298 BC)  Capital : Pataliputra (modern Patna, Bihar) Languages : Prakrit Religion : Budhism, Jainism, Brahmanism The Mauryan Empire (c. 322 – 185 BCE) was the first and one of the largest empires to ever encompass most of the Indian subcontinent. Its geography was vast and diverse, stretching from the fertile plains of the Ganges to the mountainous frontiers of the northwest and the plateaus of the south. While the core of the Mauryan Empire was in Magadha (modern-day Bihar),came to power by overthrowing the Nanda Dynasty in 322 BC. its influence extended deep into the Deccan Plateau, including Telangana. Rulers Chandragupta Maurya c. 322 – 298 BCE  The Founder. He overthrew the Nanda Dynasty in Magadha and expanded the empire to cover most of northern India. He successfully defeated the Seleucid Empire in the northwest, acquiring territory in modern-day Afghanistan and Baloch...