Vakatakas
- The Vakataka dynasty controlled regions of central and southern India between the third and sixth centuries CE.
- They held their capital in Nandivardhana (modern-day Nanded, Maharashtra).
- Vindhyashakti was the founder of the Vakataka Dynasty.
- Territorial expansion began during the reign of his son Pravarasena I.
- It is widely assumed that the Vakataka dynasty was divided into four branches following Pravarasena I.
- Two branches are known, while two remain unknown.
- There are two recognized branches – Pravarapura-Nandivardhana and Vatsagulma.
- Under the Vakatakas’ authority, Buddhism and Hinduism coexisted.
Cultural Contributions
- Ajanta Caves, which are included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Buddhist temples, prayer halls, and chaitya (stupa) halls with elaborate sculptures and murals may be found in these rock-cut caverns.
- Although the Rashtrakuta dynasty is more closely linked to the Ellora Caves, some of the earlier caves- especially those in the Hindu group, which include caverns 14 to 29- are thought to date from the Vakataka period.
- Rock-cut temples like Dhumar Lena temple at Ellora, exhibit characteristics of Vakataka architecture.
Decline
- Due in part to internal strife and outside invasions, the Vakataka dynasty started to fall in the late 4th century CE.
- The Vakatakas’ descendants, the Chalukyas, and the Kadambas, inherited their domains.