SATAVAHANAS(221 BC-218AD)

~Satavahanas were initially Vassals/Feudatories(samanthulu) of the Mauryas in [Link] they

followed the principles of State policy like Welfare State and Paternal Kinship of Mauryas,they did not
follow the Administrative system and well expanded Bureaucracy of [Link] contemporaries
very well knew that Mauryan Empire collapsed partly because of excessive centralization and
expanded bureaucracy. Also called Vaaradhi Rajyam [By Romila Thapar]
■ The satavahanas are the first historical ruling dynasty of Deccan which include
Maharastra,AP,Karnataka.
■ They were the only South Indian dynasty to control the entire deccan and extend their sway over
Magadha for some time. They united whole Andhra area between Krishna and Godavari rivers.
■ They saved the Dakshinapatha from the on slaught of foreign invaders.
#Satavahana Dynasity Official Language:Prakrit.
#First mention of Andhras in Aitreya Brahmana(AB is part of Rigveda)

SOURCES:
1) INSCRIPTIONS (Epigraphy)
~First to use inscriptions in India - Ashoka(Mauryas)
~in Andhra – Kanha (Satavahanas); language used – Prakrit
#Bahlur(person)- Researched on inscriptions of Satavahanas
#Krishna(Kanha) was the first to inscribe inscriptions .
• Nanaghat inscription of Naganika : about Satakarni 1’s titles – Aprathi hatha chakra and
Dakshinapathapati ; Also describes about marital relations between Satavahanas and
Matharas. Mentions about Satakarni 1 conquest of Malwa,Anupa,Vidarbha.
The inscription also talks about Satakarni 1’s Aswameda sacrifice and Rajasuya sacrifice.
#Nashik inscription of Gautami Balasri – About Gautami putra Satakarni
• Hathigumpa and Guntupalli inscriptions of Kharavela(Kalinga king and contemporary of
Satakarni 1) – describes about ‘Chaturanga balaalu’ and record the conflict b/w Satakarni 1 and
Kharavela.
• Girnar(Junagadh) inscription of Rudradaman – About marital relations of Satavahanas and
Ujjaini kshatrapas. Rudraraman gave his daughter Rudradamanika to Vashishtaputra Satakarni
in [Link] is also first inscription issued in Sanskrit.
• Erragudi (Kurnool)inscription of Ashoka – Describes Teacher&Student relation. [13th rock
edict of Asoka tells us that Satavahanas are the vassals of the Mauryas]
• Amaravati inscription of Pulamavi 2 – First inscription of Satavahanas in Andhradesa.
• Bhattiprolu inscription of Kuberudu – Informs about the Municipal councils and Urban areas
during the Satavahana period.
• Myakadoni (Bellary)inscription of Pulamavi 3 – About village administration and Gulmika
(Chief law and order officer in the village) ; Also about the downfall of Satavahanas.
• Unnagar inscription – Describes the system of administration and CoM of Satavahanas .
• Andau Rock inscription – Reveals the rule of Satavahanas.
• Nagarjuna Konda inscription:by Vijaya Sri
2) COINS (Numismatics)(Sigilography-study of marks on coins)
Coins made of Copper,Lead,Tin. Only one ruler issued Silver coins.
• Satavahanas’ coins were found at – Salihundam (Srikakulam); Kondapur (Medak); Nagarjuna
Konda (Guntur); Athirala (Kadapa) & Vinukonda (Guntur) – Roman Gold coins
~Coins found at Kondapur were having a comment “Siri Chimuka Sata”
• Images printed on coins of Satavahanas – Bull, Elephant, Horse, Ship, Lion, Swastik, Ujjaini arch,
Triratna. Two languages were used on coins– Prakrit and Desibasha.
• The first coins that came into light with name of Local Kings:Gobhadra,Samagopa
• Ajay Mitra Sastri studied about Satavahana Coins.

3) LITERATURE
• Kathasarita sagaram of Somadevasuri(Sanskrit) mentions about Satavahana dynasty for 1st
time.
• Brihatkata of Gunadya(Court poet of Kunthala Satakarni) gives information about Satavahana
society.
• Language used – Paisachik Prakrit
• Gatha saptasati of Hala(Title: Kavivatsalya)- Describes rural livelihood during that period.
Mention of sugar and jaggery. Also mentioned that the criminals were hanged to trees.
Language used – Maharashtra Prakrit
• Leelavati parinayam of kuthuhaludu. (Prakrit)
• Kaamasutra of Vatsayana (Sanskrit) [Court poet of Kunthala Satakarni] – About sexual life.
• Katantara vyakaranam of Sarva varma – for learning Sanskrit
• Sruhallekha of Acharya Nagarjuna – About debate between Nagarjuna and Yagnasree Satakarni
on Buddhism related issues. Itsing also mentioned about this.
• Harshacharita of Banabatta – mentioned Yagnasree Satakarni as ‘Trisamudreshwara’
• Buddhist works mahavastu , katharvastu
• Foreign account like Megasthenes’ Indica , Pliny’s Natural History, Periplus of Erthriyean sea by
of William, Guide to Geography of Ptolemy, Huien-Tsang’s Si-Yu-Ki.
o Indica was the first foreign book that mentioned about Andhra.
 Matsya purana tells us about the Genealogy of the Satavahanas. Matsya purana mentions the
first Satakarni as ‘Mallakarni’. But no further details in this.
 Vishnu purana is a detailed book about the lineage of Satavahanas.
 Kaliyuga Rajavritanta, which is a part of Bhavisya Purana, deals with the genealogy of Andhras.

CASTE:
• They might be Bramhins bcoz of titles like Eka bramhana ,Aagama nilaya and Vasista and
Gautama gotrams.
• They might be kshatriyas bcoz Gautami balasri called herself Rajarshi patni.
• They might be shudras bcoz moolapurushudu satavahana born to bramhana man of shudra
woman
CAPITALS
1. Srikakulam
2. Danyakataka or Dharanikota(Amaravati)
3. Pratishanapuram
4. Kotilingala ( jagityal district)

POLITICAL HISTORY
Satavahanas ruled Deccan between 2nd century BC to 2nd Century AD with 30 Kings.
Satavahanas were the first political dynasity to unify Andhra [Link] protected the
territorial integrity of the Andhradesa from the external agressions.

1. MOOLA PURUSHUDU : SATAVAHANUDU

 Father of Simuka(founder of satavahana Dynasity)

 A vassal of mauryans (Ashoka) from medak district- kondapur
 Satavahanas got their name from him
 Satavahanudu mentioned in jain texts : kalpa pradeepa, Katha Sarita sagaram

2. EARLY SATAVAHANAS (1st -23rd Rulers)

SIMUKA (Dynasity Founder) 221BC-198BC

 A vassal of Mauryans, ruled Kotilingala (jagityal district) .
 Called as Sisuka , Sinduka (vayu puranam) ,Chimukha (matsya puranam) , balah or Bala
prutchaka (vishnu puranam) , Bali / vrushaludu (bhagavata puranam) .
 Jain who later converted to bramhanism .
 Jain guru of Simuka – Kaalakasuri
 Capital : Pratishanapuram. Ruled for 23 years
 His coins are found at kotilingala , Kondapur.
 His names on coins : Rana gobardha , Rana goswamy, Sadhvahana , Chimukha
 Sources about his reign : Nanaghat inscription of Naaganika(wife of Satakarni 1), Ashoka’s 13th
rock edict (claimed Andhras as his samanthas) ; Contemporary of Ashoka
 Acc to DC sarkar, Ashoka gave ‘Raya’ title to simukha.

KANHA( KRISHNA) 198BC-180BC

 Brother of Simuka. Ruled for 18 years.
 Entry of Bhagavata religion in to Andhra during his period.
 Title : Parama Bhagavata (bcoz he took bhagavata religion)
 Extended the kingdom as far as Nashik.
  Built 2 cave viharas and donated to Buddha sanyasas - Karle , Kanheri caves in maharashtra.
 Fought with Pushyamitra for vidharba region.
 Appointed an employee called ‘Mahamatra’(officer for morality) for Buddhist monks.

SATAKARNI 1 180BC-170BC
 Son of Simuka. Greatest among the Early Satavahanas
 The Satavahanas who continued as vassals of the Mauryas, declared themselves independent
during the reign of Satakarni 1.
 1st king to include vamsa namam (sata) infront of his name.
 Matsya puranam called him as Mahan, Malla karna.
 Married Devi Naganika, daughter of Maharathi Tranakaryiro (RATHIKA TRIBE)
 Naganika issued Nanaghat inscription in prakrit in which
-Satakarni 1 was described as Eka vira , Sura , Dakshinapathi ,
Apratiharachakra, Asmakaadisa.
*He conquered Malwa, Narmada , Vidarbha.
Minted coins having Elephant symbol.
 Occupied Ujjain by defeating pushyamitra sunga ; Fought with kharavela ; Defeated Demetrius.
 Performed aswameda , rajasuya ; 1st king to perform aswameda
 Donated silver coins, tax free lands, Cows, Villages, Elephants, Horses to Brahmins.

NAGANIKA
 Ruled in name of Vedasri. Son of Satakarni 1 & Devi Naganika
 Also called as Purnotsunga
 Kharavela attacked and destroyed Pritunda nagaram (Bhattiprolu) during his reign.

SATAKARNI 2 (152BC-96BC)
 6th Satavahana king ; Ruled for longest period among satavahanas (56 yrs).
 After death of Pushyamitra sunga, he occupied Vidisha and Pataliputra and became 1st south
king to occupy a north place. After death of kharavela, he occupied [Link] inscribed the
royal emblem of Pataliputra on his coins as a token of his victory.
 His coins found in Malwa bear the comment ‘Ranosiri Satakanika’.
 He was mentioned in Yugapuranam; Title : Rajanya Sri Satakarni
 He built Southern arch for Sanchi stupa and engraved the inscription.
 His court artist : Vashishtraputra Ananda

KUNTALA SATAKARNI (38BC-30BC)

 13th king , Title : Vikramaditya bcoz he started `Vikrama era`
 Sanskrit replaced Prakrit as official language.
 His court poet Vatsayana wrote `Kamasutra` and `Nyaya Bhashyam`.
 Kuntala Satakarni minister Gunadhya wrote Brihatkata in the paisachi dialect and later
Somadevasuri wrote Kathasarita sagaram. Based on Brihatkata, Vishnu Sharma wrote
Panchatantra.
  Sarva varma wrote Kyatantra Vyakaranam (1st Sanskrit book in South India) to teach Kuntala
Satakarni Sanskrit.

PULOMAVI 1 (30BC-06BC)
 Pulomavi = person born in grass
 15th andhra king and mentioned in puranas.
 Ruled Magadha for 10 years as per Vayu Purana.
 Annexed Pataliputra by killing Susarma (kanva king) and after this Satavahana kingdom
became Satavahana empire.

GAURAVA KRISHNA
 16th king and ruled for 25 years
 He was called Nikuvarmudu , Arista karmudu bcoz of his defeats in hands of Sakas multiple
times.

HALA
 17th king and mentioned in Kamasutra , Rajasekhara’s Kavya mimamsa ; Ruled for 5 years.
 Main reason for his victories – Senapati : Vijayanadudu
 Lilavati parinayam book by Kuthulaludu was a love story between Hala and Sri Lankan princess
Lilavati and they married in sapta godavari (draksharamam).
 Titles : Kavi Raju , kavi vatsaludu (Patron of poets); He wrote Abidanam Chintamani
 Hala compiled Gatha saptasati (700 stories in satavahanas period)in Prakrit. Theme: Love
 His period is hailed as Golden period for Prakrit language.
 First telugu words atta , addam , potta are in Gatha saptasati.

3. LATER SATAVAHANAS(23-30)

GAUTAMI PUTRA SATAKARNI (78AD-102AD)

• 23rd king ; Greatest king of Satavahanas ; First king who attached mother’s name
• He came to throne in 78AD and started Saalivahana Era ; Kanishka started Saka era in 78AD
• Only king who followed Saalivahana Era – Yadava Ramachandra Devudu (Devagiri king)
• Patronised both Hinduism and Buddhism.
• Started practice of giving Agraharas to Brahmins.
• He started Brahmin Supremacy in the Kingdom and strengthened the Chaturvarna system.
• His minister : Shiva gupta – main reason for his success.
• He conquered Assaka (telangana),Mulaka (godavari region),Rishika (Krishna region),Setagiri
(Nagarjuna konda),Vyjanthi (karnataka),Aparanta (konkan).
• He destroyed kshaharata lineage king Nahapana of Sakas and took the title Ksharatta Vamsa
Nirovaseshakar.
• In the later part of his reign he lost some territories to kardamaka lineage of Sakas.
• Nashik inscription in Prakrit by Gautami Balasri is about his victories (During Pulamavi 2
reign).
 • Empire Boundaries during his reign : N-Rajasthan;E-BoB;W-Arabian;S-Kadaluru[Nellore dist.]
TITLES :
A. Raja raja , Maharaja , Rajoran
B. Eka bramhana (a peerless bramhana)
C. Kshatriya darpamana mardhana (destroyer of pride of kshatriyas)
D. Saka , yavana , pahlava nisudhana
E. Kshaharata vamsa nirvashesakara (as he defeated Nahapana)
F. Tri samudra Toya pita vahana (Gurraalaki moodu samudralu Neeru taaginchina vaadu)
G. Dwijavara kutumba rivastana

VASISTHAPUTRA PULOMAVI (OR) PULOMAVI 2 (102AD-130AD)

• Called Nava nagara swamy (he built 9 towns).
• Gautami balasri called him ‘Dakshina Padheswara’ in her Nashik inscription.
• Ptolemy in his book a ‘Guide to Geography’ said that there was clashes between Pulomavi 2 and
Chastanudu of Sakas.
• Rudradaama of Sakas attacked him and defeated him. So Pulomavi shifted his capital from
Prastinapuram to Amaravati.
• His inscriptions: Amaravati inscription (1st excavated Satavahana inscription in andhra) and
first telugu word ‘naagabu’ was in it . Amaravati stupa was erected during his time.
• His inscriptions – 4 in Nashik, 2 in Karle, 1 in Amaravati.
• His coins has king statue and his title.

SIVASRI SATAKARNI (OR) VASHISTAPUTRA SATAKARNI (130AD-154AD)

• Brother of Pulomavi 2 ; Title : Kshtrapa
• Acc to Junagarh or Girnar inscription (1st sanskrit inscription), Rudradaman defeated Sivasri
twice and gave his daughter Rudramanika to Sivasri.
• As he married woman from Sakas, he was removed from satavahana vamsa vruksham ( bcoz of
varna sankaranam).
• Released coins in dual language ( prakrit , tamil).

YAGNASRI SATAKARNI (174 AD– 203AD)

• 27th king ; He occupied Malwa and north Konkan from Sakas.
• His coins has ship on it (ships ki Tera chaapa ni design chesadu-first in the world).
• Acharya Nagarjuna was in his court. Yagnasri built Mahachaitya vihara or Parvata vihara for
Nagarjuna in Nagarjunakonda. It had 1500 rooms as per Fa-hein.
• Note: Nagarjuna Titles:Indian Einstein;Indian Martin Luther;Prophet of Madhamika vada.
• Matsya purana was compiled during his reign.
• Built stone railing around Amaravati stupa and made it much more beautiful.
• High trade with Rome during his time.
• Two inscriptions of his time were found in A.P – Chinaganjam ; Amaravati
• Banabatta , author of Harshcharita calls him Trisamudradipati.
VIJAYASRI SATAKARNI
• Brother of Yagnasri satakarni. Sri parvatam is called vijayapuri on his name
• His Nagarjuna konda inscription
1) starts with buddha prayer
2) mentioned vijaya samvastaram , vaishaka tidi ;First inscription to mention ‘Tidi’

SATAKARNI CHANDASRI (29th ruler) – Samanthas revolted during his reign.

PULOMAVI 3 (30TH RULER)

• His Myaka Doni Shasanam describes about decline of Satavahanas. This inscription mentions
‘Gulmika’ which means Regional head.
• Srishantamuludu defeated Pulomavi 3 and occupied Satavahana empire.
~Word Andhra was used for the first time in Mydavolu inscription.(Mydavolu in Guntur)

SATAVAHANAS ADMINISTRATION
Nasik inscription and Usmanfar Inscriptions mention about Satavahana Administration.

• Ruled for 450 Years( by 30 rulers).The succession to the throne is Law of Primogeniture.
• 1st independent kingdom in South India
• As these are feudatories of Mauryans, these people mostly followed Mauryan administrative
system except few exceptions.
~Similarities:
Names of officials like Amatya’s, Mahamatras
~Differences :
a. Mauryan emperor : Rajan ,Satavahanas emperor: RajaRaja
b. Emperor was given divine status in Satavahanas period but not in Mauryan rule.
c. Military and feudal elements were not present in mauryan system but present in Satavahanas
Eg: Senapati was appointed as provincial governor.
• Highest official after king in the kingdom - Mahabhoja
• Administration based on Artha Satra, Manu dharma sastra.
• Practice of having raja bhirudulu in South India, originally started by kushanas In india .
• To implement king’s orders, there was a secretariat called ‘Akshapatala’.

o Sources of Satavahanas Administrative system:

*Nashik,Amaravati, Usman ghar inscriptions
*Kaamasutra ,Gatasapta sati books

ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEM

Central Level:

-To assist the King,an advisory body called Rajamukhya was founded.
-Implementing the orders of the king is the responsibility of the Secretariat called Akshapatala.
-Heranaka is the chief Tax collector at the Centre.
-Nibandhakarna is the chief custodian of Royal records.
-Mahabandhagarika is the supervisor of royal Godowns.
-Vigrahaka is the incharge of Law and Order.

1) KINGDOM : Head: Emperor; Prince: Yuvaraja ; Ministers —— Decentralised system

2)SAMANTHAS or JANAPADAS (Feudatory Kingdoms)
• These are hereditary semi autonomous territories.
• Important janapadas:Anupa,rushika, Mahabhojaka (pune),Radhika janapadam(Nashik)
#Heads:
A. Rajas : has power to strike coins
B. Maharathis: power to collect and waive tax, previlage of marriage with ruling family
C. Mahabhojakas :they are most powerful next to King.
-Both Maharathis & Mahabhojakas are hereditary.
3) PROVINCES or AHARAS
• Other than the Samanthas, remaining kingdom is divided into Provinces or [Link]
Governors of the provinces were Aryaputras and Amatyas.
• Heads: If king’s sons become head, they are Kumaramatyas and if any other officer
becomes head, they are called Amatyas.
• Non-hereditary, appointed for 5 years.
• Imp Aharas: Govardhana(nashik) , Mamala(pune) , Sopara Aharas
4) CITY (NIGAMA) :
• Nigama sabhas are corporate bodies and the members of it are [Link]
administration was looked after by this autonomous body(Nigama Sabha).
• Nigama sabhas are mentioned in Indica,Battivrolu sasanam .
5) VISHAYAS : Vishayadhipati
6)VILLAGE:
• Head of the village – Gulmika (in Mauryan administration- Gramani)
• ‘Gaulmika’ is also head of small military regiment
• ‘Harika’ is the village Administrative officer.
• Mahak Aryaka: dispute settlement in villages
• Rajjuka: land survey in villages
MINISTERS
 Visva Amatya : Prime Minister
 Raja Amatya : implements what emperor says
 Maha Amatya : Finance minister
 Maha darmika : minister related to educational, religious disputes
 Maha aryaka : judicial minister
 Maha talavara : commander ARMY
• Acc to Hathigumpa inscription, they have chaturanga balalu.
• The military character of satavahanas were also evident from the common use of terms like
Katakas(Permanent cantonments) and Skandavara(Temporary cantonments) in their
inscriptions. These are military camps served as administrative centre when king is present.
OTHER OFFICERS
 Heranaka : treasurer ,collects land tax in money form
 Mahamatras:Head of Departments
 Bandagareekudu : controller of stores, collect land taxes in material or grain form .1/6th of
Gross produced was the Land Tax.
 Nibanda karudu : Registrar of documents
 Lekakudu :writer of inscriptions
 Aksha patakudu : writes Aagnalu,aadeshalu of king
 Patlika palaka : director of Archives
 Pratiharudu : protector of forts
 Maha taraka : Chamberlain
 Maha matras : heads of Departments
 Rajju gahaka : land surveyor and Settlement officer
 Skanda varalu : spy
 Rajya bhashaka : Measures land and collect tax
 Mahataraka:Chamberlain
 Ganapaka:Accountant
 Pratihara and Duta:Messengers
 Uparakshita:Duty of building Caves

SOCIAL CONDITIONS
Satavahana Society is termed as composite society by R.S Sharma.
Main source to study Satavahana society was Gatasaptasathi of Hala,Nashik Inscription,Nanaghet
Inscription and writing of Strabo(Greek historian).

CASTE&PROFESSIONS
• Four fold caste system – Chaturvarna system based on occupation(difference b/w class and caste not
well established).
• Acc to Agastya Dharma sastra there are 2 additional castes o Ugra : born to higher caste man and
lower caste woman o Chandala : born to lower caste man and higher caste woman.
• One can change their caste by changing their [Link] per Amaravati Inscription of
Dhimika,within one family,there were men of all professions.(Dhimika is a shoe maker)
• Gautami Putra Satakarni opposed assimilation of castes (Especially foreigners taking our castes and
names) and it is called opposing varna sankaranam. So he is called Eka Bramhana and
Dvigakulavardhana.
• Along with the four fold system there are 4 classes based on their profession
o Feudatories : maharathis , mahabhojas , mahasenapathi
o Amathyas , Sethis (merchants)
o Halika (cultivators) , suvarnakara (gold smith)
o Vachiki kolika (weaver) ,Kamara (black Smith)
- Prevalence of Slavery. Gunadya mentions slave trade in his Brihatkata.
FAMILY
• Patriorchial joint family system ; Matriarchal too(Metronymics).
• No joint occupation but Joint Family Land holdings are prevalent.
• Widow remarriage ;
• Inter caste marriage and Polygamy (Among higher status people)
• Anuloma is most accepted marriage(higher caste man + lower caste woman);Pratiloma(high
caste woman and Low caste Man marriage)not allowed.
• Woman had Right to Property(Apasthamba Smriti of Andhra Manu mentions this).Women used
to made donations and issued inscriptions as well.
• Clear difference b/w Rich and Poor.
• Gathasaptasati talks about wide range of Food habits,chewing pan after meals,Group
dances,Animal Fights,Playing Cards(by high officials).

STATUS OF WOMEN
• Women had property, educational , administrative rights ; Equal status as men.
• Kamasutra mentions 50% of women are Ganikas and rest are housewives.
• Acc to Gatasapta sathi, during yagnams they participate along with men.
• They drink alcohol along with men.
• Different Hair styles,Perfumes also can be seen.
• Women Patronised Buddhism ; Gautami Balasri donated to the construction of Buddhist Vihara
on Bhadrayana hill
• Widows practiced Celibacy (Brahmacharya)
• Women of this era used to combine the names of their husbands with their own names –
Mahasenapatni ; Mahabhojaki; Maharadhi
• Satavahana society was free and open but not permissive.
• Strabo mentioned about the Sati Sahagamana in the time of Satavahanas.A statue of woman
participating in Sati Sahagamana is found at Nagarjunakonda .

ECONOMIC CONDITIONS
 The satavahana kingdom was flooded by Godavari (early capital Prathisthana in maharashtra
on left bank), Krishna (later capital Amaravati on Krishna left bank).
 Satavahanas were the first to introduce Land Grant system in South India.
 Rivers became main channels of trade , communication
- Advanced rural economy during Satavahanas
AGRICULTURE
Satavahanas were the first to apply technology in the agri production.A machine named ‘Udakayantra’
was introduced to till the [Link] sort out the cotton seeds from the raw cotton,a machine called ‘Girika’
was introduced by [Link] for the lift irrigation,an Hydraulic engine called
‘Ghatiyantra‘ was introduced.
 4 types of lands
a. Raja kshetram or raja kanketa : lands of king
b. Sita kshetra : fertile lands (head : sitadaksha)
c. Agraharas : lands donated to bramhins, religious institutions
d. Banjara lands : unfertile lands
 • Rojuki oka kutumbam free ga cultivation chestaru (Visti) , some share is given to the king
• Tradition of donating lands during this period, along with that the right to rule the people who
are living in those lands will also be given to them .
(bugata / bokta = person who gets the land through donations)
• Imp Crops: cotton , paddy , sugarcane , sesame seeds , jonnalu, coconut (Imp. Commercial crops
& 1st time in India).All these Crops are mentioned in Gati saptasati. Palm leaves and Coconut
cultivated for the first time.
• Oxen, donkey are used for Agriculture. For transportation – Bullock cart.
• Eastern deccan (telangana) covered by alluvial soil was agriculturally more developed and
densely populated.
 Voda yentrikulu : group of technicians for developing advanced agricultaral machines
o Udaka Yantra: used to plough land (runs on smoke)
o Gati Yantra: irrigation related machine
o Garika Yantra: for separating cotton seeds from raw cotton (invented by raakasi rottai)
SHRENIS OR GUILDS OR DIGAMAS OR NIKAYAS
• The system of self sufficient economic life in force in this period is called Guild system.
• Head of guild : Shresthi ; Gosti: regular meetings of these guilds
• Acc to Nashik inscription a) guilds acted as bankers ( interest rate 12-15%)
b) there are 18 types of guilds

1) Kasa karulu : bronze wor 10) Chemma karulu : objects with skin
2) Tila piska: oil extractors 11) Kularulu : pottery
3) Kolikalu : weavers 12) Halika : Farmers
4) Kusarana kulu : iron smiths 13) Gopalaka : animal herder
5) Gathikulu : perfume makers 14) Sethi : rich traders
6) Swarna kaarulu: gold smiths 15) Sarda vahulu : international traders
7) Sila vaddikulu : sculptors 16) Maala karulu : garland traders
8) Vadhikulu or Vachaki : carpenters 17) Marda kulu : musicians
9) Vasa karulu : bamboo work 18) Vodaka yentrikulu : Irrigation machine operators

TAXATION
• Rajju gahakudu : officer who surveys the land and decides the amount of tax to be collected
Taxes o Land tax (deya meyam or raja bagam) – 1/4th or 1/8th
o Bhoga tax : tax on land owned by agricultarists
o Bhaga tax : tax on lands owned by kings but cultivated by farmers –1/6th
o Sales , road tax , Irrigation tax
o Madiga tax : tax on markets
o Karu-kara : Tax on artisans
o Kara : tax of vegetables and gardens
INDUSTRIES
1) Gudur : Thin clothes industry
2) Prathisthana puram : Tin , Textiles industry
3) Vidisha : Clothes , Ivory industry
4) Vinukonda (Guntur) : Iron industry
5) Palnadu : Diamond industry
6) Guntu palli : copper , iron industry

COINS
 Satavahanas are first to issue coins in South India.
 Coins are made of lead (highest) , copper , silver , potin (copper +tin + lead)
 Gold coins = suvarnalu (imported from Rome); Silver+copper coins = karsha panalu
*1 suvarna = 35 karsha panalu – Vrishabhadatta inscription
 Most of the coins were die-stuck(A die contains an inverse image to be struck on the coin).
 Cast coins ,punch marked coins too were circulated.
 Many satavahana coins bore the names of Satakarni and Pulomavi.
 Round , square, rectangle shape etc.
 Chaitya symbol, Chakra, conch shell , lotus , nandipada , ship , swastik symbols on coins.
 Satakarni 1 minted Silver coins
 Coins with Ujjaini town mark minted by – Satakarni 1 & Gautamiputra Satakarni.
 Gautamiputra Satakarni defeated the Saka king Nahapana and restruck the coins of theirs with
the image of his.
 Coins with ship images – by Yagnasree Satakarni

TRADE
o Periplus of erthriyean sea : about international trade of satavahanas
o Kautilyas arthasastra : trade of satavahanas in South India
A) INTERNATIONAL TRADE o With romans(highest) , Syrians, Arabs, Egyptians
o Imp. West coast ports : Sopara(MP) ,Kalyani(Mumbai), Barukachchha of
GUJARAT(Most imp in int. trade) and Vyjayantipura
o Imp. East coast ports: Gantasala(most imp), Guduru, Korangi, Machilipatnam,
Arikamedu,Gopalapatnam(Vizag) for trade with ASEAN Countries.
■ Exports : Textiles, Ivory , Pepper , Perfumes, Pearls, Diamonds, Decoration items, Ragi, Ebony
■ Imports : Wine (Italy, persia) , Copper , Gold (Malaya, sumatra) , Camphor and Silk (china), Pearls
—Acc to Diga Nikaya , the traders used to take birds (Especially pigeons) with them for directions
B) DOMESTIC TRADE
—mostly travelled in caravans to avoid robbers , wild animals
—barter system

RELIGIOUS CONDITIONS
o Priest of this period is called ‘Maha Archaka’
Before arrival of satavahanas -
1) Kalinga , Karnataka , Maharashtra : Jainism
2) Andhra : Buddhism , partly Jainism
After Arrival of Satavahanas-
  During satavahanas ,There is Hinduism(Vedic religion ie.,Vaishnavism and Shaivism),
Buddism , Jainism HINDUISM
• Rebirth of Vedic religion in Andhra.
• Indra, varuna ,kubera ,Yama, Vasudeva, Surya, Chandra mentioned in Nanaghat inscription.
 VAISHNAVISM :
 Also called Vasudeva religion or Bhagavata religion.
 Pancharatna Pooja : worship of 5 yadavas(Krishna,Balarama,Samba,Pradyumna,Anuruddha)
 Vaishnavism came to Andhra during satavahana king Krishna rule.
 Practice of ‘teerta yatralu’ started by satavahanas .
 Gata sapta sati called Krishna as Dharno darudu, Lakshmi narayana , maduvadanudu.
 Vaishnavism symbols on satakarni inscriptions.
 Symbol of Vishnu on an inscription in Nemalipuram (guntur) .
 SHAIVISM :
 Satavahana people followed Pasupata Shaivism founded by Lukalesudu and it is the only
shaivism branch which prohibits animal sacrifices and pasupati is their main diety .
 Gata sapta sati starts with Shiva stuti and ends with Gouri shotram .
 Many satavahanas have Shiva in their names , Swastik In their inscriptions .
 Gudi mallamma or jadala Rama lingeswara temple (Chittoor near Renigunta) : India’s oldest
temple belong to this period.(56 AD)
 First Shivalinga in the Country found @Gudimallem(Renigunta) which is EkamukhaLinga.
 First Hindu temples in Andhra : Shiva temples
JAINISM
 BEFORE SATAVAHANAS
• Bharatudu (son of tirtankara Rishabhanatha) ruled Bodhan (pothala nagaram)
• Samprathi (mauryan king) called as Jaina Ashoka built a Jaina viharam on vaddemanukonda
 DURING SATAVAHANAS
• Acc. To Avasyaka sutra (part of Jaina literature), Simuka is Jaina.
• Acc to kalpa pradeepa (by Jina prabasuri), Simuka has 52 Ministers who built 52 temples.
• Jaina parishad headed by Arhabali was conducted in Venkata thatipuri .
• Imp Jaina places : Munula gutta , Dhuli Katta , Kotilingala , Pedda bankuru , kolana paaka in
Nalgonda(has vardhamana dhigambara vigraham) ,Siddavatam and Danavulapadu in Kadapa.
• Dhigambara temple in kona kandla (anantapur) by konda kundacharya (person who promoted
jainism in Andhra and is the 1 st popular Jain Monk) .

BUDDHISM
 BEFORE SATAVAHANAS
• Acc to si yu ki : Buddhism came to andhra during Buddha period , Buddha came to Dharini
konda and preached to dhasha malla (1 st disciple of buddha in andhra) .
• Acc to Kadha vattu book, andhras attended third Buddhist council in pataliputra .
• Ashokas 13th inscription : says andhras followed Buddhism .
 DURING SATAVAHANAS
Satavahana time is golden period for Buddhism.
 • Satavahanas kings followed buddism – Mahayana* or Mahasaanghikam or Chaityakavadam
(Mahayana Buddhists adopted Sanskrit and discarded Prakrit).
• It is called rich people religion bcoz traders mostly followed it .
• Nagarjunakonda and Amaravati ; Nashik and Junar are important buddhist sites .
• Main branches of buddism during satavahanas
A) Maha sangika B) Dharmo Tamiya C) Bhadra yanika (Gautami Putra, Pulomavi 2 followed)

MAHADEVA BIKSHUVU
 First Buddhist Mathacharyudu in [Link] introduced a form of Buddhism called
Chaityakavada(worshipping Buddha in the form of Signs).
 Participated in 2nd Buddhist council and due to conflicts he founded Maha sangika branch.
 These Mahasangikas worshipped Pancha Kalyanas – Lotus, Horse, Raavichettu, Chakram, Stupa.
 Dhaanya katakam is Main centre for Maha sangika vaadam .
 Later this religion became Mahayana Buddhism and it was promoted by Acharya Nagarjuna
who lived in court of Yagna Sri satakarni (only Buddhist satavahana king ) .

ART AND ARCHITECTURE

Art:.
~Innovators of rock cut architecture .
~Used copper , iron also in architecture.
■ Chaityas , viharas are built at Nashik, kanheri , karle in Western deccan , three chaityas at nashik
carry inscriptions of nahapana and gautami Putra.
■ rock cut temple at bojjana konda .
■ Stupas were built of brick in marble in many places like Amaravati, Nagarjuna konda, jaggaiah peta ,
gantasala , battivrolu, goli .
■ stupas were found at chanda varam ,Doopadu of prakasam .
■ Amaravati stupa : On left bank of Krishna river, full of sculptures which depicts various scenes of life
of buddha , marble is used .
■ Nagarjuna konda stupa : Contains Buddhist monuments and Earliest bramhanical brick temples.
-Yagnasri Satakarni constructed 1500 room Buddhist vihara at Nagarjuna Konda for Acharya
Nagarjuna.
■ Amaravati school of art or andhra school of art
Amaravati school was promoted by [Link] school was the most beautiful amongst the
three traditions as such it was called Living [Link],it is the only art form which depicted all
important events in the life of Buddha.
• In this school of art there will be no Buddha statues but only stupas(used costly white
marbles) with pictures of life of buddha.
• Yagna Sri Satakarni got Amaravati Stupa rebuild and enlarged.
• The stupas in Amaravati are decorated by Ayakapathas(Ayakapathas are the white
marble slabs containing the sculptures of life of Buddha).Themes in Ayakapathas include
Dream of Mahayana, Buddha at Gaya in deep meditation,Begging bowl of
Buddha,Dharma chakra Pravartana,Purna Kumbha(a jar with overflowing flowers
symbolising most intellectual man).
• It is praised as asthetical ideal of india, a new Canon of beauty and tranquility.
o India’s oldest Buddhist stupa – Pipravaha stupa (UP) (built by Sakyas)
 o Oldest stupa in Andhra – Bhattiprolu(Guntur)
• Purna-Kumbha(the official symbol of AP state govt) belongs to Amaravati School.

PAINTINGS
~9th , 10th caves of Ajanta have satavahana paintings .
~The black princess painting in Ajantha caves also belongs to Satavahanas.

LITERATURE

-Growth of both Sanskrit and [Link] Prakrit was the official Language,from the times of
Kuntala Satakarni,Sanskrit too got due [Link] the instance of Kuntala,Sarvavarma wrote
Katantra Vyakaranam.
-Hala’s Gathasaptasati in [Link] dealt with all the Nava [Link] it deals with early Telugu words
like Addam,Atta,Potta.
-Gunadhya wrote Brihatkatha in Paisachi language(tribal language).Thus Satavahans strived for
development of Tribal dialect too.
-Leelavati Parinayam talks about Hala’s marriage with Leelavati.
-First Telugu word ‘Nagabu’ in Amaravati Inscription.

INSPITE of their brilliant victories,the Satavahanas could not surmount the problem of external
[Link] the times of Yagnasri Satakarni the Kingship lost control over the [Link]
gave scope for the emergence of powerful [Link] last ruler of the dynasity Pulomavi 3 failed
to maintain the identity and gave scope for Sri Santhamula to assume power who was founder of
Ikshuvaku dynasity.
 IKSHVAKU DYNASTY(225AD-300AD)
 After the decline of Satavahanas, independent kingdoms formed
Andhra- Ikshvakus, Maharashtra- Abeeras, Karnataka- Chutu naagulu, Tamilnadu- Pallavas
o Ikshvakas are feudatories of Satavahanas and they lived in Krishna-Guntur region as per Alluri
inscription of Veera purushadatta.
o During Satavahana period Ikshvakus ruled Nagarjuna konda in Maha talavara status.
Sri Shantamaludu is a Maha talavara of Satavahanas as per Phanigiri inscription (Nalgonda)
o Ikshvakus came from word Ikshu = sugar cane
o Capital: Vijayapuri or Nagarjuna konda or sri Parvata region
o They are called Sri parvateeya Andhras.
o They ruled between Krishna and Godavari belts ie Guntur, Prakasam, Nellore, Kurnool, Kadapa
# Veeragal Tradition started with Ikshuvakus.
# Lion was the symbol of [Link] Language:Prakrit.

SOURCES
1) Puranas: called Ikshvakus as Andhras, Andhra feudatories
2) Literary sources:
• Jaina Dharmamrutham by Nagasena in Kannada says that an Ikshvaku prince established a
kingdom at mouth of Krishna river with Pratipalapura(brattivolu) as capital .
• Buddha Charitha of Ashwagosha claims Ikshvakus as Sakya tribe .
3) Inscriptions:
• Ikshvakus are feudatories of Satavahanas as per Alluri inscription of Veera purushadatta. This
inscription also describes the donations made the king to different groups.
• Sri Shantamaludu is a Maha talavara of Satavahanas as per Phanigiri inscription (Nalgonda).
• Gummadi Darru inscription of Ehubala Santanumala – mentions the names of men and
women during the Ikshvaku times. Also mentioned that Gummadi Darru became educational
centre.
• Manchikallu inscription – describes that Rudrapurusha Datta was defeated by Simhavarma .
• Mydavolu & Manchikallu inscriptions describes the downfall of Ikshvakus.
4) Buddhist remains found in Nagarjuna konda,Phanigiri,Ramireddy palli,Nelakonda palli .
5) Coins:
• Coins are made of seesam (lead)
• Roman gold coins found @Nagarjunakonda, this indicate trade b/w Ikshvakus and Romans .
• On their coins – Lion , kings’ names , Elephants, Ujjaini image

❖ As per Matsyapuranam, total of 7 Ikshvaku kings were there. But Nagarjunakonda and
Jaggayyapet inscriptions mentions only 4 Ikshvaku kings.
1. Sri Shantha mooludu 2. Veera purusha Dutta 3. Ehubala Santa mooludu [Link] purusha Dutta
POLITICAL HISTORY

1) VASISTHIPUTRA SHANTA MOOLUDU *250AD

 Founder ; Became Independent by defeating pulamavi-3 ; Capital : Vijayapuri .
 Hindu,worked for development of Hindu religion ; Married Matari devi (Brahmin) .
 Got titles by performing vedic sacrifices : Ashvameda (swarat), Vajapeya yagam (virat),
Rajasuya (samrat), Naramedha yagam (Eka Virat) ; Also title of Maharaja
 ‘Shata sahasra halaka’ title - for donating ploughs for Agriculture development .
 ‘Maha daanapati’ - for donating cows,land and gold to bramhins.
 Rentala, Dachepalli inscriptions in prairie dialect.
 Stadium (Amphitheater) by Romans in Vijayapuri during his reign .
 Marries his son with Rudra Battarika of Ujjain, his two sister’s daughters ( Menatta daughters
ni pelli cheskovadam Ikshvakas nunchi start aindi) .
 His sister Shantasri constructed Mahachaitya at Nagarjunakonda .
 VSM was a staunch Hindu god worshipper and used to worship Shiva and Kumaraswamy.

2) VEERA PURUSHA DATTA *265AD

• Son of Shanta mooludu; Greatest among Ikshuvakus.
• VPD is the Only Ikshvaku king who Patronised Buddhism under influence of Shantasri and
hence his reign can be described as golden period of Mahayana Buddhism.
• The tradition of marrying elder daughters started during this period.
• In his period Nagarjuna konda used to be great pilgrimage for Buddhism. Nagarjunakonda for
Mahayana is same as Bodhgaya to Hinayana. Nagarjunakonda ~ South Gaya.
• VPD called as ‘Southern Ashoka’ for his contribution for development of Buddhism in South
India especially Mahayana Buddhism. Also has titles Sri parvathadipathi & Maharaja.
• Sri Parvata University (India’s first Buddhist University) built by him.
• 1stqueen:Batti Mahadevi,2nd Queen:Rudra Battarika(donated Aayaka stambam to Maha
chaityam).
• Renovated Maha chaityam under guidance of Bavantha Aanandudu .
• According to Mahavamsa, during his period under Mahadevabikshuvu one lakh people moved
to srilanka from pallava bogga(palnadu).
• He hated Shaivism. Sculptures of him kicking shiva lingam were found at Nagarjunakonda
-Women who followed Buddhism are called ‘Upasikas’.Ex:Upasika Bodhisri.

3) EHUBALA SHANTA MOOLUDU

• Son of Veera Purusha and Batti mahadevi ; Ruled most no. of years .
• Language of inscriptions changed to Sanskrit from Prairie .
• ESM is the 1st South king to issue inscriptions in Sanskrit - Nagarjuna konda by Elisiri
(Ehubala’s senapati).
• ESM is the First king to construct Hindu temples in South India o Pushpabhadra Narayana
swamy temple : started by Veera Purusha and finished by Ehubala’s Commander Sakasena
o Nandikeswara & Kartikeya temples ; Navagraha temple; Harathi temple(children’s Goddess) #
Kupanasri(wife of ESM) built Ashtabhujaswamy Temple.
• Kumaraswamy Sarvadevadivasa Aalayam by Elisiri.
 • Ehubala printed years for the first time in inscriptions .
• Bahusrutiya viharam for women in memory of Batti Mahadevi.
• His sister Kodabalasri donated Viharas.
- A non royal family woman Upasika Bodhisri built a vihara for simhala monks

4) RUDRA PURUSHA DATTA

- Son of ESM.
• Practice of Chaya stambalu at Tombs ; Nagarjunakonda&Gurajala inscriptions describe his
reign.
• Pallava king Simhavarma invaded his kingdom.
• Milavolu or Manchikallu inscription by Shivaskandavarma (pallava king) talks about decline
of Ikshvakus (this is first pallava inscription in Andhra) – mentions Rudra as last Ikshvaku king.

ADMINISTRATION
o Administration based on Smirithis,Dharma sastras .
o Mostly similar to Satavahanas with very little changes.
o King was seen as divine figure(A Satavahana thing) .
 Imp. Officers
1. Sarvadhikari : head of state (Mahadevi : King’s wife)
2. Mahasenapati/ : commander in chief
3. Maha Danda nayaka : Chief Justice
4. Maha Talavari:Head of group of Villages
 Imp. States —a) Hiranya= Kadapa + Kurnool b) Munda state
~Group of 5 villages are called Grama panchaka and it’s head is called Grama panchi (heriditary post).
But according to inscriptions head of village is Talavara and Talari(village protector).
JUDICIARY
o King is the highest authority ; Mahadandanayaka : interrogation and punishment
o Death sentence for Sedition against King or State.
 9 Different types of Divine tests for Conviction
1. Tula divya – Weighing and determining the offence
2. Agni divya – Walking on fire without burning the feet
3. Jala divya – Throwing things in water and asking the person to bring them out
4. Visha divya – Removing the ring from the rattlesnake pot without getting bitten
5. Kosa divya – One should live by drinking water used for washing the idols of deities
6. Tandula divya – Chew mantrinchina rice
7. Tapta maska divya – Taking out coin from boiling oil
8. Phala divya – One should hold the burning firewood and then grind the grain in that hand
9. Dharm adharma divya – Figures of dharma and adharma murthies are placed in a Closed basket
and ask to take out one of them to determine the criminal
ARMY
• Chaturanga balalu - Elephantry,Chariotry,Cavalry,Infantry
• Veeragal - special protection force who lives and dies for the king . Memorials after their death
SOCIETY
• Ikshvakus opposed varna sankaranam (choosing other occupation than their own dharma)
• Gave great importance to Brahmins ; but Buddhism also flourished .
• First Dynasty to print names of sculptors , years, months and dates in the inscriptions .
• Emergence of landlords ; Shudras are the highest number of people ; No Kshatriyas .
• Women have property rights and they mostly followed Buddhism.
• Harathi(a form of Shakti) is a goddess who protects babies. Bangles are offered to this deity
for progeny.
• Getting Grand father’s name started from here (Ehubala Shanta mooludu’s Grand father
is Vasishta putra Sri Shanta mooludu) .
• Trade used to be done by Vaishyas , Saale, Telika and Blacksmiths .
• Sati Sahagamanam was present very vastly than earlier .

ECONOMY
• Maagani Land: Rice,Wheat,Sugar cane ; Metta Land: Ragi,Sajja,Jonna ; Pulses:kandulu
• Oils: nuvvulu,aamudalu ; Commercial crop: cotton (both magani, Metta crop)
 Increased agri land by cutting forests,development of irrigation.
 Ushabadata donated coconut farms to Brahmins - mentioned in Nashik inscription.
 Parnika guild**: beetel leaves; Pusina guild: sweets ; Uliki guild: handloom
 Head of guild : Kulika pramukudu
 International trade with Rome(little lesser compared to Satavahanas). After ikshvakus,
Rome banned trade with India.
 Trading groups during their time are called as ‘Negimas’
 Imp. ports: Kalyani, Barukachchha, Sopaara, Machilipatnam
 Imports : Gold,Silver,Liquor, Glass
 Exports : Perfumes,Iron,Textiles,Coconut
TAXATION
• Visapatti inscription – Describes Taxation policy of Ikshvakus
• Primary income to king is Baaga – Land tax (1/6th) ; Bhoga: tax by local leaders
• Hiranya or deyam : tax collected in form of money ;
• Meyam: tax collected in form of daanyam or Grain
• Karukara tax: occupational tax on handicrafts people,industrial people
• 18 type of taxes were exempted on villages donated to Brahmins
• First calf as gift to king was a prevalent practice

RELIGION
• Vedic,Buddhism ,Jainism(in some parts) ; Kings- Brahmins, Queens- Buddhism mostly
• Ikshuvakus laid foundations for the Dravida style of Temple Architecture.(Note:Ikshuvakus
Architecture style is called Sculptors style as they started the tradition of inscribing the name
of Sculptors on the walls of the structure).
• Believed in Virupakshapati(shiva),Mahasenudu (skanda swamy),Kartikeya thus started
the tradition of worshipping Puranic Gods in the form of Idols.
• Vishnu was prayed in Narasimha avataram (found in Nemalipuram inscription of Guntur).
• Shiva temples found at kurnool (veera puram) – temples constructed based on Aagama
shastra.
• Kubera Aalayam: imp God for yakshas during Ikshvakus (main Nagarjuna konda) .
 • Unlike Shanta mooludu 1 , who Patronised Vedic religion, his successors from veera
purusha were Buddhists and made liberal donations
• Veera purusha converted to Buddhism bcoz of paternal aunts.
• The language used in inscriptions were Prakrit .
• Nagarjuna konda: early stage(Mahayana), later(Hinayana).

 FOUR IMP BUDDHIST SECTS DURING IKSHVAKU PERIOD

1. Apara mahasailaka 2. Bahu shrutiya 3. Mahavihara vasi 4. Maha sasaka
o WHY VEERA PURUSHA PERIOD IS GOLDEN PERIOD FOR BUDDHISM ?
Along with Veera purusha his queens also contributed a lot for development of Buddhism, they are
1. Shanti sri (aunt of Veerapurusha)
a. first woman of ikshvakus who tried to develop Buddhism.
b. Renovated Maha viharam built by yagna Sri Santamaria .
c. Renovated Maha chaityam under guidance of Bavantha Aanandudu .
d. Stone mandapam in Gantasala(Krishna district)
2. Atavi Shanti Sri (sister of Veerapurusha) - built Aayaka Stambam for Maha chaityam .
3. Kodabalasri (daughter of Veerapurusha) - Buddhist viharam for Maha sasaka sect.
4. Batti mahadevi (wife of Veerapurusha) - Viharam for Bahusrutiya sect.
5. Upasika bodhisri(Neice of maha bandagareekudu Revanthudu).
a. Highest contribution for development of Buddhism
b. Viharam on chola damma giri, maha damma giri
#After fall of Ikshvakus Buddhism declined in heart land of Andhra.
JAINISM DURING IKSHVAKUS
o Imp centres:Pitapuram, sidda vatam,Nedunuru .
o Statutes of 6 Tirtankaras were found here .

CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT
 Prakrit: Official Language for some time
 Pali: bcoz of Buddhaghosa( brought Pali Buddhist books from Sri Lanka) .Buddhaghosa
wrote authoritative work on Hinayana Buddhism called Vishuddimagga at
Nagarjunakonda.
 Sanskrit: replaced Prakrit later on
 Sri Parvata University(by Nagarjuna with VPD): first Buddhist University in india(people
from Tibet, China, Sri Lanka ,Nepal) – mentioned in Kuvalayimala of Udyotanudu .
• Aryasangha who succeeded Nagarjuna wrote Sutra Alankar in sanskrit.
• Most imp. Sculpture during Ikshvakus – Maandhata shilpam @Jaggayapeta(depicted for the first
time the image of Chakravarthy)
• Amaravati School of Art reached it’s zenith during Ikshuvakus.
BUDDHISM AND IT’S CONTRIBUTION IN AP:
Factors Responsible for growth:
1) Social Factors:Caste system;Excessive Brahmanical domination;Gender discrimination
2) Religious Factors:Brahmanical rituals and priestly class domination;Vedic literature written in
sanskrit.
3) Eco Factors:Vedic religion creates hurdles to trade and commerce ie., vedic literature says trade in
metals,animals,food grains should not be carried out.
4) Political factors:Royal patronage to Buddhism and liberal attitude of rulers.
300Bc-300AD is the most glorious period of Buddhism in AP.

The Buddhist Jataka stories and text of Si-Yu-Ki of Huan Tsang testify the presence of Buddhism in Andhra
from the times of [Link] to Si-Yu-Ki,Buddha in the 16th year of Enlightenment visited
Amaravathi and delivered his two chakras Danya and Kaala to a monk Dashamalla and as such Amaravati
became Dhanyakataka and Dharanikota as the place where Buddha preached his ten Dharanis called the
great magical spells.
According to Buddhist Jataka stories,the popular tribes of Andhra region
Nagas,Pulingas,Pundaras and Muthibagas followed Buddhism.A Naga named Muchilinda acted as
bodyguard of Buddha.
Most of the Tribes in Andhra were non Aryans and as such they opposed caste based inequal
Aryan [Link] thus emerged as an [Link] as most the tribes used to follow Shaivism,as
there are striking similarities between Shaivism and Buddhism,tribes attracted to [Link] as tribes
involved in continuous conflicts,Buddhism as faith stood for Peace and Harmony.
Mahadeva Bikshu was the first greatest Buddhist Monk in [Link] participated in the
2nd Buddhist Council at Vaishali and posed 5 questions and became responsible for first split in Buddhism
into Mahasanghikas(pro changers) and Theravadins(Status quoists).Mahadeva introduced a new form
called Chaityakavada in Andhra and in turn responsible for the formation of 5 sects namely
Purvasaila(Mangalagiri),Aparasaila(Amaravati),Uttarasaila(Jaggayapeta),Rajagirika(Gudivada),Siddarthaka(N
agarjuna Konda).Later Acharya Nagarjuna became responsible for the formation of 32 new Buddhist sects
in [Link] the disciple of Nagarjuna founded Yoga Kara and another disciple
Maitreyanatha founded Vignana vada schools of thought.
Amaravati Stupa built by Naga Ashoka was regarded as world’s highest stupa in ancient
[Link] very fact that Amaravati stupa,Jaggayapeta stupa,Bhattiprolu stupas were called as
Datugarbhita(constructed on the original lyrics of Buddha) reveals the prominent role of Buddhism played
in Andhra.
# Concept of ‘Welfare state’ was mentioned in Acharya Nagarjuna’s Rasaranjani.
# AR Saraswati discovered the ruins of Nagarjuna Konda in 1928.
In the field of Philosophy,Nagarjuna founded [Link],Dig Naga perfected
Tarkasastra(logic).Dharmakeerthi became popular as ‘Kant of India’.Dig Naga is called as ‘Father of Indian
Logic’.
-Founder of Vajrayana Buddhism Siddha Nagarjuna is from Andhra.
JAINISM AND IT’S CONTRIBUTION IN AP :

-Sacred Literature of Jains is called ‘Anusthuthi’.

-Patrons of Jainism in Andhra include Mahapadmananda,Sampriti(grandson of Ashoka),Simukha of
Satavahanas,Konda Kundanacharya,Wife of Kubja Vishnuvardhana(Ayyana Mahadevi) donated a
village named Mushikonda to Jains.
-Konda Kundanacharya after embracing Jainism got titles Vakragivudu,Padmanandi [Link]
was the first Jaina priest(Digambara sect) in [Link] established Jaina centre at
Gangaperur(Kadapa).
-Acharyas who introduced tantric education in Jainism are called Mapanis or Gopyas.
Some Jaina Poets:
1) Pampa Kavi: Pampa,Ranna,Ponnadu(Kannada Kavitrayam).Pampa wrote Adipurana(Biography of
Rishabhanth,the 1st Thirthankar)
2) Somadeva Suri:Titles-Swadwada Chala Simha;Tarkika Chakravarthy;Kavikula Raju
Books-Yashastilaka;Yukta Chintamani;Yashodhana Charitra;Niti Kavyamruta.
3) Padma Kavi: wrote Jninendra puranam.
-Some famous Jain places in Andhra include Konakundla(Anantpur) the birth place of Konda
Kundanacharya,Rama tirtham,Pithapuram,Atreya Puram,Danavula Padu(Kadapa),Siddavatam
-First Jaina Parishat at Pataliputra headed by Sthulabhadra.

Note:

B/w Ikshuvakus and Vishnukundins,many small kingdoms ruled [Link] them are:
1) Brihat palayanas(270-285AD) with capital at Pithunda(Pithunda fort on east coast very
famous).Founder-Jayavarma(Kondamudi Inscription)
2) Anandas with capital at Kandarapura(Chezrela inscription mentioned about this).Ananda kingdom
main ruler Kandara participated in Battle of [Link]-Kandara Raju(Gorantla
inscription)
3) Salankayanas with capital as Vengi(near Eluru).Founder-Vijaya Deva Varma
4)Pitrubhakts with simhapura(modern Srikakulam) as capital
 VISHNUKUNDINS (375AD-612AD)

o Founder ‘Indra Varma ‘ is Samantha or feudatory of Vakatakas

-Vishnukunda=Altar of Fire of Lord Vishnu
o Capitals: Vinhukonda(Guntur), Denduluru(W.G), Indrapalanagaram/Thummalagudem
(Nalgonda) , Amrabad(Mahaboob Nagar), Keesara gattu(Medchal), Eluru(Vengi) and
Amaravati in AP
o Official language: Sanskrit ;
-Official emblem: Panja yettina simham and Conch(shell)
o Vedic religion ; Sri partvata swamy is their God ; First Hindu cave temples in South India
started by [Link]:Undavaali caves,Mogaliraja puram,Bhairava Konda are examples of
Cave temples.
o Worshipped Bhuta Grahaka swamy(yamudu),Danta Mukha swamy(ganapati)
o Only South Indian kingdom to perform Narameda Yagam
o Boundaries: N-Srikakulam district; E-Bay of bengal; W-Bhima river; S-Guntur district
o Their inscriptions has symbols of Lakshmi & Shankam
o Thummalagudem inscription describes about the lineage of Vishnukundins
Thuni Copper Plate Inscription mentions about Matrimonial relations b/w
Vishnukundins and Vakatakas.
Polamuru copper plate inscription by Madhavavarma 4.
o 14 types of education – 4 Vedas,6 Vedangas, Dharma sastram,Nyayam, Puranam, Mimamsa
o Buddhist centre during their time – Bojjanna konda

POLITICAL HISTORY

INDRA VARMA 1 (375-400AD)

• Founder ; Samantha of Vakatakas ; Built Indrapala nagaram and made it his capital
• Issued Rama theertam inscription @ Vishakapatnam

MADHAVA VARMA 1 (400-425AD)

• Capital: Indrapala nagaram ; Power confined to Nalgonda- Palumuru region
• Title:Avasista Vivida Divya
• Contemporaries of Salankayanas(rulers of West godavari- Krishna region)
• Madhava varma 1 made matrimonial alliances with Vakatakas. This was described by
Chikkulla Taamra(Tuni, E.G) inscription of Vikramendra varma 2. A Telugu sentence ‘Vijaya
Rajya Samvatsarambul’ is mentioned on this inscription.
• Undavalli caves, Bairava konda, Mogalraja puram caves carved during his period.
GOVINDA VARMA 1 (425-462AD)
• Son of Madhava varma 1; Hailed as Real founder of dynasty ; Capital – Indrapala nagaram
• Title:Vikramashrayudu
• A Buddhist who later converted to Shaivism bcoz of close contacts with Vakatakas.
• Married Parama Bhattaraka Maha devi(built parama battarika viharam)of Mularaja vamsam.
• As a Buddhist, Govinda Varma donated two villages named Penkapura & Enmadala as per
Thummalagudam(Nalgonda)/Indrapalapura inscription (First Sanskrit inscription found
in Telangana). Also Mahadevi’s grandson Vikrayendra varma 2 donated ‘Irundara village’ as per
Thummalguda inscription.
• Thummalaguda inscription also mentions that Govinda Varma 1 treated all castes equally and
described himself as Kausthuba(jewel) of sriparvata region.
• He donated cows and Hiranyas to Brahmins as per Eepuru inscription of Madhava varma 1.
• Extended the kingdom towards coastal andhra (Godavari-Krishna) by defeating salankayanas.
Note: Chaitanyapuri inscription is the first Prakrit inscription found in Telangana.

MADHAVA VARMA 2 (462-502AD)

• Greatest of all Vishnukundins ; Changed capital from Amrapuram to Denduluru(Amaravati).
• Titles : Parama Brahmana, Devadideva paramesti, Trisamudradipathi, Sundari Hridaya
Nandana, Trivara Nagara Bhuvana Yuvati Priyudu,Destroyer of Buddhism
• Information about his reign is recorded in
1) velpuru(Sattenapalli) pillar inscription 2) Eepur(Sattenapalli) plates 3) Khanapur plates
• Buddhism was on decline,he destroyed Buddhist places at Undavalli, Mogalraja puram,
Indrakeeladri and built Hindu temples there ;
• Madhavarma 2 carved Purna Kumbha in Undavalli Caves.
• Golden age for Vedic religion .
• Only south India king to perform Narameda Yagam.
• He established Dantha Mukha Swamy (Ganapathi)statue – Velpur inscription by himself
• He married Mahadevi, daughter of Vakataka king Prithvisena 2 (by defeating Prithvi sena 2) as
per Khanapur inscription
• A 12th century inscription from Bezawada mentions that son of a poor woman in Vijaywada fell
under a price’s chariot . King hanged the price and served justice to her.
 Contemporary kingdoms and kings of Madhava varma 2
o Samudra gupta : He was mentioned in allahabad inscription
o Kadambaras,Rastrakutas : cordial relations with them ; Pallavas : annexed Guntur from them
o Salankayanas : annexed Vengi from them ; Mataaras : conquered Pisthapura .
o Vatsagulma branch of vakatakas : defeating them, he extended the kingdom towards
karimnagar region touching godavari River.
o Trikutakas : helped vakataka ruler prithvisena when his kingdomwas attacked by Dhanasena
o
VIKRAMENDRA VARMA 1(502AD-527AD)
• Acc to Indrapala nagaram Tamra shasanam, he was called Mahakavi.
• Patronised both Buddhism and Shaivism .
• Many independent kingdoms formed bcoz of his weakness .
• Defeated by Harisena(Vatsagulma branch of Vakatakas
VIKRAMENDRA VARMA 1(502AD-527AD)
• Acc to Indrapala nagaram Tamra shasanam, he was called Mahakavi.
• Patronised both Buddhism and Shaivism .
• Many independent kingdoms formed bcoz of his weakness .
• Defeated by Harisena(Vatsagulma branch of Vakatakas).

MADHAVA VARMA 3
• Longest term in Vishnukundins and he is Nephew of Vikrayendra varma.
• Originally Governor of Kandarapura region (chezerla in Narasaraopet) .
• Occupied Trikuta,Malaya region around Machilipatnam with help of Harisena(Vakatakas ruler)
and got the title Trikuta Malayadhipati.
• Gave ‘Mruthukali village’ as agrahara to Indravarma&Agnivarma .
• Titles: Janashraya, Nyayasimha, Anisita vividha divya(Palamur(Ramachandrapuram)
inscription- Madhav varma 4) .
• Keesaragutta(RangaReddy) Rock Inscription and Saleswaram(Armabad/Mahaboob
Nagar) Rock Inscription.
 Writings during his period
1. Janashraya chando vichiddi: by Gunaswamy ;
2. Praboda chandrodayam: by Nandi Yellaya and Ganta Singana
[Link] by Duggipalli Duggana

INDRA BATTARAKA VARMA (527AD-555AD)

• Son of Vikrayendra Varma ; Created powerful army consisting of many elephants
• He shifted his focus towards kingdoms which became independent during his father’s tenure
(Matharas,Vasista Rama kasyapas,Pitrubaktas,Eastern Gangas) and lost a war against them.
• In the second war, he totally wiped them out .
• He expelled Madhava varama 3 from Malaya, Trikuta and other regions occupied by him.
• His rise coincided with the disappearance of Vakatakas and rise of western chalukyas.
• Defeated by Maukhari king Isana varma – Jaunpur inscription of Isara varma (U.P).
• Prithvi maaludu of Ranadurjaya clan and Kalinga king Indra varma killed Indra Bhattaraka
varma in Kalinga war – Godavari inscription of Prithvi maaludu.
• Titles : Parama Maheswara , Chaturdayaka yuddha veeredu, Satyasrayudu
• First Andhra King to built ‘Gatikas’(Vedic educational institutions) in Asanapura (Vengi),
keesara as mentioned in Somadevam book by Uddaraka .

VIKRAMENDRA VARMA 2 (557AD-572AD)

• Son of Indra battaraka ; Title : Sakala Bhuvana Raksha bharanaika aashraya
 Information about his reign is given in
1) Chikkulla plates 2)Tummalagudem plates 3)Kandulapalem plates 4)Thundi plates
• only 16 when he asscended the throne with in 4 years he lost all regions occupied by his father.
• Donated ‘Thundi village’to Shivavarma and donated ‘Irundara village’ to the Vihara constructed
by Parama Bhattarika Mahadevi .
• During his reign, Ranadurjaya king Prithvi declared himself independent at Pistapuram
MADHAVA VARMA 4 / MANCHANA BHATTARAKA VARMA (572AD-612AD)
• Transferred his capital to Indrapura Trivara Nagara(Tiruvuru In Krishna district)
• Title:Janashraya and Sukshma Grahi
• Pulakesin 2 of Badami Chalukyas occupied Pisthapura by defeating Prithvi – Thaandi vaada
inscription. Also defeated Madhava varma 4 in ‘Kolleru war’ and occupied Vengi.
• Pulakesin 2 appointed his brother Kubja Vishnuvardhan as king of Vengi region. After death of
him, Vishnuvardhan declared himself independent and established Eastern Chalukya kingdom.

ADMINISTRATION
Kingdom : king ; Rastram : Rastrikulu ; Vishayam : Vishayadipati ; Village : Gramani
ARMY
 Chaturanga balalu ; Bata : soldier ; Hastikosa : head of Elephantry
 Chata : spy ; Gulmikudu : Border States military officer ; Rajjuka : Revenue officer
 Sasana agnaptulu : one who writes down the king’s orders
 Aksa pataladikrutudu : person who takes care of govt documents (Accountant)
 Setty : prabutvaniki ravalsina danyam koliche vyakti ; Veerakosa : head of Infantry
 Phala darudu : person who decides kings share in the produce
JUDICIARY
• Supreme: king – given divine status to the king
• Divine tests – mentioned in Palamur inscription of Madhava varma4. Similar to Ikshvakus

ECONOMY
• Wells,ponds for Agriculture ; Bhaga or Deya-Meya ; Some self sufficient villages were there
• Gavvalu were used as money(Fa-hien mentioned it).
• Nivartanalu : standard for measuring lands (1 Nivartana= 1.5acres)
• Internal trade centres : Phanigiri, Sultanabad, Bojjana konda, Yelleswaram, Nashik, Kanpur
• International trade with East Asian countries, Greek, Rome, Egypt .
• Imp. ports: Motupalli port, Koduru port(near Guntur) ; Prevalence of Visti – Thummalagudem
inscription
• Coins – unearthened by Rayaprolu Subrahmanyam. He told that Vishnukundins used 16
different types of coins mainly made Copper and Ragi.
• Symbols on their coins include : Ship, Lion, Nandi, Trishul
• Sangameswaram (Gadwal district) : Gold coin of Roman King Constantine .

RELIGIOUS CONDITIONS
• The Vishnukundins were Vedic devotees of Lord Sriparvata(the abode of Mallikarjuna of
modern Srisailam).They performed Ashwameda Yagna and Rajasuya Yagna.
• Madhava Varma 2 Ganapati Vigrahalayam
• First Cave Temples in South India by Vishnukundins.
• Famous Buddhist shrine-Bojjonna Konda
ART AND ARCHITECTURE
o Greatly influenced by Vakatakas, Ikshvakus
• Mogalraja puram cave temples(total 5) .
First 3 to Thrimurthulu ; Fourth to Ardhanareswarudu ; Fifth to Shiva tandavam(largest)
• Undavalli cave temples(total 3) - Built Vishnu statute by destroying Buddha in padmasana and
it is now known as Anantha padma nabha swamy temple ; Poorna kumbham on this.
• Bhairava konda cave temples(total 8): dedicated to Shiva
• Akkanna-Madanna cave temples
- The only remaining structure of the period is Kapoteswara temple at chezerla
 EASTERN CHALUKYAS

Capital:Pithapuram,Vengi,Rajahmundry
• Eastern Chalukyas are also called Vengi Chalukyas. Founder : Kubja Vishnuvardhana. Vengi ,
a region between Krishna and Godavari, became their main place . These clans spread from
Badami in Karnataka and occupied Coastal Andhra . They ruled from 7th Cen to 10th Cen AD.
• Official Emblem:Boar(Varaham) ; Official Language:Sanskrit
• 'Hariti Putra' is a maternal sign used in Eastern Chalukya scriptures. Among the southern
dynasties like Satavahanas, Ikshvakas, Kadambas, etc., had the custom of wearing maternal
signs. Therefore, it is suspected that their place of birth is the south.
• Founder of Chalukya kingdom in Dakshina path- Pulakesi 1 . As the Kadambas and
Vishnukundins weakened, Pulakesi established an independent Chalukya kingdom in
northern Karnataka. During the reign of his son Kirti Varma, the kingdom expanded further.
This Kirti Varma's son is the Pulakesi 2 who became famous in history. There are details of
his conquests in the Aihole inscription.
• Pulakesi 2 , after invading Kosala and Kalinga in the Eastern Digvijaya Yatra, he invaded
Vengi. Vengi Mandal, north of Krishna River, was under the rule of the Durjays at that time
and they faced the mighty Pulakesi with all his [Link] 2 won the battle.
• In 617AD, Pulakesi II appointed his brother Kubja Vishnuvardhana as his representative.
From 617 to 624 AD he was the representative of Pulakesi II. In 624AD, he declared himself
independent. From then they are called Eastern Chalukyas or Vengi Chalukyas.
• They effectively guarded Andhradesa from the invasions of Rashtrakutas and Kalyani
Chalukyas.
• Their empire consist of present Coastal Andhra,Rayalaseema,Telangana.

SOURCES

Coins
• Gold coins minted by Vengi Chalukyas were found at Dhavaleswaram and copper coins were
found at Yalamanchili & Dondapaadu
• Coins of Vengi Chalukyas have ‘Varaham’ symbol on them.
Literature
• Kannada Mahabharatha by Pampakavi (Court poet of Vemulavada Chalukya)
• Telugu Mahabharata by Nannayya (Court poet of Vengi Chalukyas)
• Both these books gave information about the Vengi Chalukyas
Inscriptions
• Inscriptions in Sanskrit language ; Main source of their history
 Chipuru Palli Inscription of Kubja Vishnuvardhan . In this inscription Kubja Vishnuvardhana
declared himself as Maharaja.
  Kopparam Inscription of Vishnuvardhan mentions Kubja Vishnuvardhana as Yuvaraja.
 Satara Inscription of Pulakeshi 2 – Pulakesi II appointed Kubja Vishnuvardhana as the ruler
of Vengi.
 Nagarjuna Hill Inscription – Progenitor : Chelikere manakudu

POLITICAL HISTORY

KUBJA VISHNUVARDHANA (624 AD-642AD)

• Founder of the Eastern Chalukya Empire ; Capital : Pitapuram
• His Titles : Kamadeva ; Parama Bhagavata ; Makaradhvaja ; Vishamasiddhi .
• His inscriptions : Thimmapuram Inscription ; Chipurapalli Inscription ; Koppaaram
• Kopparam inscription mentioned that Pulakesi agreed to Vishnuvardhan’s request to rule
the kingdom independently from 624AD.
• According to the Thimmapuram inscription, he was a devotee of Vishnu. Built Kunti
Madhava Temple(Pithapuram).
• The Kalavakonda inscription states that he extended his kingdom up to Diviseema.
• The entire expansion of his kingdom was from Munneru river in present Nellore district to
Nagavali river in Srikakulam district.
• Ayyanna Mahadevi (wife of Kubja Vishnuvardhana) embraced Jainism. Donated Mushini
Konda village to Jains as per Mushini Konda inscription.
• Ayyana Mahadevi also built a ‘Basadi’ named Nedumula Basadi.
• Vishnuvardhana's Army officer – Buddhavarma
• Hieun-Tsang visited his kingdom - He stated that Buddhism was on the decline. He also said
that elephants are roaming in the forest area of Srikakulam.

JAYASIMHA VALLABHUDU 1 (642 AD-673AD)

• Vishnuvardhana’s son; Ruled for 33yrs; Capital: shifted to Vengi from Pitapuram
• His titles are: Sarvasiddhi; Sri pruthvi Vallabha; Sakala Lokashraya
• His Vipparla inscription (Narasaraopeta) is the first purely fullpledged Telugu inscription.
• Clashes started between Vengi Chalukyas and Pallavas during his reign.
• Ghatika(Sanskrit vidyalaya) built by him – Asanapuram Ghatika sthanam
• He built the city of ‘Sarvasiddhi’ in Yalamanchili Taluka of Visakha District.
• As per Dandi’s Dasha Kumara Charitha, Jayasimha died while at war with ‘Gaangus ‘ .

INDRA BHATTARAKA
• He was the son of Kubja Vishnuvardhana and brother of Jayasimha Vallabhudi I.
• He ruled only for seven days ; He inscribed the 'Kondanagaru' inscription.
• Titles: Tyagadhanudu & Makaradwajudu

VISHNUVARDHANA 2 (673AD-682AD)
• Son of Vishnuvardhana. His inscription – Reyuru inscription.
• His inscriptions show that some villages in the Palanadu area of the Kamma state were
given to Brahmins as Agraharas by him.
• Titles : Sarva lokashraya; Vishamasiddhi; Makaradwaja; Pralayaditya
• He is known to have built a dam for the first time at Kolleru pond.
MANGI YUVARAJA (682AD-706AD)
• Vishnuvardhana II was succeeded by his son Mangi Yuvaraja.
• Titles: Sarva lokasraya, Samasta bhuvanasraya , Vijayasiddi , Vijayaditya
• His inscriptions show that his kingdom extended from Visakhapatnam to Ongole.
• The Mangi prince died in 706 AD and was succeeded by his son Jayasimha Vallabhu II. He
was followed by his younger brother Kokkili Maharaja came to the kingdom.
• After 6 months of rule, kokkili established a new kingdom in 'Yalamanchili' and renounced
the Vengi kingdom.

VISHNUVARDHANA 3 (719AD-755AD)
• Titles: Samastha Bhuvanasraya; Tribhuvanamkusadu; Parambhattarak
;Vishamasiddi;Pralayaditya;Makaradwaja.
• Dethroned Kokkili and ascended the Vengi throne.
• He supported Vedic and Jain religions equally.
• Donated the village of Mushikonda to the Jains.

VIJAYADITYA 1 (755AD-772AD)
• Son of Vishnuvardhana 3
• Conflicts between Vengi Chalukya and Rashtrakuta clans started during his reign.
• His contemporary Rashtrakuta raja and founder of the kingdom Dantidurga.

o DANTIDURGA (Rashtrakuta king)

• 1st Capital : Ellora (Ellapuram) ; 2nd capital : Manyakhetam.
• Dantidurga killed Kirtivarma II, the last king of Badami Chalukya and established Rashtrakuta
kingdom.
• The Eastern Chalukyas helped the Badami Chalukyas in the wars b/w the Badami Chalukyas
and the Rashtrakutas, which led to clashes b/w them as well.

VISHNUVARDHANA 4 (772AD-808AD)
• Son of the Vijayaditya 1 ; Contemporary of Pampakavi
• His contemporary Rashtrakuta Raju – Krishna 1
• Vishnuvardhana 4 was actually started as a vassal of Krishna 1. After the death of Krishna 1,
war of succession started between their sons – Govindu & Dhruva.
• Vishnuvardhana 4 supported Govindu in the succession wars but Dhruva won.
• Vishnuvardhana 4 gave his daughter Sheela Mahadevi in marriage to Dhruva and preserved
his kingdom – Kolli parathrama inscription describes this.
• 4th Vishnu Vardhana had two sons: Vijayaditya 2 , Bhimasalki
• After Vishnuvardha 4's death, Vijayaditya 2 ousted his elder brother Bhimasalki with help of
Rashtrakuta king Govinda 3 and ruled for 12 years.
VIJAYADITYA 2 (808AD-847AD)
• Titles: Chalukya Raya, Vikrama Davala, Narendra Mrigaraju, Narendreswara
• Built 108 Shiva temples with the name of Narendra Mrigeswaralayam for his 108 wars as
Satuluru inscription of Gunaga (Vijayaditya 3) state this .
• Bejawada became Vijayawada in his name. Vijayawada was buily by [Link]
• When King Govinda III of Rashtrakuta died, his son Amoghavarsha was a 2 year old. At this
time Vijayaditya II invaded the Rashtrakuta kingdom and defeated them.
• Vijayaditya II was succeeded by his son Kalivishnuvardhana (846-848 AD) who ruled for two
years. Kali vishnuvardhana was succeeded by Vijayaditya 3.

GUNAGA VIJAYADITYA (VIJAYADITYA 3) (848AD-891AD)

• Greatest of the Eastern Chalukyas dynasty and ruled for 43 years.
• Titles:Gunaga,Gunukenallan(one who is beautiful on his virtues), Para chakrarama, Vira
Makara Dhwaja, Ranranga Shudraka, Guna kesallata, Bhuvana Kandarpa, Manuja Prakasha,
Prithvi Vallabhudu, Samadhigatha panchamahashabda, Vikrama davali, Veera Makaradwaja,
Dakshinaadipathi.
• He carried the victory banner of the Chalukyas from the Ganges in the northern country to
the Kaveri in the southern country .
• Temples built by Gunaga Vijayaditya in East Godavari district – Birudankaprolu,
Golingeswara Temple, Chandrasekhara Temple, Rajaraja Temple.
• He is proficient in mathematics. That is why he got the name 'Gunaga' .
• His total Edicts – 9, 4 important- Machilipatnam Inscription , Addanki Inscription, Saataluru
Inscription, Guntur Inscription.
• Brahmin generals who were the main reason for his victories: Pandurangadu *, Vinayudi
Sharma, Kadiaraja, Rajyaditya.
• In the first year of his accession to the throne, he declared war on the Boyacottas. Gunaga
sent his army commander Pandurangadu to conquer these Boya kingdoms.
Panduranga captured 12 Kottas of those Boyas, burnt their main center Nellore. Gunaga made
Panduranga vassal of Nellore and developed it like Bezawada.
• Pandurangadu built Pandurangapuram and Panduranga Maheshwara Temple at Pulikat
Lake. Panduranga inscribed the famous Addanki inscription (848 AD), Which is the first
poetic inscription in Telugu.
• Pandurangadu became great warrior by defeating Krishna 2 (Son of Amogavarsa).He also
defeated Kokkala Deva 1 of Chedi Kingdom.
• Conquering Nellore, Achanapuram and Kiranapuram,Gunaga earned the title "Tripurta
Martya Maheswara ".
CHALUKYA BHIMA 1 / VISHNUVARDHANA 6 (892AD-921AD)
• He was the son of Gunaga’s elder brother Vikramaditya (Gunaga-No sons)
• The Chalukya Bhima's accession to the throne was opposed by his paternal grandfather,
Gunaga Vijayaditya's second brother, Yuddhamallu.
• Contemporaries of First Chalukya Bhima: Rashtrakutas – Krishna 2 ; Vemulavada Chalukya
king – Baddhegudu ; Mudigonda Chalukya king - Kusumayudhudu
• With the help of Krishna 2 & Baddhegudu , Yudhamallu came against Chalukya Bhima.
Bhima was captured and kept tied in water like a crocodile. Chalukya Bhima escaped with
the help of Mudigonda Chalukya king Kusumayudhudu (mentioned in Bhima’s Koravi
inscription) .
• Donated Vedathaluru as an agrahara in memory of his son Irumarthi who died in war with
Rashtrakutas.
• He built a town called Bhimavaram in East Godavari district and also a Shiva temple in it
named Komaara ramam
• He was a great devotee of Shiva. Started the tradition of Pancharama in Andhra.
• Along with Komaara ramam, he built 4 other big Shiva temples.
• Pancharamas : Draksharamam ; Somaramamu ; Komararamamu; Ksheeraramam
Amararamam. Except Ksheeraramam, other 4 temples are 2 storyed buildings.
• Other temples built by him : Kumaraswamy Temple ; Bhimeswara Temple
• His Senapati Bhattapudu built Partishwara temple on Indrakiladri
• The Pithapuram inscription of Mallapadeva states that Bhima fought 360 wars.
• Inscriptions by Bhima : Machilipatnam Inscription ; Pandipaka Inscription ; Atthili
Inscription.
• Challavva(Her father Mallappa was also a very famous Dancer) was his court dancer and
singer ; Her title is Gandharva Visaarada ; Donated Atthili village to her – mentioned in
Atthili inscription.
• A popular recreational sport during the Chalukya Bhima era is Hallisaka(Kolatam). These
Kolatam dance postures were carved on the walls of ancient temples.
• His court poet Bhatta vamanudu or Bhatti ramanandudu (Title : Kavi Vrishabha). Book
written by Bhatta vamanadu is Kavyalankara Sutras.

VIJAYADITYA 4
• After Bhima ,he became king ; ruled only for six months ; Title : Kollabhiganda
• He attacked the Eastern Kalinga king Vajrahastu 1 and defeated him near Virajapuri.
• Vijayaditya, died fighting with the Rashtrakutas.
• Due to his death, strife started in Vengi Mandal.

AMMARAJA 1 (921AD-927AD)
• Son of 4th Vijayaditya ; Titles : Rajamahendra, Vishnuvardhana
• His generals : Mahakaludu ; Bandanadhitya
• He inscribed Chekuru Taamra inscription.
• The Ammaraja 1 built Rajamahendravaram in 922 AD through his title and made it his
capital. He shifted the capital from Vengi to Rajamahendravaram (Rajahmundry).
• He ruled for seven years. His contemporary was the King of Rashtra Kuta - Indra III .
YUDDHAMALLU 2
• Grandson of Yudhamallu 1. Capital - Chebrolu (Guntur District)
• Temple built by him in Vijayawada - Karthikeya or Kumaraswamy temple .
• Big festival of his time - Kumaraswamy Vooregimpu .
• Bezawada inscription in Telugu for the first time with Madhyakkara poem.

CHALUKYA BHIMA 2
• Titles : Rajamahendra ganda Marthanda ; Brihadischama ;
- He had two wives o Ankidevi (Kalinga princess): son - Danarnava (inscribed the Magallu
inscription) o Lokamba (Princess of Telugu Cholas) : son – Ammaraja 2

AMMARAJA 2 (945AD-970AD)
• His wife: Chamakamba (Princess of Pattawardhani clan) . She was a Jain devotee and built a
Jain temple called Sarvalokashrayam in Eluru. Ammaraja II donated the village called
'Kaluchambarru' to this Jain temple.
• Duggaraju, the army chief of Ammaraju, built Katikabharana Jain temple at Dharmavaram of
Prakasham district. Ammaraja 2 donated the village of Maliampudi in Kamma state to this
temple.
• His court poets - Potanabhattu, Madhava Bhattu, Bhattudeva(Kavi Chakravarthy)
• He was skilled in training elephants.
• Titles of the Ammaraja 2 : Sarvalokasraya , Kavigayaka kalpataruvu, Parama brahmanya,
Parama bhattaraka, Parama maheswara

DANARNAVUDU (970AD-973AD)
• Killed Ammaraja 2 with the help of Rashtrakuta king Krishna 3 and ascended the throne.
• Danarnava ruled the kingdom for only three years.
• Occupied Deccan area by ending the Rashtrakuta kingdom.
• Jataachoda Bheemudu (Brother of Lokamba) killed Danarnavara and occupied Vengi which
lead to the end of Vengi rule for some period of time.
• Danarnava's death forced his two sons SaktivarmaI and Vimaladitya to go into exile. They
fled to Chola kingdom and got the help of Chola emperor Rajarajachola.
• The Chola king Rajaraja not only gave shelter to them but also gave his daughter Kundavvani
to Vimaladitya in marriage.

JATAACHODA BHIMA (973AD-1000AD)

• Kailasanadha Temple Inscription describes about Jatachoda Bhima.
• His capital - Pedakallu (Kurnool District) ; Title : Chodha trinetra
• Defeated Bhuvana trinetra and got Renadu. Took title ‘Choda trinetra’
• Shakti Varma, with the help of Raja raja Chola, defeated Jataachoda and reoccupied Vengi
kingdom (Prabhuparru & Penneru inscriptions describes this).
SHAKTIVARMA 1 (1000AD-1011AD)
• The first son of Danarnava – Shaktivarma 1 ; Title : Chalukya Chandra
In AD 1006, the Chalukya emperor of Kalyani, Satyasrayu, sent an army commander named
Bayyalanambi to conquer Vengina.
• Shaktivarma defeated the Chalukya army of Kalyani with the help of Rajaraja Chola.
• Coins related to him have recently been found in Arakam, Burma.
• Shaktivarma ruled for 9 years. He had a son named 7th Vijayaditya. But Chola Raja placed
his son-in-law Vimaladitya on the throne.

VIMALADITYA (1011AD-1018AD)
• Titles : Rajamarthanda, Mummadi Bhima, Paramabrahmanya, Parama Parameswara
• Inscription by him :Ranastapudi Inscription and Ramakonda Inscription. He has two wives
o Kundava (daughter of Rajarajachola) whose son was Rajaraja Narendra o Melamu (daughter
of Jatachoda Bhima) whose son was the Vijayaditya 7.
• He was originally a Shaivaite. Later he followed Jainism. He excavated a cave named
Ramakonda in Ramatirdham in Vijayanagara for his guru Trikalayogi Siddhanti. Probably the
only Eastern Chalukya king who followed Jainism.
• After the death of Vimaladitya, Raja Raja Narendra came to the throne in AD 1018.

RAJARAJA NARENDRA (1019AD-1061AD)

• His brother Vijayaditya 7, with the help of Karnataka Chalukya king Jayasimha 2 and
Kalinga king Madhukamarnava , occupied Vengi during his reign. Later Raja Raja Narendra
with the help of his uncle Rajendra Chola reoccupied it. As a memorial to the Chola soilders
who died in the war, Narendra built 3 Shiva temples at Eluru.
Note: KubjaVishnuvardhana and Raja Raja Narendra were the only Vaishnavaites rest all are
Shaivaites.
• Again later Vijayaditya 7 with the help of Kalyani Chalukya king Ahavamalla Someswarudu
defeated Narendra and occupied Vengi.
• Someswarudu kept his minister Narayana Bhattu as his representative at Rajahmundry.
Narayana Bhattu’s title : Ashta Basha Vishekarudu
• Raja Raja narendra’s title – Kavyageeti priyudu o Nannaya : Court poet of Raja Raja
Narendra
• He translated 2½ Parvas (Adi Parva, Maha Parva,1/2 of Aranya Parva) of Mahabharata into
Telugu.
• Andhra Mahabharata is the first original text in Telugu.
• Titles : Adikavi , Vidya dvaitudu , Vagama sasanudu, Shabdha saasanudu
• His Sanskrit work : Andhrasabda Chintamani (Grammar Text)
• Telugu Works : Victory of Indra(Indra Vijayam) ; Chamundika Vilasam
• Rajaraja Narendra donated "Nandampudi" to Narayanabhattu as agrahara who helped
Nannaya to translate Mahabharata into Telugu.
• The village of Nava Khandavada was donated by Narendra to Pavuluri Mallana, the author of
'Ganita Sara Sangraham'.
• Nannaya wrote the Nandampudi inscription.
• All Inscriptions of Raja Raja Narendra were created by Nannayya called as Khandakavyas.
SHAKTIVARMA 2
• After the death of Raja Raja Narendra, Vijayaditya7 occupied avenging and placed his
son Shaktivarma2 as the King
• Later the Chola emperor Vira Rajendra attacked and killed Shaktivarma2

RAJENDRA 2
• Son of Narendra and Ammangi. Took over the kingdom with support of Vira Rajendra.
• However, soon Vijayaditya 7 attacked Rajendra 2 and ousted him from Vengi. Rajendra 2
fled to Thanjavur. After the death of Vira Rajendra , he assumed the chola throne under
the name of Kuluthunga Chola(His Mother Ammangi was Chola princess).

VIJAYADITYA 7 (1061AD-1075AD)
• Last king of Vengi Chalukyas. After his death, Vengi was merged into the Chola empire
in 1075AD by Kuluthunga Chola. He built Kuluthunga Cholapuram (Vishakapatnam).
• Kuluthunga Chola won Kalinga as Tamil book ‘Kalingattu patani’ states this.

ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEM

• Kumarila Bhattu popularized Purvamimamsa method during [Link] period.

• System of governance was similar to the Badami Chalukyas.
• The king was Autocratic, the kingdom was passed down to the eldest son by descent.
• Kingdom was divided into 'Saptangas' (7 divisions) and Ashtadasa Tirthas (18 offices).
• Sabha meetings were held through 'Varagoshti'.

Kingdom —————States —————————Vishayas —————————Kottari/Villages

(King) (Kumaramatyas) (Vishayapati/Mandaleswara) (Rattadi)

• The Council of Ministers is called Tirthulu ; Chief among the Tirthas – Samaharta
• Nandapudi inscription of Raja Raja Narendra mentions ‘Pancha pradhaanulu’ which
included the Yuvaraju, Mantri, Purohita, Senapati and Devarika.
• Danarnava’s Maagallu inscription mentions about the Ashtadasha teerthas.
Minister — Prime minister Prince — Yuvaraju
Samahartha — Tax collector Senapati — Commander-in-Chief
Purohita — Religious head Dharmadhyaksha — Chief Justice
Dhoota — Messenger Sannidatri — Treasurer
Dandapala — Police officer Dhouvaarika— Dwaara paripalakudu
Anantapala - Palace guard Durgapala — Fortress guard

Vishayas :
• Head : Vishayapathi/Mandaleswara/Niyoga Vallabha/Mahasamantas
• These were also called Rashtras or nadus.
  It is known from the inscriptions that there were 30 Nadus during their period.
o Palli Rashtra — Palnadu (Macharla, Gurjala)
o Kamma/Karma Rashtra — Ongole, Kondaveedu(Guntur)
o Kunderu vadi Vishaya — Bapatla, Gannavaram
o Athili vishaya — Atthili (West Godavari)
o Pistapuram vishaya — Pitapuram
Bhogapura vishaya — Vellanki(Vishaka), Bhogapuram(Vijayanagaram)
o Venginadu — Pedhavegi (West Godavari)
o Nidijeru vishaya — Balajipeta,Gurugupalli (Vijayanagaram)

Village:
• Foundation of governance system – village.
• The head of the village – called by different names Grameyaka, Gramani, Urgavunda. •
There were village committees – Machilipatnam inscription of Chalukya Bhima
• Tax collectors in the village were called as Munneyas.
• Disputes in the village were settled in Panchavara(Gram Sabha).

JUDICIARY :
• They used to observe Yajnavalkya Smriti. Chief justice - Dharmadhyaksha
• Korivi inscription - specifies the nature of the offenses and their limitations .
• Prabhudurru inscription - king used to punish corrupt officials ; how it used to carry out
• During the trial of the criminals, if no evidence, they would test the Divya.
• Divyas - established in the era of Vishnukundins . Punishments were severe.
• For Treason and sedition – death punishment
• The judgments given by the courts were given to the parties under the name of
Jayapatras with royal seals. Employees affixing royal seals were called Mudravartis.
• In court of King , there were officers called Pradvivakkulu. Pradviwakas were used to
resolve border disputes and water canal disputes between villages.
• Village Talari: Village protection was organized by the village Talari.
• If there is a theft in the village, the thief should be caught and the stolen money should
be given to the owner. If it cannot be caught, the village talari should be paid equal to
the value of the money. This is called the Achu Kavali method.
Army :
 6 type of army system was there along with Chathuranga balaalu.
1. Moola – hereditary troops 2. Bhritya – who accompanied the soilders
3. Mitra – Troops of allied kingdoms 4. Shreni – working guilds troops
5. Atavika – Tribal troops 6. Amitra – Captive troops
• Army were addressed as Mahabaladhikrutha(Mahasenani) and Baladhyaksha(Senani).
• Collected Padameri tax , Sandhi vigrahadi tax for maintenance of army.
• Army were paid in cash. Called as ‘Jeethapu raallu’
• They would blow the horn to make peace during war. This is called Dharmadhara.
ECONOMIC CONDITIONS
• Agriculture was the main occupation of the people of this period.
• Land tax was 1/6th. Called as ‘Koru’ .
• Land tax paid to the king is called 'Koraku/Aripannu/Siddaiya
• Agriculture - Classification of Lands : for taxation purposes. Waste lands (or) Tari lands ;
Metta Lands (or) Gurus
• Food crops of this period : Paddy, Jonna, Sajja, Nuvvulu, Ragulu, Kandi, Pesara
• Major commercial crops : Betel leaves, Coconut, Mango, Sugarcane, Cotton
• Every landlord had rights over his land. A landlord has absolute authority over his land
to donate, buy and sell.
• There are also manyas, agraharas, temples given in consideration of soldiers' services.
• "Sarva Kara Pariharapu" means lands or villages exempted from taxation.
Important taxes of this period:
o Rice tax – Tax payable after harvesting of crops
• Siddhayam – a pre-determined tax regardless of whether the crops are
harvested or not
• Pullari tax – Tax levied on pasturage of cattle grazing.
• Sandhi vigraha tax – A tax levied to protect the kingdom from enemy
attacks.
• Padivaale tax – A tax levied for the maintenance of an army
• Dogaraja tax – Tax payable to the prince
o Kodena tax – Tax on Umbrella makers
o Thire- Tax levied on commission received by the business intermediaries
• Dandu – Tax in times of war
• Dasha prathanam – Tax on ten type of crimes
• The Tax-free land was called "Mumbali".
• Land measurements – Nivartana, Martu, Khandika, Putti
• Gauges to measure land – Rajamaana, Jaana Kola, Mummadi Bhimakola, Rajaraja
Kola
• The Draksharama inscription of the first Kulottunga Chola specified the amount of
tax to be levied on which grain and which occupation.
• When measuring grain etc. a duty of 1/6th of the measured quantity was taken
• Coins of the period – Maadalu (Gold); Gadhyanas,Rookas (Silver); Chinnam
(Ragi/Copper)
Trade :
• The trade associations of this period were called [Link] trade of this period
was prominently under the rule of 'Nakara' Vaishyus.
• Vengi kingdom had 18 major centres of trade – Vengi, Vijayanagara, Nidadavolu
• Major trade associations are: Ayyavolu Varta Sangam(Kannada) , Balija Sangam ,
Penugonda(greatest trade centre)
• Telika Sangam is a notable community after Penugonda (business center -
Vijayawada)
• Paradesa is a trade union of foreigners
 • Trade unions form their own armies to protect goods from thieves during transport.
• The activities of Nakara are called Samaya karya.
• An inscription in the Tripuraantaka records names of all the members of the
Nakaram.
• Tax Collectors :
a. Sunka peggada – One who collects business tax (sales and purchase tax).
b. Kolagandru – Handlers of measurements and weights.
c. Teerpurulu – Those who charge according to the quality of the goods.
• Freight transportation is done by land and sea. Who carry goods are called ‘Perikas’.
• Professional taxes were levied on farmers, cart and boat drivers.
International trade :
• The fact that their coins are found abroad indicates their foreign trade.
• Shaktivarma’s & Rajarajanarendra's gold coins with the name Chalukyachandra
were unearthed at Arakanu in Burma.
• Foreign trade is conducted with – Thailand, China,Indonesia(Suwarnadweepa),
Malaysia, Sri Lanka .
• Ports of this period – Kalingapatnam, Gantasala, Korangi, Motupalli, Machilipatnam,
Visakhapatnam, Chinaganjam, Krishnapatnam • Some port towns have been given
Tamil names : o Visakhapatnam – Kulotunga Cholapattanam ; Ghantasala –
Cholapandyapuram o Motupalli – Deshikonda town ; Gandagopala puram –
Krishnapatnam • The Ahadanakara Inscription gives details of the trade of this period.
 SOCIETY
• The society is patriarchal (even that of the Satavahanas).
Chaturvarna system: The fourfold caste system was so well established and caste based
occupations are well crystallised.
 Brahmins : Brahmins were of 3 categories
a. Stotriya - reciter of mantras (yajna, sacrifices)
b. Vedic - Temple maintenance
c. Niyogas - Those who assisted the king in the administration of the kingdom.
On the basis of regional variations and occupations,the brahmin community
further divided into Kammanadu,Velanadu,Palanadu subcastes.
-As per Thondam and Thottam inscriptions(issued by Nandivarma of
Pallavas),Brahmin migration process started from Andhradesa to Tamilnadu
during this time.
 Kshatriyas : They are of 2 types
a. Suryavansa Kshatriyas - Cholas, Gajapatis
b. Chandravamsa Kshatriyas-Eastern Chalukyas, Vijayanagara Kings, Pandyas
 Vaishyas : Vaishyas are engaged in trade. They were called Komatas during
this period.
• Their trade associations are called Nakarans (Brahmin association-Mahajans)
 Shudras : Those does not belong to the above 3 varnas are treated as Shudras.
Some of them took up agricultural occupations and others as artisans and
emerged as powerful community during this time.
Most of those who adopted a military career in the wars of the Middle Ages
undoubtedly belonged to this class.
• Apart from entering the military jobs and becoming socially strong, some of this
class also got a chance to take the state power by taking advantage of the
opportunity.
• Amalgamation of Forest tribes into the mainstream of Society was achieved by
the Eastern Chalukyas.
• Untouchability has been in practice.
• Women position has been deteriorated due to the presence of
Child Marriage,Devadasi,Sati,Widow Remarriage and
Prostitution.
• For the first time Komatis(Kanyakaparameswari worshippers) emerged.
• ‘Abhilashathirtha Chinthamani’ written by Chalukya Someswara one of the
most authentic sources of Chalukyan Society talks about wide range of
hobbies,entertainments of the [Link],the popular play of the Andhras and
Geyanatakams like Ankamalikas appeared as the major entertainments of the age.

RELIGIOUS CONDITIONS
1)Decline of Buddhism 2)Revival of Jainsim
3)Bhakti based Hindu Religion [Link] was in ascendency.
 Buddhism : There was no mention of Buddhism during this period. By this time, the
patronage of kings or Buddhism had died out.
• The 'Buddharamas' became Saiva temples during the Vengi Chalukya period.
 • Dhanyakatakam in Guntur became Amareswara temple and Buddhist monastery
in Chebrolu became Shiva temple.
• Hieun-Tsang , who visited Andhra in 639 AD, reported that the Buddhist sites
of Nagarjuna Hill were in decline.

 Jainism : Jainism gained popularity. Shudras adopted it for social advancement.

• Ayyanna Mahadevi (wife of Kubja Vishnuvardhana) embraced Jainism.
Donated Mushini Konda village to Jains as per Mushini Konda inscription.
• Ammaraja II wife: Chamakamba (Princess of Pattawardhani clan). She was a
Jain devotee and built a Jain temple called Sarvalokashrayam in Eluru.
Ammaraja II donated the village called 'Kaluchambarru' to this Jain temple.
• Duggaraju, the army chief of Ammaraja II, built Katikabharana Jain temple at
Dharmavaram of Prakasham district. Ammaraja 2 donated the village of
Maliampudi in Kamma state to this temple.
• Vimaladitya favored Jainism. Vimaladitya's Jain teacher was Trikalayogi .
Vimaladitya built the Ramakonda cave for the Jains of Ramatirtha (Vijayanagaram
district).
• Jainism flourished as centers of Vijayawada, Siddhavatam, Aryavatam
and Ramatirtha.
Ugraditya, a Jain poet from Ramatirtha, wrote a medical treatise called "Kalyana
Karan".
• A Svetambara Jain monastery named Padvithilakavasati is located in
Munugodu, Guntur.
• The most famous Jain poet of this period - Pampakavi
• Jains begin their education with the sentence- "Om Namah Siddamnamah"
• Like Brahmanism,Jainism also experienced the formation of different sects
like Pustaka Gachha,Nandi Gachha, and Meshapashana Gachcha .In the
history of Andhras,it was the last stage where Jainism was patronised.

 Hinduism : Eastern Chalukyas were devotees of Vedic Dharma.

• The Eastern Chalukyas bore the titles of Parama Mahesvara, Parama
Brahmanya, Parama Bhagavata and Vishnuvardhana.
• Brahmins used to perform Hiranyagarbha, Bahu Suvarna Vrata for rebirth.
• As a Religion,Brahmanism experienced great [Link] concept of
Panchayatana started by Adishankara assumed great [Link] the
concept of 5
dieties,Shiva,Vishnu,Surya,Shakti,Ganapati were worshipped together.
• Temple become the main centre of Socio-religious and economic activities for
the first [Link] Monastries attached to Temples called Mathas came to
shelter the Sanyasis who inturn promoted the Religion Brahmanis
 • The Koya Kottas, a wild tribe, were integrated into the Brahmin society. It happened
during the reign of Vengichalukya King Jaya Simha Vallabhu II.
• Institutions called "Ghatikulu" were formed for higher education.'Asanapuram'
Ghatika*
• Shaivism sect 'Pashupatam' and Kalamukham branch were entered into Andhra.
• Jatars were first held during the period of the Eastern Chalukyas. A procession of
'Mahasenu' took place from 'Chebrolu' to Bejawada as per Yudhamallu inscription.

 Vaishnavism : Kubjavishnuvardhana practiced Vaishnavism and built the Kuntimadhava

temple in Pithapuram. Some other Vaishnava temples include
• Srikakulam – Andhra Maha Vishnu temple ; Ahobilam – Narasimhaswamy temple Narsavaram
– Bhavanarayana Swamy temple ; Simhachalam – Varaha Lakshmi temple; Tirupati Temple.
• Towards the end of Chalukyan era we find Vaishnavism being promoted by Ramanujacharya.

 Shaivism : 3 shiva temples were present. Hence Andhra is also called as Trilinga desha.
1. Draksharamam : East Godavari (Andhra)
2. Kaleshwaram : Karimnagar (Telangana)
3. Srisailam : Kurnool (Rayalaseema)
• Dwarakshetras on four sides of Srisailam :
Siddavatam, Umamaheswaram, Tripurantakam, Alampuram
• Gunaga Vijayaditya embraced Shaivism and built Shiva temples at Bikavolu (E.G)
• During the reign of Bhima , Pancharamas were transformed into Shaivakshetras.
• Shaivism was divided into 3 parts : Paasupatam, Kaalaamukham, Kaapaalikas
• Paasupatam – By Lakulisha/Nakulin. Peaceful non-violent religious system.
• Kaalaamukham – By Kaalananudu . Played a major role in the destruction of Jainism
and Buddhism in Andhra. The assemblies formed by these sectarians for the
expansion of their religion are called Simha Parishads.
• Kaapaalikas – They are the Vamacharyas of Kalamukha sect. They worship Lord Shiva
in the form of Bhairav, a formidable figure. They worship Lord Shiva with
Panchamudras namely: Liquor,Meat,Matsamu,Maidhunamu,Mudra. Their rituals:
Kapala meal , Human sacrifice, Burial residence. Srisailam is mentioned as Kapalika
Kshetra by - Bhavabhuti (in his Malati Madhavam). The main center of this religion is
Penugonda (West Godavari).
• Ashtadasa (18) Shakti Peethas in India. Andhra has 4 Shakti Peethas.
Srisailam – Bhramarambhikadevi ; Alampuram – Jogulamba
Draksharama – Manikyamba ; Pithapuram – Puruhurika
EDUCATION SYSTEM- LITERATURE
• Their Official language is Sanskrit. Sanskrit Vidyalayas are called [Link]
Graduates are called ‘Ghata Shashi’.
• Head of Asanapura Gatika – Manda Sharma
• Poet lovers in Chalukya kingdom :
a. Kavi Pandita Kamadhenu - Third Vishnuvardhana
b. Kavigayaka Kalpataruvu - Second Ammaraja
c. Kavyageethi priyudu - Rajarajanarendra
• Most Favored language , language on inscriptions – Telugu(First Telugu Inscription in
Kalimela Village(Kadapa))
• Kubja Vishnuvardhana's Chajerla inscription contains more than 50% Telugu words.
• Historians say that Kalamalla inscription written by Dhanunjaya Varma, the king of
Renaduchoda, is the first Telugu inscription.
• Telugu Inscriptions of Jayasimha Vallabhudu I : Vipparla Inscriptions(We come for
the first time the Telugu Prose), Manchalarla Inscriptions.
• Pandurangani's Addanki inscription contains a Telugu poem Taruvoja Vritta.
• In the Sataluri inscription of Gunaga’s there is a Telugu poem Champakamala
Vrittam.
• There is a Madhyakara poem in the Bejavada inscription of Yuddhamallu.
• During this period,with Nannechoda Kaviraja a new literary phase started in Telugu
[Link] this literary work,he used a distinct Telugu style called ‘Janutelugu’
which become the basic for his successor Palkuri [Link]
Kumarasambhavam became the basis for Prabandhayuga in Telugu literature.
• With the devoted Sivakasis,the Desi Kavitha movement started in Telugu literature.
• All the Classics were composed during this [Link] Somana wrote
Basavapuranam and Panditharaja [Link] himself wrote
‘Sivatatvasaram’ which become one of the earliest Sataka in Telugu [Link]
Sataka Literary tradition as such started.
• Other popular works under the Chalukyas were Janasreyam and
Raghavapandaveyam written by Vemulavada Bheemakavi
• Ganithasarasangraham,the essence of Mathematics written by Pavuluri
[Link] Literary tradition became a model for the great poets Srinatha and
Allasani Peddana in the later course of the history of literary development.
• In the field of Arts like Music and Dance,the age marked a great
[Link],an exponent in Music and Dance was patronsed by
Chalukya [Link] very fact that she was given the title ‘Gana Gandharva
Visaradha’ indicates the development of Music during this period.’Ankamalika’ a
poetic play also developed during this age.
  Court poets of Raja Raja Narendra :
o Narayana Bhattu – Titles :Astha Basha Kavi Shekara, Kareeba Vajrankudu .
Narendra donated Nandapudi agrahara to him for his poetic excellence.
o Pavuluri Mallana – Also known as Sukavi,Satkalasheela,Explained mathematics in
poetic form(Ganita Sarasanghra,the first scientific book in Telugu). Ganita
Sarasanghra was originally written by [Link] donated
‘Navakandavaada’ agrahara to Mallanna.
-Nannayya translated Mahabharatha.

FINE ARTS & SCULPTURE

• Rajahmundry is the cultural capital city of Andhras
• Kolatam was the main dance entertainment of the Eastern Chalukya period
• Fine arts of this period mentioned in – Abhilasha teertha Chintamani by Someswara
• The great sculptural tradition of the age is found in temples of
Alampuram,Mahanandi and [Link] goes to the Chalukyas for introducing
the Deccan style of temple Architecture in Andhra and for building the temples at
Draksharamam,Bheemeswaram,Samarlakota,Amaravati and
Palakollu(Pancharamas).The Navabrahma temple at Almapuram and Mahanadi
temple in Kurnool district also belonged to their times.

ARCHITECTURE OF CHALUKYAS

1) 108 Shiva Temples built by Vijayaditya 2

2) Temples built by Gunaga Vijayaditya,Chalukya Bhima 1,YuddhaMallu 2,Raja Raja
Narendra.(Refer to respective headings for details)
 MANDALIKA YUGAM
In Ancient times,Andhra was divided into small Nadus/[Link]
Nadu was under a [Link] Nadus are also called as Mandals,the age is referred to as
Mandalika [Link] the Mandalika yuga,the Economic and Social conditions of Eastern
Chalukyas continued.
CHALUKYA-CHOLAS
• The Eastern Chalukya dynasty came to an end with the death of Vijayaditya 7, king of the
Eastern Chalukyas in AD 1075. The Chola dynasty came to an end with the death of Veera
Rajendra and his son Abhirajendra at Thanjuvur in 1071 AD.
• As the Chola throne became vacant, Rajendra, who was born to the Chola princess
'Ammangadevi' to Vengi Chalukya king Rajaraja Narendra, established peace in the Chola
country and ascended the throne with the title of 'first Kulothunga Chola'.
• Vengi country (Chalukya Empire) also became part of Chola Empire after the death of
Vijayaditya 7th in AD 1075.
• Rajendra Kulottungu, the builder of the Chola Chalukya Empire.
• The Chalukya Chola era is called the Mandalika Yugam because the entire Telugu country
was under the control of the Mandalikas and they ruled their regions independently .
• Rulers – Raja Raja Mummadi chola, Veerachola, Raja Raja chola Gangu, Paranthaka chola
• Kalyani chalukyas and Hoyasalas attacked Paranthaka chola and killed him.

VELANATI CHODULU
• The first Kulottunga chola gave royal insignia to the faithful vassal royal clans and appointed
them as Mandaleshwars. From them, many clans were formed.
• Their progenitor is Mallavarma ; Capital : Chandavolu/Sanaduprolu/Dhandupuram
• The area of Bapatla, Tenali, Raypalle and Guntur talukas of today's Guntur district is
Aaruvela Nadu. This Aaruvela Nadu region is Velanadu.
• Revealing their devotion to the Lord, they gave their sons the names of their lords.
• The first among them who bore the Cholan name was Velanati Rajendra Chola.
• Velanati Rajendra Chola's father was Gonkaya. Gonkaya’s lord – Kuluthunga chola.

GONKARAJA 1 (1076AD-1107AD)
• Founder. Titles of the first Gonka king : Samadhigata Panchamahasabda, Maha
Mandaleshvarudu, Chola Rajya moolastambha.
• He served as the army chief of Kulottanga Chola and took title Samastha senadipathi.
• He was appointed as the representative of Vengi by Kulottungachola.
• Kulottungu appointed him as the head of Velanati village.
VELANATI KULOTTUNGA CHOLA/RAJENDRA
• He took his vassals with him and attacked Kalinga and Chakrakutam and won.
• Fought with Pottapi cholas and made them as his [Link] Kalyani chalukyas &
Kalinga Gangus occupied Vengi during his reign when he is busy fighting with Pottapi Cholas.

GONKARAJA II (1132AD-1165AD)
• The greatest of all. Reoccupied Vengi.
• During his time, the rule of the Velanati kings extended from Mahendragiri in the north to
Pakanati in the south.
• Vassals(Konidena,Nellore cholas) revolted during his reign but he suppressed them.
• Important ministers during his time:Nanduri Govindamantri,Nanduri Kommana.
• His history is described by Manchanabhattu in Thanakeyura Bahu Charitra.

RAJENDRA CHOLA 2
-Defeated Pithapuram Chalukyas and made them their Samantas.
-During the end of his reign,Kakatiya Rudradeva,Nellore Cholas,Pithapuram Chalukyas came
together to Chandavolu and defeated him.

GONKARAJA III (1180AD-1186AD)

• As Gonkaraja III was not an able ruler, his vassal kings revolted. He also fought with Kakatiya
Rudradeva(as per Rudradeva’s Draksharamam Inscription).
• Shifted capital from Chandavolu to Pitapuram.
• During his reign, in AD 1182, the Palanati war took place.

KING PRITHVISVARA
• His inscription – Pithapuram inscription. Kolleru Lake is mentioned in it.
• Chodatikkana killed Pridhvesvara in a [Link] kingdom came to an end.

KULOTTUNGA MUMMADI RAJENDRA CHOLA

• Rajendra Chola tried to restore the prestige of Velanati Cholas.
• Kakati Ganapathideva killed him along with Akkana and Bayyana.
• Velanati Chola Dynasty came to an end with the death of Mummadi Rajendra Chola.

ADMINISTRATION
• Their kingdom started with 480 villages, expanded to a great empire with 16000 villages.
• Formed Council of Ministers to assist the Cholas of Velanati in their administration.
• Manchena describes the qualities that ministers should possess in his 'Keyarabahu' charitra.
• The village administrator enjoyed all the powers. The Pithapuram Inscription of
Prithveeshwar states that during their time they had powers under the name of
Rashtrakuta.
• Gramadhikari was also known as 'Gramali'.
ECONOMY
• Their main occupation is Agriculture & Animal husbandry.
• Ponds and wells were dug for agricultural development.
• Telikas, Perikas, Balijas and Penugonda shrenis conducted businesses.
• Ports : Motupalli ,Gantasala ; Crops : Cotton & Chilli in Palnadu

LITERATURE
• The court Language of the Velanati Chodas is Sanskrit.
• Panditaradhya Mallikarjuna’s Siva tattvasaram is first swatantra kavya in Telugu language.
• Palkuriki Somanatha’s writings : Basavapuranam, Panditaradhya charitra, Basavodaharana,
Vrishadeeva shatakam, Chaturvedasaram, Anubhavasaram.

• Other works of this period :

o Tripurantaka Kavi’s Aravali Madana Vijaya
o Madiki Singana’s Sakalaneeti Sammatam
o Nennechodudu(Kaviraja shikamani)’s Kumara sambavam

RELIGIOUS CONDITIONS
• It is remarkable that religious movements took place during the time of Velanati Cholas.
• Two major religious movements took place in Andhra and brought about some changes in
the religious and social systems. They are:
1. Aradhya Saiva movement led by Panditaradhiula Mallikarjuna
2. Veera Vaishnava movement which was continued by Brahmanaidu of Palanati

 Aradhya Shaivism: During this period, Basaveshwara founded Veerashaivism in Karnataka.

• The influence of that religion fell on Andhra country and scholar Mallikarjuna Pandita
founded the religion called Aradhya Shaivism under the influence of Veerashaivism.
• Not only did he condemn Jainism and Buddhism, he also condemned Shankara's Advaita
religion. There is no other god except Shiva. He strove to establish the supremacy of
Shaivism that no one should be worshiped except Lord Shiva.
• 12 gurus of this religion:
o Siddhatrayam - Revana, Marula, Ekorama
o Aradhyatrayam - Adhgataradhya, Vemanaradhya, Vishwaradhya
o Acharyatrayam - Srikantacharya, Haradattacharya, Baskaracharya
o Panditatrayam - Sripati Pandita, Mallikarjuna Pandita, Manchena Pandita
 Veera Vaishnavism : It was Brahmanaidu who started the Veeraishnava movement .
• Ramanujacharya established the Srivaishnava religion in the Tamil country and denounced
the caste system. With this influence, he started Veera Vaishnava movement in Andhra.
• Brahmanaidu set two goals during this movement.
o To establish a casteless society.
o Worshiping Lord Vishnu as Chennakesava for attaining salvation.
 HAIHAYA DYNASTY

• Betaraja 1 was the first of the Haihaya clan who ruled Palanati . His inscription is in Satrasa.
• The first Betaraja was succeeded by : Veerakamaraju, Rajaraja, Betaraja 2
• While Betaraja II remained a vassal of Kalyani Chalukyas, he was defeated by Gonkaraju 2.

ALUGURAJU(ANUGURAJU)
• Son of Betaraja 2. Aluguraja ruled as a vassal of Gonkaraju 2 and married his daughter
Mailamadevi. Has 2 other wives - Veeravijjaladevi , Buramahadevi.

NALAGAMARAJU
• Nalagama was a Shaivite, Brahmanayu's Veeraishnava religion was not liked by Nalagama.
• He divided kingdom b/w himself and Peddamalli – Gurajala rajyam & Macharla Rajyam

Battle of Palnadu (or) Andhra Mahabharata (1176-82)

• Sources – Palnati Veera charitra by Srinathudu ; Palnati Veera Bhagavatam by Veerabadhra .
• Nagamma-Shaivism ; Brahmanaidu-Vira Vaishnavism
• Nagamma(Minister of Nalagama) arranged the game of cockfighting between Mallideva king
and the Nalagama king.
• Mallideva lost it. As per the conditions, he and Brahmanaidu(Mallideva’s minister) gave
away his Macharla kingdom to Nalagama raja and left to the forests(Vanavasa).
• After 7 years , Brahmanaidu sent Alaraja as Ambassador to Nagamma to hand over the
kingdom . Nagamma rejected. Also, he was poisoned and killed by Nagamma.
• Battle of Karampudi (1182 AD) fought between Nalagama and Malidev. Battle was fought for
3 days near Naguleru. Nalagama Raja won.
• ‘Chapakindakudu’ is a common meal programme by Brahmanaidu to destroy caste system.
• Balachandra(son of Brahmanaidu) is known as Andhra Abhimanyudu.
 TELUGU CHOLAS
• The Velanati Chola dynasty came to an end after Ganapathidev killed Rajendrachola .
• Telugu Cholas who ruled the Pottapinadu , Paakanaadu and the Kota Vamsiyas who ruled the
Venadu became vassals of the Kakatiyas.
• They claimed that they were Kshatriyas of Suryavamsa and descended from Karikala Chola.
• Renati Cholas, Pottapi Cholas, Konidena Cholas, Nannuru Cholas and Nellore Cholas are well
known among the Telugu Chola clans.

RENATI CHODAS
• Their kingdom: Renadu (the area of Kadapa, Kurnool and Chittoor districts)
• Capital : Peddachapalli (Kamalapuram Taluk, Kadapa district) ; Progenitor : Nandivarma
• Founder : Dhanunjaya Varma ; Last: Elachola Maharaja
• Inscriptions state that Renadu is an area with 7 thousand villages (Sapta sahasra grama)
• They ruled as vassals of Pallavas and later Badami Chalukyas .
• Renati Chodas are credited with inscribing the first inscriptions in Telugu language. They
made it their court language gave it the authority.
• Their inscriptions were found in Jammalamadugu and Proddutur talukas.

NANDIVARMA
• Nandivarma was the progenitor (moola purushudu) of the Renati Cholas.

DHANUNJAYAVARMA
• Son of Nandi Varma ; Capital : Chimamburu
• He wrote the 'Kallamalla' inscription (found in 576AD). This is the first inscription in Telugu,
found at Erragudi Padu in Kadapa district. This inscription is in [Link] is the evidence for
the emergence of Telugu script.

MAHENDRA VIKRAMAVARMA
Son of Dhanunjayavarma ; Titles : Mudita Shilakshara, Navarama

PUNYA KUMARA
• Titles – Pormukha rama, Purushardula, Chidamboore, Uttamottama,
Prithvivallabha.
• Inscriptions made by him- Potladurthi Inscription, Malepadu Inscription,
Erragudipadu Inscription.
• Malepadu inscription was engraved in 'Dwiradagatiragada' style.

SATYADITYA
• His title - Chola Mahadhi Raju

~ Elachola Maharaja was the last of the Renati Cholas

POTTAPI CHODAS
• Pottapi Chodulu ruled Kadapa Mandal after Renati Chodulu.
• It is found that Madhurantaka was one of the vassals of Chola king Parantaka and he ruled
with 'Pottapi' in Kadapa district as his capital.
• They are also called Madhurantaka Pottapi Chodas .

KONIDENA CHODAS
• Konidena was earlier known as Kotyadona. Capital : Konidena ; Title : Tenkanaditya
• The Konidena Chodas ruled Kammanadu (Guntur, Ongolu, Bapatla) .
• King of the Konidena Choda lineage – Tribhuvana Mallachoda Maharaja.
• He continued to be a vassal of Velanati king Gonkaraja II.
• Opili Siddi Inscription of 1224AD confirms that Kakatiya Ganapati Deva’s feudatory Opili
Siddi attacked Konidena chodas and won.

NANNURU CHODAS
• Some historians are of the opinion that Nannechoda, the Saiva poet and author of
Kumarasambhava Mahaprabandha, belonged to this sect.
• Inscription of Nannur Chodas(1088AD) was found in Nannur Hunkara Devi temple .

NELLORE CHODAS
• Capital : Vikramasimha Puri (Nellore)
• Chodas of Nellore ruled South coastal Andhra as opponents of Velanati kings. The Chodas of
Nellore claim that they are the descendants of Karikala Chola.
• The foremost of all the Telugu Chola clans is the Nellore Chola clan.
• They first ruled as vassals of the Chola emperors and later of the Kakatiyas.
• Their kingdom declined due to the invasions of the Pandyas.
• Vikramaditya VI appointed Bijjanna as the ruler of Pakanati after recognizing the power,
abilities of Bijjana clan.

CHOLA BIJJANA
• Historically, Tenungu Bijjana is the moolakartha of Nellore Choda.
• Chola Bijjana ruled the Etagiri region as a vassal of someswara 1 ( Chalukya emperor).

MANUMA SIDDHI 1
• In the inscriptions he is mentioned as Manumasiddarasa.
• The Taruvariyur inscription glorifies him as a thunderbolt and Vishnu Chakra to his enemies.
• It is known from inscriptions that Betha (Manumasiddhi brother) was a great warrior who
helped his brother expand the kingdom.
CHODA TIKKANA/TIKKA BHUPATI
• Choda Tikkana is the most famous of all Nellore Telugu Chodas.
• He was the one who killed Velanati Prithveeshwar along with Ganapati of Kakatiya.
• Choda Tikkana Titles: Abhinava Bhoja , Kavi sarvabhoma, Bhashabimaani , Chola stapacharya

MANUMASIDDHI 2
• Title - Viraganda Gopala.
• During his period the Nellore Chodas started to decline.
• Kavi Brahma Tikkana was a minister in the court of ‘Manumasiddhi 2’.
• Vijayaganda Gopalu, a Telugu Choda, invaded and ruled the southern parts of the Nellore
kingdom (Chengalpattu) and faced the second Manumasiddhi.
• Akkana and Bayyanna, the cousins of the second Manumasiddhi, revolted .
• Under these circumstances the second Manumasiddhi sent the poet Tikkana to the court of
Kakatiya Ganapati .

• Ganapati sent his commander Samanthabhoja who defeated Vijayaganda gopala in the
battle of 'palaiyuru', Akkana and Bayyanna were also killed. With this the second
Manumasiddhi became a Kakatiya vassal.
• For this the second Manumasiddhi gave the port of Motupalli as a gift to Ganapathi.
• He fought ‘Panchalingala war’ with Katamaraju and won it.
• In AD 1263, Pandya king Jatavarma Sundarapandya killed the second Manumasiddhi in the
battle of 'Muthukuru' and occupied the kingdom of Nellore.
• Ganapati, who assisted the second Manumasiddhi, was defeated by Sundara Pandya in the
battle of Muthukur.
• Manumasiddhi 2’s court poet 'Tikkana' is famous among all Telugu poets of Maadalika era.
Tikkana's first book is 'Nirvachanottara Ramayanam' dedicated to the Manumasiddhi.
Tikkana titles – Kavijana Raja, Keesara sahakara, Somayaji, Ubhaya kavimitra .
Ketana dedicated Dashakumara charitra to him .Ketana also wrote Andhra basha Bhusanam.

ADMINISTRATION
• The kingdom was divided into mandals, nadus and kottams. Telugu Chola rulers also ruled
according to the principles of the Chola system.
• Andhradesham was divided into small Nadus during the Mandalika Yuga. Almost every nadu
or mandala was ruled by a feudal clan.
• These Mandalika kings followed the Saptanga system of monarchy.
ARMY
• Commanders played a prominent role not only in national defense but also in social life.
• In the wars fought by the lords, the vassals were obliged to send armies and take part
themselves, so they raised large [Link] gave more importance to the cavalry.
• During the war, they used to loot the enemy's camps and their villages and set them on fire.
ECONOMIC CONDITIONS
• The main occupation - animal husbandry (especially sheep’s).
• Ponds are the main source of fresh water, agriculture .
• They managed the sea trade. Major port towns - Ghantasala, Krishnapatnam.
• Diamonds were exported from Paritala. Every maandaleeka vamsam minted coins.

RELIGION
• Some of the Telugu Cholas followed Shaivism and some followed Vaishnavism. However,
they showed great tolerance. Vaishnavism entered the kingdom of Nellore due to Campaign
of Ramanujacharya. Hence the influence of Veera Vaishnavism spread over the kingdom of
Nellore. As a result the Shaiva and Vaishnava conflicts started.
• Tikkana, the first Telugu poet who propagated the theory of 'Advaita' in Andhra Pradesh,
was a great poet who propagated the philosophy of Hariharanatha tatvam through his
Mahabharata during the conflict between Saiva and Vaishnava religions and worked for
religious harmony in Andhra Pradesh.
• From the time of the Telugu Cholas till today, there are two temples which are being
worshiped regularly – Ranganayaka swamy temple ; Irulamma temple.