After a long sabbatical from the Aandhra dynastic record, we return to our favourite topic. Following our preceding article on the Pallava Dynasty, it was only natural that we turn to another Offshoot of the Satavahanas, called the Vishnukundin Dynasty.

Introduction

*As one can note again in the scholar-produced map above, Assaka/Asmaka is deep in  Maharashtra, not Telangana (which was part of old Aandhra desa).

 Having discussed the rise of the Satavahana Dynasty, and its massive impact on the Royalty of Late Antiquity and the Early Medieval period, we can move on to its other offshoots. The Vishnukundin dynasty has long been the focus of a “vernacularisation” drive by indologists. Specifically, there is a belief that all communities in India are somehow alien to Sanskritic heritage, and thus, seek to change their culture by embracing a new one. But this is inaccurate.

For starters, the various tribal communities in India have long been treated as kings in their own right, with occasional inter-mingling, such as the famed tribal king Nishaadha Nala and high born Kshathriya Princess Damayanti. That is the reason why tribes are referred to as Girijanas or Vanavaasis rather than Adivaasis (or the newfangled sangh nomenclature of “janjatiya!”…whatever that means). Anyway, they are seen as co-ethnics who embraced a hill or forest life instead.

Therefore, the belief that the Vishnukundins were originally Vinukondas who changed their identity, is erroneous. The Puranas clearly mention their descent from the Satavahana dynasty (of Aandhra Brahmin origin, via Bharadvaja gotra). So their identity is clear.

Background

History often ends up occluded due to the mal-informed efforts of well-meaning scholars or the malevolent agendas of malign parochialists or colonialists. The Vishnukundins have proven to be no exception to the long list of dynastic victims in Indology. This is all the more relevant given the internet theorising of the proliferation of what is termed as ill-informed “snippet-jeets“. Stitch enough snippets together and the desired narrative can be formed and folded not only depending on the general agenda of an internet interest-group, but even for the immediate needs of a digital caste clash.

Though we have ourselves written on Rajput figures respectfully, the sentiment is not always returned. Contrary to many Rajput revisionist historians, Madhava Varma had nothing to do with them. They cite the defeat of The Rashtrakutas by their Paramara feudatory as evidence of suzerainty. However, the origin of this family is elsewhere, and given the Agnikula Kshathriya story, the origin theory is likely the reverse. Ironically, while the Imperial Chalukyas would unseat the Vishnukundins, the Later Chalukyas would capture, imprison and execute Paramara Munja, son of Siyaka who sacked the Rashtrakuta capital Manyaketa.

History should not be a playground for caste-narcissism, but should be sought out to determine where we came from and to inform where we should go. It is possible for different communities and different regions to respect each for their differences, similarities, and achievements; otherwise, it is only natural that everyone will be brought down in a battle to oblivion. Incidentally, that is precisely how India got colonised the first time. Time to learn history’s true lessons. The Vishnukundins actually prove illustrative. Here is their actual origin.

Aandhra Satavahana dynasty split up into 12 divisions after being overthrown by Guptas:

Pallava Cheta [Chutu] Sena Kadamba Rashtrakuta Vishnukundina Brihatpalayana Baana Ganga Hosala[Hoysala?] Rajaputra Salankayana Vakataka Vallabhi [Maitraka?] Vardamba Nolamba . [3, 144]

Origin

Origin stories are all the rage today, not only for Villains, but also for Heroes. The Vishnukundinas were no slouches in this department. In fact, the most meteoric of Kings in this dynasty took his name from the Braahmana who sheltered his refugee mother. Much like the great Emperor Sagara, the Vishnukundin Madhavavarman I (the mostly likely candidate for the legendary figure) would grow up to slay his father’s enemies and do his mother proud. He avenged the family and restored its glory. With that, one can begin with the confusing list of dynasts and foes in the History of the Vishnukundinas.

Vamsa Vrksha

There are a number of other discrepancies with this dynasty known as Vishnukundin. Beyond etymology and origin, was numbering. Most royal families are replete with numbered names, so as to keep track of namesakes. The Vishnukundins were no exception. Some scholars assert that the dynasty ended with Madhavavarman IV. However, we place reliance on a local Telugu scholar who was more familiar with the region and subject matter, and comprehensive in his study. As per his assertion, there were only 3.

There are also some questions as to whether the Mountain they are associated with is in Srisailam (identitied with their Sriparvata references). If this is the case, then this confirms their origin in modern Andhra pradesh state.

True to their name, the dynasty would choose the sankha (conch) as lanchana (crest). True to their Aandhra origins, the land where lion is mount, the King of Beasts would be the animal signet.

Indravarman

Not much is known about the ostensible first king of the Vishnukundin dynasty. It is unknown if he went by other names, such as the legendary Somadeva. Nevertheless, inscription plates give up some inkling.

“The names of the first two kings of the dynasty are recorded as Indravarma and Madhavavarma in the Thummalagudem plates (first set). The record is silent about the extent of territory ruled by these kings. However, from the title Maharaja one can presume that they were independent rulers. Indravarma built a new capital and named it Indrapura. It is identified with Indrapalagutta, near Thummalagudem in the Ramannapeta Taluk of Nalgonda district.” [1, 31]

As such, he can be credited with one of the several capitals of the Vishnukundin dynasty.

Madhavavarman I

Madhavavarman I is considered the most illustrious of all the Vishnukundinas. He defeated and drove the Imperial Pallavas from Southern Aandhra. He then proceeded to do a veritable digvijay of the Dakshinapatha (disregarding his in-laws of course). The lone member of the dynasty to be worthy of the title Samraat (Emperor), he would contribute to the Confederation of 4 Powers, led by the Imperial Guptas, who united to safeguard Bhaarathavarsha from the Huna menace.

He secured his reign through a wise matrimonial-alliance with the Vakataka dynasty.

This king would then be followed by 2 rulers of considerably lesser repute.

Devavarman & Madhavavarman II

During his reign, the Gunavarman of Devarashtra attempted to break free from the Vishnukundin yoke. Devarashtra is said to be madhya Kalinga (which alternated capitals from Pishtapura, Danthapura, and Simhapura). Simultaneously, there was a rebellion within the Vaakaataka empire.

The net result was the the two tottering imperiums teamed up to crush their rebellious vassals. Due to their battles with the Cholas, the Pallavas were again dislodged from Southern Aandhra. Madhavavarman II would enjoy a 30 year reign as a consequence.

The dynasty would have its lustre revived by Madhava-varman II. The glory which ebbed under his father Devavarman would be restored by him a due course of campaigns. He would be succeeded by his young uncle, Vikramendravarman I.

Vikramendravarman I

Vikramendra-varman I had a relatively uneventful reign. He is referred to by his descendants as merely “Raajan” (again underscoring that though the Vishnukundin kingdom was significant, it was generally not thought of as an empire).

Indeed, even the heretofore congenial Vaakaatakas began looking askance at Vishnukundin territory.

Indravarman/Indrabhattaaraka

Indravarman Vishnukundin, better known as Indrabhattaaraka, would fight a confusing war with a hostile constellation of kings led by Eastern Ganga Indravarman II (king of Odisha). Despite a promising career and early successes, adversity would get the better of him on the battlefield.

He had managed to see off the Vaakaataka protege who attempted to usurp his throne, and chastised his vassals to obedience. It was a long reign and Indrabhattaaraka began to cast imperial shadows not seen since the days of Madhava I. He perhaps overstayed his welcome and fortune which had heretofore rewarded him, deserted him in his later days.

Against the Kalinga-led confederacy he would stake a high wager on his life, but lose like a true warrior. It is rumoured that the now soured Vaakaataka’s facilitated the Eastern Ganga victory.

Nevertheless, this mighty dynasty would almost always seem to produce avengers of their fathers. Indrabhattaaraka’s son Vikramendra II would ensure vengeance against his eponymous nemesis.

Vikramendravarman II

Another bolt of lightning the Vishnukundin dynasty was Vikramendra II. He slew the Odia king Indravarman II. He would reign only 10 years, but he, as other members of his dynasty, would always energetically seek to restore his dynastic fortunes. [5, 501] He was often referred to as Vikramahendra to avoid confusion with others.

He was pious king and a devout Saivite, having referred to himself as Parama-Maheshvara, or worshipper of his tutelary deity. [5, 501]

Govindavarman

“Govindavarma was the contemporary of Pravarasena II, the Vakataka ruler with whom he maintained friendly relations. Taking advantage of the declining power of the Salankayanas, Govindavarma extended the boundaries of his kingdom towards the Coastal Andhra region. He married Parama Maha Devi, the daughter of Prithivimula, a neighbouring feudal chief”. [1, 31]

Unlike those who continually cast a mortal conflict of caste & creed between Veda & Buddha dharmas, Govindavarman showed the cosmopolitan bent of his dynasty by giving patronage to both.

“Govindavarma patronised both Buddhism and the Vedic faith. To begin with he was a Buddhist, but later converted to Saivism. Perhaps he changed his faith due to his close contact with the Vakataka rulers.” [1, 31]

He is known to have defeated many kings, and formed an alliance with the Gauda ruler. He measured swords with Isanavarman of the North. The latter’s father Ishvaravarman would establish the dynasty in the Ganga-Yamuna doab, Isanavarman claims in inscriptions to have bested the Vishnukundina; however, Govindavarman’s fate in that battle is not known. [5, 508] The reason for the lack of clarity is that Isana’s inscriptions vaguely refer to a powerful “Andhrapati” as leader of the hostile alliance. Underscoring the status of this ruler, Govinda was titled merely Maharaaja. He took the biruda “refuge of prowess”. That he had rose to such heights as to challenge distant Northern powers shows how close Govindavarman, and the Vishnukundins by extension, again came to cementing the polity as an empire.

Madhavavarman III

Madhavavarman III would prove to be the dynasty’s final ebb-and-flow. If Govindavarman was called Vikramaasraya, he would be called Janaasraya (“refuge of the people”). Madhava III would defeat and finally subjugate the Eastern Gangas who had formed an hostile alliance against Indrabhattaaraka.

However, as with his illustrious forebears, Madhavavarman III’s glory seemed to be shortlived. Towards the end of his rule, the Imperial Chalukyas rose as a mortal threat not only to his dynasty politically, but to him personally.

True to his lineage, however, Madhavarman III would go down fighting like a true warrior-king. Lake Kolleru/Kolanu (near Vengi) would be the site of his noble end.

Legacy

The legend of Madhavavarman (all 3 of them) would live on with later dynasties. Madhavavarman III’s own non-installed son Manchyanna-Bhattaaraka made a laudable effort at restoring the kingdom, even defeating traitorous vassals. In the end, however, the power of the Chalukyas proved too much. The scion of the Vishnukundinas would pass into history.

Many dynasties, such as today’s Vizianagaram Maharajah, would claim descent. Another notable would restore Aandhra glory to the Aandhras: the Great Kakatiyadynasty.

Conclusion

Some have referred to the Vishnukundin Dynasty as an empire; however, if the word empire is used for everything, it means nothing. Satavahanas and Pallavas were certainly Emperors, having dominions from Southern Rajasthan and Gujarat through most of the Dakshinapatha, etc. But Vishnukundins themselves were just great kings, suzerain kings even, but were hardly paramount in a South that saw both the Cholas and the Chalukyas rising, and the Vakatakas and Kadambas also being suzerains respectively. The Vishnukundins were Adhiraajas, or Suzerain kings, ruling more than the great kingdom of Aandhra, without any Overlord.

The 1 king who did become Emperor worthy of name was Madhava I. It is he who performed the Raajasooya and attained the title Samraat/Saamraaja. He ruled the entire eastern half of the Deccan and was suzerain in Aandhra and Kalinga. Thus, the Vishnukundins were only briefly an empire, before reverting in the next generation, to the status of a great Kingdom.

“Like the Satavahanas, the Vishnukundis made great contributions to Andhra art and architecture. According to Dubreuil and other scholars the cave temples at Undavalli (Guntur district), Mogalrajapuram and Vijayawada (Krishna district) are the creation of the Vishnukundis. But none of the structural temples of the Vishnukundis are in existence, even though according to Velpuru pillar inscription Madhavavarma II constructed a temple of VInayaka.” [1,35]

Perhaps the biggest legacy of the Vishnukundins was not their architecture or religious patronage of both Buddhism and Saivism, but of geopolitics. They recognised the severe danger to Bhaaratheeya Samskrthi that the Hunas represented, and ably assisted the Imperial Gupta-Vakataka confederation. This is something that latter kings and modern Indians have yet to take to heart fully. The petty pride of princelings should not endanger their civilization.

As the Vishnukundins demonstrated, rather than take advantage of a native rival’s discomfiture with a dangerous foreign enemy or sit by idly, it is better to make common cause and see the threat out—living to enjoy the fruits.

References:

1. Rao, P. Ragunadha. History and Culture of Andhra Pradesh: From the Earliest Times to 1991. New Delhi: Sterling Publishers, 2012. 1-23
2. Durga Prasad, G.History of the Andhras up to 1565 A. D. Guntur:  P.G. Publishers.1988
3. Kota, Venkatachalam Paakayaaji (Pandith). Chronology of Ancient Hindu History Part I. Vijayawada: AVG.
4. Gopalachari, K. Early History of the Andhra Country. University of Madras.1941
5. Bhavaraju, Venkata Krishna Rao. A History of the Early Dynasties of Andhra Desa (c. 250-625 A.D). Madras: V.Ramaswami Sastrulu & Sons. 1942
6. Kamath, Suryanath U. A Concise History of Karnataka. Bangalore University. 1973