VAKATAKA DYNASTY The Vakataka Dynasty ruled parts of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradhesh from the third to fifth century The Vakatakas are mentioned in the Puranas The Vakataka Dynasty was founded by Vindhyashakti in 250 CE The Dynasty had two branches: Pravapura-Nandivardhana branch and Vatsagulma branch The Vakatakas patronised the building of Buddhist viharas and chaityas at the Ajanta Caves Important Vakataka rulers Vindhayashakti (250-270 CE) was the founder Pravarasena I (270-330 CE) expanded the realm from Bundlekhand in the north to present Andhra Pradesh in the south Harishena (475-500 CE) expanded the kingdom to include Avanti (Malwa) in the north, Kosala (Chattisgarh) in the east, Nasik in the west and Kuntala (southern Maharashtra) in the south The rock-cut vihara of Ajanta cave XI was built by Varahadeva, a minister of Harishena HARSHAVARDHANA Overview Harshavardhana (540-647 ...
