Chapter Info (Click Here)
Book No. – 17 (Ancient History)
Book Name – History of the Early Dynasties of Andhra Desa (Book II – The Pallavas; 250-630 AD)
What’s Inside the Chapter? (After Subscription)
1. The Kadambas of Kuntala
2. Bhagiratha 355-380 AD
3. Raghu 380-390 AD
4. Käkustha varman 390-415 AD
5. The Jahnavivas of Gangavādi
6. Santivarman 415-420 AD
7. Kranavarman I Asvamedhayajin 420-450 AD
8. Closing years of Krsnavarman I Wars with the Pallavas
9. Devavarman 450-465 AD
10. The History of the Western Gangas and the Pallava claim to Suzerainty
11. Mrgesavarman; 470-477 AD
12. Vijaya-Siva Mändhättvarman 489-497 AD
13. Vispuvarman II Period 497-503 AD and his Pallava overlord Säntivarman
14. Ravivarman 503-538 AD Beginning of a New Era in the History of Kuntala
15. The Last Phase of the Pallava-Kadamba Hostilities
Note: The first chapter of every book is free.
Access this chapter with any subscription below:
- Half Yearly Plan (All Subject)
- Annual Plan (All Subject)
- History (Single Subject)
- CUET PG + History
- UGC NET + History
History of the Contemporary Kadambas and Jahnaviyas or the Western Ganges
Chapter – 6
The history of the Kadambas of Vaijayanti and the Jāhnaviyas (Early Western Gangas of Talakkada) is crucial for understanding the chronology of the Pallava kings of the fifth century.
After the death of Vijaya Vişņugõpavarman II, the Pallava dynasty faced troubles at the dawn of the fifth century.
A new power, the Jāhnaviyas, emerged in the Punnāța-Pannāța country (South Mysore) and played a significant role in the conflict between the Pallavas and Kadambas during the fifth century.
Roughly half a century later, the Cāļas emerged as another formidable power, impacting the Pallava Empire.
The Cāļas posed a strong challenge to the Pallavas, eclipsing their glory for about three decades or more.
The fifth century was a crucial and eventful period in the history of South India and the Pallava dynasty.
The Kadambas of Kuntala
During the reign of Ugravarman, the Kadamba kings Kangavarman (c. 340-355 A.D.) and his son Bhagiratha (c. 355-380 A.D.) were contemporaries of the Pallavas.
The Talgunda inscription suggests that Kangavarman’s reign was marked by wars, stating, “he performed lofty great exploits in terrible wars.”
Bhagiratha is credited with expanding the Kadamba kingdom by annexing neighboring territories and consolidating the entire Kadamba country under his control.
The Kadamba country likely refers to the ancient kingdom of Vanavāsa or Kuntala, which was bordered by the Bhimarathi River in the north and the Vedavati (or possibly the Hemavati) in South Mysore.
The capital of the Kadamba kingdom was Vaijayant (modern Banavāsi).
Bhagiratha is said to have reigned for a long period, reviving the ancient name of his kingdom and adopting the title Kuntalesvara (“Lord of Kuntala“).
Bhagiratha 355-380 AD
Bhagiratha’s attempt to consolidate the kingdom of Kuntala led to conflict with the Vakataka emperor Prthvisēna I (c. 344-370 A.D.), who defeated Bhagiratha and levied tribute from him around 360 A.D..
Bhagiratha regained his family’s fortunes after the death of Prthvisēna I.
Kubja, the poet of the Talgunda pillar inscription, refers to Bhagiratha as “Kadamba-bhumi-vadha-rucit-aikanathah” (“the one lord dear to the bride, the Kadamba Country”).
This poetic expression signifies Bhagiratha’s conquest and consolidation of the entire Kuntala (Kadamba) country.
Bhagiratha is also described as a descendant of Sagara, indicating his achievements in unifying and ruling the Kadamba kingdom.
Bhagiratha survived Prthvisēna I by at least a decade, ultimately achieving his goal of consolidating the Kadamba country.