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Chapter 2Ancient History and Culture of Andhra PradeshUpdated

The Salankayanas, Pallavas and Vishnukundins

How three dynasties ruled Andhra after the Satavahanas and Ikshvakus: sources, rulers, records, capitals, faith, caves and the debates that shape the exam.

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Chapter Overview Map

In this section: 1 mind map

Figure 2.1Chapter overview
Salankayanas, Pallavas and Vishnukundins

  1. 2.1–2.2 Transition and sources

    • After the Satavahanas and Ikshvakus, no single power ruled the Andhra country, so several regional dynasties rose side by side.
    • Samudragupta’s southern march (about the middle of the 4th century) is the best fixed date in the period.
    • Copper-plate grants, stone records, coins and the Allahabad Pillar are the evidence; records move from Prakrit to Sanskrit.

  2. 2.3 Salankayanas

    • Ruled the Vengi country between the Godavari and Krishna from Vengipura (Pedavegi), about c. 300–440 CE.
    • Known from about ten records; Hastivarman is named on the Allahabad Pillar.

  3. 2.4 Pallavas and Andhra

    • The Early Pallavas issued Prakrit grants from Kanchi for lands near Amaravati, then Sanskrit grants from the Guntur and Nellore country.
    • Their northern frontier was contested by the Vishnukundins and later by the Chalukyas of Badami.

  4. 2.5 Vishnukundins

    • The main dynasty of c. 420–624 CE (dates debated): Indrapura, Denduluru and Amaravati, and a Telangana–Andhra–Kalinga realm.
    • Madhavavarman II is the greatest ruler; the Undavalli and Mogalrajapuram caves belong to this world.

  5. 2.6 Compare and analyse

    • The three dynasties overlapped in time and place, so the exam tests who ruled where, when and with which record.
    • Many dates and royal numbers are debated; learn the safe range, not a single year.

  6. Don’t confuse

    • Salankayana (Vengi) and Pallava (Kanchi) kings share names such as Skandavarman and Nandivarman.
    • Vishnukundin and Vishnugopa (a Pallava prince) look alike but are unrelated.
    • Vengi the city (Pedavegi) and Vengi the region are not the same thing.

Notice that sections 2.3 to 2.5 are the three dynasties, and the last branch lists look-alike names to keep apart.

Inside this chapter

What The Salankayanas, Pallavas and Vishnukundins covers

  1. Chapter Overview Map
  2. Historical Background and Political Transition
  3. Sources of the Period and the Language Shift
  4. The Salankayanas of Vengi
  5. The Pallavas and Andhra
  6. The Vishnukundins
  7. Comparing the Three Dynasties: Chronology, Debates and Analysis
  8. Location and Map Practice
  9. Memory and Recall Review
  10. Rapid Revision Sheet
All 17 chapters in History and Culture of Andhra Pradesh
  1. The Satavahanas and Ikshvakus
  2. The Salankayanas, Pallavas and Vishnukundins
  3. The Eastern Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas and Renati Cholas
  4. Society, Religion, Language, Literature, Art and Architecture in Ancient Andhra
  5. The Kakatiyas and Reddi Kingdoms
  6. The Gajapatis, Vijayanagara Empire and Regional Powers
  7. Evolution of Telugu Language and Literature
  8. Socio-Cultural and Religious Life, Fine Arts and Architecture in Medieval Andhra
  9. European Settlements and Colonial Rule in Andhra
  10. Colonial Education, Missionaries and Intellectual Contributions
  11. Social Reform and Literary Awakening in Modern Andhra
  12. Press, Library Movement and Cultural Traditions of Andhra
  13. Freedom Movement in Andhra Pradesh
  14. Justice Party, Non-Brahmin Movement and Political Awakening
  15. Nationalist Literature, Grandhalaya Movement and Role of Women
  16. Andhra Movement and Formation of Andhra State, 1953
  17. Bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014

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