VISHNUKUNDINS

Vishnukundins are a dynasty of rulers who succeeded Salankayanas in Vengi, Anandagotras and pallavas in the region south of Krishna. They dominated Andhra Desha from the second half of the 5th century A.D. to 7th century A.D., till the advent of Eastern Chalukyas.

There are different views regarding their early history. According to K.V.Krishna Sastry, Vishnukundins were the successors of the Satavahanas in the Telengana region and came to power around 3rd century A.D. Their capital was Keesaragutta in Medak district. Some maintain that they hail from Vinukonda of Guntur district as their family name Vishnukundins is derived from Vishnukundinapura which can be identified with modem Vinukonda in Guntur district. They might have migrated to the west and became feudatories of the Vakatakas. Indrapalanagar (Tummal&gudem) in Nalgonda district was their capital.

Indravarma

• He is the first ruler of the dynasty. During the last quarter of 4th century A.D, he mighthave carved out a small principality for himself as a feudatory of Vakatakas.
• Madhavavarma-I and Govindavarma are the next rulers. Nothing significant was achieved during their reigns.

Madhavavarma-ll (461 to 508 A.D)

• Greatest of the Vishnukundins, during his reign much of the Coastal Andhra (Vengi and Andhrapatha) was brought under the control of Vishnukundins.
• He enteredinto a matrimonial alliance with the Vakatakas, a powerful ruling family of the Deccan. His sonVikramadevavarma married a Vakataka princess. This alliance enhanced the prestige of Madhavavarma-ll and facilitated easier conquest of Andhrapatha and Vengi.
• Conquered Guntur, Tenali and Ongole areas from Ananda Gotrins who probably were enjoying a subordinate position under the Pallavas. After the conquest of these areas, Amarapura (Amaravati) was made the capital.
• To check the Pallavas he created a Southern outpost at Trikutamalaya identified with Kotappakonda in Narasaraopet area in Guntur district. Appointed his son Devavarma as its viceroy. After the death of Devavarma, appointed his son Madhavavarma-lll as his viceroy. 
• Later, Madhavavarma-ll conquered Vengi region from the Salankayanas. He might have shifted his capital from Amarapura to Bezawada, a central place.
• After these conquests Madhavavarma performed many Asvamedha, Rajasuya and other Vedic sacrifices.

Vikramadevevarma-I (508 - 528 A.D): Nothing eventful happened during his reign.

Indrabhattarakavarma (528-555 A.D)

• He had troubles regarding dynastic succession from his cousins like Madhavavarma-lll which he ultimately overcame.
• He lost his life in quelling Kalinga rebellion of Indravarma, feudatory of Kalinga. With this Vishnukundins lost Kalinga.

Vikramadevavarma-ll (555-569 A.D.)

• He restored the prestige of Vishnukundins by recapturing Kalinga region. For better access to Kalinga, he shifted his capital from Bezwada to Lendalur (modem Dendaluru in West Godavari district).
• Acquired the title 'Uttamas-raya' by donating Tundi (Tuni) village to a Brahmin.

Govindavarma - II (569 to 573 A.D.) son and successor of Vikramadevavarma-ll ruled for a very short period.

Madhavavarma-lll (573-621 A.D.)

• Revived the policy of conquests by conquering Tivara of Somavamsi king of Mahakosala and married his daughter. 
• Suppressed the revolt of his feudatory Durjaya prithvi-maharaja in Guddadvishaya (in modern Ramaehandrapuram area in East Godavari District).

More info on: History of Andhra Pradesh