Vakataka Conquest of Malwa

Vakataka Conquest of Malwa
Part of Wars of Gupta Empire
Date 5th Century Location Malwa (Modern day India) Result Vakataka dynasty victory Territorial changes Malwa captured by Maharaja Narendrasena of Vakataka dynasty[b]
Belligerents
Gupta Empire Local Gupta Feudatories[a]	Vakataka Dynasty
Commanders and leaders
Skandagupta[c][d]	Maharaja Narendrasena

The inscriptions of Prithivishena II, the son and successor of Narendrasena, claim that Narendrasena's authority was recognized by the rulers of Kosala, Mekala, and Malava captured form local feudatories of Guptas or from Skandagupta.^[5][6][7][8]

While many historians view this assertion as an exaggerated boast, it is possible that Narendrasena did significantly extend the Vakataka influence. During this period, the Gupta Empire, the dominant power in northern India, was preoccupied with defending against Huna invasions, which may have allowed the Vakatakas to expand their territory in central India. However, Malwa wasn't under Vakataka for long as it was recaptured by Skandagupta^[9][7]

The Vakatakas in 477 CE, during the reign of Narendrasena

Furthermore, Narendrasena’s campaign against the Nalas could have played a key role in this expansion, particularly in the region around present-day Chhattisgarh.^[10][11]

Related pages

• Kumaragupta's Deccan Campaign
• Conquests of Harishena

Notes

1. According to Historian MC Majumdar Narendrasena defeated Local Gupta Feudatories not Skandagupta himself^[1]
2. Malwa was captured from Local Feudatories of Skandagupta by Narendrasena of Vakataka Dynasty^[2]
3. King Narendrasena of the Vākāṭaka dynasty is mentioned in ancient records as having had control over the regions of Kosala, Mekala, and Malava. Although the exact date of Narendrasena's rule is unclear, many believe he was a contemporary of the Gupta ruler Skandagupta. If this is true, Narendrasena may have invaded Malwa, either causing local problems or being motivated by the unrest in the area. This could have led to significant trouble in Skandagupta's empire near the end of his reign. However, it seems that Narendrasena did not gain any lasting control over the region, and his invasion was likely a temporary raid.^[3]
4. A.S Atllekar also states that Malwa was captured by Narendrasena of Vakatakas from Skandagupta.^[4]

References

1. Majumdar, Ramesh Chandra; Altekar, Anant Sadashiv (1954). Vakataka Gupta age (Circa 200-550 A.D.). p. 109.
2. Majumdar, Ramesh Chandra; Altekar, Anant Sadashiv (1954). Vakataka Gupta age (Circa 200-550 A.D.). p. 109.
3. K. K Dasgupta (1960). A Comprehensive History Of India Vol. 3, Part. 1. p. 77.
4. Sinha, Bindeshwari Prasad (1977). Dynastic History of Magadha.
5. DC, Sircar (1997). The Classical Age (5th ed.). p. 187.
6. Bakker, Hanes (1997). Vakatakas: An Essay in Hindu Iconology. p. 29.
7. K. K Dasgupta (1960). A Comprehensive History Of India Vol. 3, Part. 1. p. 77.
8. Sinha, Bindeshwari Prasad (1977). Dynastic History of Magadha.
9. Majumdar, Ramesh Chandra; Altekar, Anant Sadashiv (1954). Vakataka Gupta age (Circa 200-550 A.D.). p. 109.
10. "Vakataka dynasty | Ancient Indian Empire, History & Art | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2024-11-16.
11. History Of The Imperial Guptas.