Ikshvakus (225-300 AD)

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● After the decline of the Satavahana empire, a number of provincial kingdoms

came into being in South India.
○ Chutu Satakarnis in Karnataka with Banavasi (Vaijayanti) as their
capital, Abhiras in Maharashtra region (Konkan, Aparanta) and
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Ikshavakus in Coastal Andhra-Telangana region declared their

independence.
● Ikshvakus ruled for more than 75 years with Vijayapuri (Nagarjunakonda)
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as their capital.
● Ikshavakus exercised their political supremacy for a period of 80 years
ranging from 220 C.E. to 300 C.E., which marked the initial period in the
four centuries duration that intervened between the decline of the
Satavahana empire and the establishment of the Eastern Chalukyan kingdom
(Vengi).

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 ● During the time of the Satavahanas, the Nagarjunakonda region was ruled by
the Ikshvakus as Mahatalavaras(Great Watchman)- మహాతలవరులు.
● Inscription mentioning Srisanthamula as Mahatalavara of Satavahanas was
found in Phanigiri (Nalgonda)
● According to the Alluri inscription of Virapurushadatta the Ikshvakus were
vassals (సామంతులు) of the Satavahanas.
● The name Ikshvaku is derived from the word ‘Ikshu’ (Ikshu means
sugarcane).

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● Eminent historian B. S. L.Hanumantha Rao stated that they became
Ikshvakus because of making Ikshu (Sugarcane) as the symbol of their tribe.
● Famous Andhra archaeologist who excavated about them in Nagarjunakonda
- R. Subramanyam.

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● Pulumavi III, the last king of the Satavahana dynasty was overthrown by
the Ikshvaku king, Srisantamula, who declared his independence.
● Basing on the places where the inscriptions and coins of the Ikshvakus are
found, it could be said that their empire extended to Kirshna, Guntur,
Kurnool and Prakasam Districts in Andhra Pradesh and Nalgonda, Khammam
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and Mahaboobnagar Districts in Telangana.

● During their rule period, Nagarjunakonda or Vijayapuri flourished as a
leading Buddhist holy place and an intellectual center.

Evidences related to the History of the Ikshvakus:

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● Puranas:
○ They mentioned Ikshvakus as Sri Parvatiya Andhras (శ్రీ పర్వతీయ
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ఆంధ్రు లు) and Andhra Bhrityas (ఆంధ్రభృత్యులు).

■ The area which starts from Nagarjunakonda extending up to
Nallamala hills surrounding Srisaila mountain has been referred
to as Sriparvata by the Puranas and Buddhist works.
■ So, Ikshvakus were also known as Sri Parvateyas (Mentioned in
Puranas).
■ Old name of Sri Parvata is “Nallamalluru”.

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 ○ Ruled for about 75 years.
○ The number of Ikshvaku kings mentioned in Puranas is 7.
○ But according to the Ikshvaku inscriptions, there were only four
rulers.
● Literary Evidences:
○ Jain Dharmamrita (జైన ధర్మామృతం):
■ Author - Nyayasena

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■ Language - Kannada
■ Mentions details related to Sriparvata (capital of the
Ikshvakus).
■ It states that the Ikshvaku king of Angadesha, Yashodhara,
established a kingdom at the mouth of Krishna river, with
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Pratipalapuram (Bhattiprolu) as its capital.
■ It mentions that during the time of the Ikshvakus there was an
almanac (పంచాంగము) consisting of tidhi, vaara and nakshatras.
○ Buddha Charita:
■ Written by - Ashwaghosha
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■ It mentions the origin of Ikshvakus.

■ Indicates that the Ikshvakus were part of the Buddha's
Sakhya clan.
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■ Buddhism became popular in the Deccan during their time.

● Inscriptions:
○ Inscriptions found at places like Nagarjunakonda, Jaggayyapeta
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(Krishna District), Ramireddi Palli and Phanigiri are serving as primary

sources for the history of Ikshvakus.
■ These inscriptions were written in Prakrit language and in
Brahmi script.
■ From the time of Ehuvala Santamula, inscriptions were issued
in Sanskrit for the first time.

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 ○ Their inscriptions could be classified into four groups.They are:
■ Carved Mahastupa and Ayaka Pillar inscriptions
■ Chaityagriha inscriptions
■ Detached pillar inscriptions
■ Inscriptions on sculpture.
○ Inscription stating that Ikshvakus were vassals of Satavahanas -
Alluri Inscription.

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○ According to the Nagarjunakonda inscription engraved by
Veerapurushadatta, Vashishtaputra Srisanthamula established the
kingdom of Ikshvakus in Vijayapuri.
○ Gummadi Darru (గుమ్మడి దర్రు ) Inscription by Ehuvala Santamula,
mentions that Gummadi Darru flourished as a center of Buddhist

the Ikshvaku period.

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education. This inscription also has the names of men and women of

○ Manchikallu Inscription - states that Rudrapurusha Datta (last king

of the Ikshvaku dynasty), was defeated by Simhavarma, the founder
of the Pallava dynasty.
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○ Alluri Inscription by Veerapurushadatta - mentions details of the

donations given by the Emperor to various institutions & also states
that the Ikshvakus were the vassals of the Satavahanas.
○ Inscriptions mentioning the downfall of the Ikshvakus:
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■ Maidavolu (మైదవోలు)
■ Manchikallu (మంచికల్లు )
● Coins:
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○ As the coins of the Ikshavukus are found at Nagarjunakonda,

Phanigiri, Nelakondapalli, Vaddemanu (Mahaboobnagar District) and
Yeleswaram (Nalgonda District) it could be said that their kingdom
extended to these areas.

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 ○ Whereas Satavahana coins are found extensively, Ikshavaku coins are
found in a limited manner. The latter did not issue gold and silver
coins. They remained small in size.

Ikshvakus - Uniqueness:

● Bangles were offered to Harati (goddess who protects babies) for progeny.
● Buddhism flourished in Andhra during the time of Ikshvakus.
● The dynasty that built temples for the first time in the history of India-

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Ikshvakus
● First dynasty to issue inscriptions in Sanskrit.
● First dynasty to inscribe date,month,year and names of sculptors for the
first time in inscriptions

Mother-in-laws (మేనత్త ).
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● The first dynasty to start the tradition of marrying daughters of

● First dynasty to start the Veerangal tradition.

● The worship of mother gods started during their time.
● Sati started during their time.
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● The practice of writing Mother’s name in front of kings name was taken from
Satavahanas and this practice ended with Ikshvakus.
Theories regarding the origin of Ikshvakus:
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● There is no unanimous opinion among the historians regarding the original

home of the Ikshvakus.
● In the beginning, Ikshavakus happened to be Andhrabhrityuvulu (servants of
Andhras).
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○ In other words, they served as Mahatalavaras and Mahasenapatis

under the Satavahanas.

North Indian origin Rapson, Buhler

Kannada origin Vogel, Stenkonow

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 Tamil origin Dr. K. Gopalachari

Andhra origin Bishop Caldwell

● It is known from the following evidences that they belong to Andhra region:
○ Use southern words in their names.
■ E.g.: Adavisri, Kanda, Chelike, Bapi etc.

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○ Followed the southern practice of marrying daughters of Aunts
(మేనత్త ).
■ Virapurushadatta has married the two daughters of his aunt.

According to Inscriptions:
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● Matsyapurana mentions 7 Ikshvaku kings.
● According to Nagarjunakonda and Jaggayyapet inscriptions, there were 4
Ikshvaku kings:
○ Vasishtiputra Srisanthamula: Founder of the kingdom
○ Madhariputra Veerapurushadatta: Greatest of all
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○ Ehuvala Santamula: He ruled for many years

○ Rudrapurushadatta: last ruler
● All the Ikshvaku kings except Veerapurushadatta followed Brahmanism.
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Vashishthiputra Srisanthamula (220-233 AD):

● He founded the Ikshvaku kingdom, by overthrowing the last ruler of the

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Satavahanas, Pulomavi III.

● He ruled with Vijayapuri as capital.
● He got the title of "Maharaja" in the Ikshvaku dynasty.
● His inscriptions were found at Rentala, Kesanapalli and Dachepally.
● He supported Vedic /Vaidika and Puranic religions.
○ Both of his sisters, however, kept their faith in Buddhism.

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● He worshiped Virupakshapati (Shiva) and Kartikeya (Mahasena).
● The rites performed by Vashishtaputra Srisanthamula indicate his interest
and affection for the Vedic religion.
● Yagas performed by him: Rajasuya Yagam, Vajapeya Yagam & Aswamedha
yagam.
○ Evidence of him performing the above sacrifices is clearly seen in
coins bearing the Aswamedha mudras.
● Vedic rites performed by him: Agnihotadhri, Agnistoma

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● Agnistoma is a simple Soma Yagam. By performing this, it is clear that
Santamula aspired to become dwija, a higher social status.
● Vajapeya is a great yagam performed by Kshatriyas who want to attain the
position of "Samrat".
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● Ashwamedha is performed by kings to announce their victories.
● Titles obtained by Vashishthaputra Srisanthamula through these Yagas:
○ Vajapeya : Samrat
○ Aswamedha yagam : Swarat
○ Vajapeya Yagam : Virat
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○ Naramedha yagam: Eka Virat

● Aswamedha yagam platform was unearthed at Nagarjunakonda.
● His Titles:
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○ Satasahasra Satasahasra Haladata - శతసహస్ర శతసహస్ర హలదాత (titled

for donating ploughs)
○ Maharaja
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○ Maha Daanadhipati (మహా దానాధిపతి)

● There is evidence that the Romans built a stadium in Vijayapuri during his
reign.
● For the expansion of the kingdom he established matrimonial relations with
other royal dynasties such as Pugiya & Danika.

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 ○ Accordingly, his sister, Shantasri has been married to
Mahaskandhasri, who belonged to the Pugiya dynasty & held the ranks
of Mahasenapati and Mahatalavari.
■ Because of this, inscriptions have described Santisiri as
Mahadanapatni and Malatalavari.
○ Santamula married his daughter, Adavi Santisri to Skanda
Visakhanaga, who belonged to the Dhanika family and held the ranks
of Mahasenapati & Mahadandanayaka.

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● He married his younger sister's daughters to his son Veerapurushadatta.
● The Nagarjunakonda inscription states that he got his son Virapurushadatta
married to Rudrabhattarika (Saka Kshatrapa princess of Ujjain). With this
the Ikshvaku kingdom was stabilized.
● He issued Rentala and Dachepally (Prakrit) inscriptions. According to these
inscriptions: KH
○ He donated lakhs of gold coins. He encouraged Professional guilds/
Sreni’s by the name “Negimas”(నేగిమాలు).
○ He donated lakhs of Cows, Ploughs, Lands and Gold coins for the
development of Agriculture.
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● Family members of Vashishtiputra Srisantamula:

○ Wife: Matharishree (మాఠరిశ్రీ)
○ Daughter: Adavi santisri
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○ Son: Veerapurushadatta
○ Sisters: Shantasri, Harmyasri
● Shantasri:
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○ Shantasri or Shanti Siri was given in marriage to Vashishtaputra

Skandashri, a descendant of the Pugiya clan. He is Mahasenadhipati &
Mahatalavara.
○ Mahatalavara means great vassal, great commander and therefore
Shanti Sri adorned the titles of Mahathalavari and Mahadaana Patni.
○ Shantasri had a son named Skandhasagara and a daughter named
Shantasri.

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 ○ Paravata Mahachaitya fell into ruins during the time of the
Ikshvakus. This Chaitya was built by Yagnashri Satakarni for Acharya
Nagarjuna. Shantamula's younger sister Shantasri reconstructed this
Mahachaitya.
○ During the sixth year of reign of Veerapurushadatta, a Buddhist
acharya named Bhavanta Ananda repaired this Chaitya. At that time
Shantisri erected a pillar and donated 170 dinars.
● Harmyasri:

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○ She had two daughters named Bapisri, Shastisri or Chatasri.
○ Shantamula's younger sister Harmyasri during the 6th year of reign
of Veerapurushadatta erected a pillar in the Mahachaitya of the
Apara Mahavinayashaila sect of Nagarjunakonda in honor of her
mother.
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○ Harmyasri's daughter Shastisri installed a pillar in Mahachaitya.
● Adavi Shantasri:
○ Daughter of Vashishtiputra Srisanthamula.
○ She was married to Mahasenapati & Mahadandanayaka of Dhanika clan
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Skandha Visakha.
○ Adavi Shantasri installed a Ayaka pillar for construction of
Mahachaitya during the 6th year of reign of Veerapurushadatta.

Matariputra Veerapurushadatta (233-253 AD):

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● He is the son of Sri Santamula.

● Greatest of all Ikshvaku kings.
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● He is hailed as the Ashoka of South India and Sriparvatadhipati

(శ్రీపర్వతాధిపతి).
● Inscriptions giving details of his reign: Amaravati, Jaggayapeta, Uppugundur,
Nagarjunakonda, Alluru Inscription.
● Inscriptions mentioning him as "Maharaja" - Jaggaiyapeta and
Nagarjunakonda inscriptions.

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● Sculptures of him trampling Shivalinga with his feet as if he hated
Shaivism were found in Nagarjunakonda.
● He was initially a Vedic devotee and converted to Buddhism under the
influence of his aunt (మేనత్త ) Santasri .
● Veerapurushadatta was the only ruler among the Ikshvaku kings to
convert to Buddhism.
● His reign can be called the “golden age of Mahayana Buddhism”. During his
period Nagarjunakonda became popular as “Southern Gaya”.

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● The tradition of marrying daughters of aunt (మేనత్త ) started during this
period.
○ He married Bapisri and Shastisri, the daughters of his aunt.
● His queen was Bhattimahadevi.
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● His 2nd queen was Rudrabhattarika (Saka Kshatrapa princess of Ujjian).
○ Rudrabhattarika donated a Ayaka pillar for the construction of
Mahachaitya.
● His only daughter, Kodabalisri was married to Vishnurudra Sivalananda
Satakarni (Banavasi) who belonged to the Chutu dynasty and happened to be
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the maharaja of Kuntaladesa.

○ This was recorded in the inscription that was issued by Kodabalisri in
the 11 regnal year of Ehuvala Srisantamula.
● Mahachaitya in Nagarjunakonda was restored by Veerapurushadatta under
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the supervision of Acharya Bhavanta Ananda.

● Nagarjunakonda is known as Dakshina Gaya.
○ Note: 'Sri Parvata (Nagarjunakonda) to Mahayana' is like 'Bodhgaya
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to Hinayana'.
● Sri Parvata University was established during his reign. It is the first
Buddhist University in India.
● In his 6th regnal year, his aunt Santasri had built “Mahachaitya” at
Nagarjunakonda.

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● During Veerapurushadatta's reign, the construction of the Pushpabhadra
Swamy temple in Sri Parvata was started and his son Ehuvala Shantamula
completed it.
● During his reign, Mahadeva Bikshu, a Buddhist monk, propagated Buddhism
in the Pallava region and reached the Sinhalese country with lakhs of people
- according to the Sinhala Buddhist text Mahavamsa.
● Founder of Vajrayana - Siddha Nagarjuna (He was from Andhra)
● Sinhala Buddhist scriptures: Mahavamsa, Dipavamsa.

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● Bodisharma was the royal treasurer of Virapurushadatta
● His daughter-in-law - Upasika Bodhisri, rendered remarkable services to
Buddhism.
○ Women who follow Buddhism are called Upasikas.
● Upasika Bodhisri: KH
○ Made special efforts to spread Buddhism.
○ She built a chaitya griha (prayer hall) in Nagarjunakonda for Sinhalese
Buddhist monks.
○ Commissioned an “Upasika inscription” near Amaravati.
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○ She built a Buddhist Vihara and Chaitya at Chuladhammagiri

(చూళధమ్మగిర)ి on Nagarjunakonda.
○ Built a house on Mahadammagiri and a prayer hall on Devagiri.
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○ Built seven viharas at a place called Papili.

○ Built a rock mandapam at the east gate of Mahachaitya in
Kantakashila (Ghantsala).
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○ She sent Buddhist missionaries to China and Tibet for the propagation
of Buddhism.
● Bhava Viveka:
○ He was a Buddhist preacher who lived at Nagarjunakonda during the
reign of Veerapurushadatta.
○ He started two Traditions in Buddhism:

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 ■ Svatantra Madhyamika Tradition
■ Nyaya Prayoga Tradition
○ His literary works : Tarkajvala, Prajna Pradeepa, Karathala Ratna
○ Chinese Traveller Hiuen Tsang mentioned about Bhava Viveka .
Ehuvala Santamula (253-277 AD):

● Ehuvala Santamula was the son of Bhatti Mahadevi and Veerapurashadatta.

● He was also called as Vasishtiputra Bahubala Santamula or Santamula II.

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● The tradition of adopting the name of grandfather has started from
Ikshvakus only.
● During his period, Prakrit was replaced by Sanskrit as official Language,
the usage of Sanskrit Language in inscriptions started.

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● In south India, 1st Sanskrit Inscription was issued by Ehubala
Santamula, at Nagarjunakonda – Gummadi Gurru Inscription.
● He completed the construction of "Pushpabhadra Swamy Temple" which was
started during the reign of his father Veerapurushadatta.
● Temples built in Nagarjunakonda during his reign:
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○ Pushpabhadra Narayanaswamy temple

○ Karthikeya temple
○ Nandikeshwara temple
○ Navagraha temple.
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○ Harathi temple (Deity of progeny)

○ Kubera Swamy temple
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○ Nodagiri swamy temple

● Ehuvala Santamula was the first king to build Hindu temples in South
India.
● Ehuvala Santamula was the first king of Andhra to engrave years in
inscriptions.
● His Senapati "Elisiri (ఎలిసిరి)" built a Shiva temple named "Sarvadevalaya" at
Nagarjunakonda & also built Eleswaram town.

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 ● During Ehuvala Santamula’s period, King Vasu Sena of Abhira Dynasty
invaded Ikshvaku Kingdom.
○ According to the Nagarjunakonda inscription, king Vasu Sena of
Abhira dynasty has ruled Vijayapuri for 5 years.
○ Vasusena's senani “Sivasena" built the "Ashtabhuja Narayanaswamy
Temple" at the Nagarjunakonda. It was the 1st Vishnu temple in
South India.
● He built a Vihara for the Bhikkhus of Bahushritiyas (a branch of Buddhism)

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at Nagarjunakonda in the name of his mother "Bhatti Mahadevi".
● His sister Kodabalisri built a Buddhist monastery on Nagarjunakonda.

Rudrapurushadatta (283-301 AD):

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● He is the son of Ehuvala Santamula.
● The last king of the Ikshvakulas (according to the Manchikallu inscription)
● The inscriptions of Nagarjunakonda and Gurjala commissioned by him tell
about his reign.
● During his period, the tradition of building shadow pillars near graves
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started.
● According to the Manchikallu inscription, he was defeated by Pallava ruler
Simhavarma, who annexed the kingdom.
● Maidavolu Inscription issued by Shiva Skanda Varma states that Pallavas
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were responsible for the downfall of Ikshvakus.

● After the decline of Ikshvakus, their feudatories “Brihatpalayanas”
declared Independence.
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● Virapurushadatta II - He was the brother of Rudrapurushadatta.

Administrative system of the Ikshvakus:

● The Ikshvakus followed the administration of the Satavahanas with minor

changes.
● The king was the supreme authority and a despot in administration.

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 ○ All the powers were vested in his hands. King used to carry on the
administration as detailed in the Dharmasastras and Smritis.
● The Nagarjunakonda inscription describes Ikshvaku kings as Samrat, Rajan
and Maharaja.
● Divine right monarchy which was there in principle during Satavahana times
got clearly established by the time of the Ikshvakus.
○ Through the Vedic sacrifices (Asvamedha, Vajapeya and Agnistora),
kings declared themselves as divine right monarchs.

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● Yuvarajas, Mahatalavaras, Mahasenapatis, Mahadandanayakas, Kostagarika
(treasurer) and Amatyas used to help the king in governance.
○ Mahatalavaras had been the officials who had the status of
feudatories. They used to maintain law and order.

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○ Mahasenapati used to look after the military affairs.
○ Mahadandanayaka conducted criminal trials and used to impose
punishments. In other words, he used to discharge judicial duties.
● Officials used to have marriage alliances with the royal families.
● King’s wives had the title: Mahadevi.
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● Provincial Governance:
○ Ikshvakus divided the kingdom into Rashtras/ Rattha / States. Alluri
& Amaravathi inscriptions mention about Rashtra.
○ Rashtra consisted of a group of villages.
IY

○ Rashtra remained the equivalent of 'ahara' in Satavahana

administration.
○ Pugi rashtra, Hiranya rastra and Munda rashtra are mentioned in the
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inscriptions.
○ 'Rathikudu' and 'Rathi’ - refer to the administrators of a Rashtra.
● Local Governance:
○ The last division of their administration was the village.
○ Village administration authority used to be hereditary.
○ 5 villages are together called- Gram panchika (గ్రా మ పంచిక)

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 ○ Gram Panchi (గ్రా మ పంచి) - was the ruler of the village during the time
of Ikshvakus.
○ The administrative division called Mahagrama was under the authority
of an officer called Mahagramika.
○ Protector / Rakshakudu of the Village - Talari.
○ Ikshvaku inscriptions are referring to 'Talavara' as village official.
■ One who had authority over several village officials, could be
taken as 'Mahatalavari'.

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Judicial Administration:

● King is the supreme authority in the administration of justice.

● The Mahadandanayaka is the one who investigates crimes and imposes
punishments at the centre. KH
● Treason & offence against the king was punishable by death.
● There were nine divine tests (దివ్య పరీక్షలు) for conviction:
○ Tula-divya: Weighing the criminal and deciding his culpability.
○ Agni-divya: The accused has to walk on fire without his feet getting
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burnt.
○ Jala-divya:The arrows that were sent into water have to be brought
out by dipping into it.
○ Visha-divya: From a pot in which a cobra is kept, the accused has to
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take out a ring out of it, without being bitten by the cobra.
○ Kosa-divya: The accused has to drink the water that was used for
cleaning the idols of Gods or Goddesses and survive.
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○ Tandula-divya: Rice over which mantras were administered, has to be

chewed..
○ Taptamaska-divya: Coin has to be taken out of boiling oil.
○ Phala-divya: Burning iron rod has to be held in hand and then, grain in
the same hand has to be pressed hard hither and thither.

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 ○ Dharmadharma-divya: Idol of personification of dharma and idol of
personification of adharma have to be put in a jar and depending on
the idol that the accused takes out, the crime or guilt is decided.
Army Organization:

● Ikshvakus have followed the army organization of the Satavahanas only.

● In the army, there used to be the four-fold division, consisting of chariots,
elephants, cavalry and infantry.

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Financial conditions of the Ikshvakus:

● Main source of revenue for the government- land tax.

● This land tax was called 'Bhaga'. Bhaga means share of the king..
● Usually 1/6th of the crop was collected as land tax.

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○ Hiranyam or Deyam - Tax collected in the form of cash.
○ Meyam (మేయం) - Tax collected in the form of produce.
● Tax known as "kara' used to be levied on industries, crafts and trade.
○ Karukara (కరూకర): Those who collect a tax called 'Kara' from
industries, professions and trade.
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● Another kind of land tax, known as 'bhoga" used to be collected by the local
administrators and enjoyed by them.
● Mirasi has stated that the first calf weaned by their cattle was presented
as a duty to the government.
IY

● Inscription that details about taxation of this period - Visapatti Inscription.

● During this period farmers were called Halikas.
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● Sri Santamula donated land and ploughs for agricultural development.

Trade:

● During the time of Ikshvakus also, trade continued with Rome. Roman coins
have been found at Nagarjunakonda & Jaggayyapeta.
○ By 3rd century C.E. , trade with Rome gradually began to decline.

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 ○ As there was no strong centralized authority in the country, small
kingdoms got formed and as these frequently fought each other,
internal trade and cottage industry suffered.
● Ghantasala was the main port city during this period.
● During this time trading groups were called - Negimas (నేగిమాలు).
● The Ikshvaku inscriptions also have a mention of Guilds / Srenis. Leader of
the guild is called “Kulika Pramukhudu”.
○ Parnika Sreni - related to Betel leaves

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○ Pusika Sreni - related to Sweets
● Parnika hierarchy, played an important role in the economy of this time
● The occupation based Srenis (వృత్తి శ్రేణులు) of the Satavahanas period
continued during this period.
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● Major exports: Iron, Coconuts, Yarn garments, Spices
● Main imports: Gold, Silver, Wine, Glassware
● Major ports of this period were: Barukacham (Bharoach), Kalyani
(Maharashtra), Sopara, Mysolia (Machilipatnam).
Coins:
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● In Guntur, Krishna and Godavari districts their coins bearing the lion symbol
have been found.
● Symbols on their coins: Lion, Their royal emblem, Names of kings, Elephant
figure.
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Language & Literature:

● Prakrit was the official language during their period.

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● Even though Prakrit was the official language during the time of the
Ikshvakus, from the fourth century C.E., Sanskrit has occupied the place
of Prakrit in inscriptions and literature.
○ The emergence of Mahayana Buddhism, and Vedic religion becoming
stronger in place of Buddhism, also could be stated as causes for this.
● It was during their reign that Sanskrit literature began.

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 ● A Sanskrit inscription was commissioned at Nagarjunakonda during the reign
of Ehuvala Santamula.
○ This is the first Sanskrit inscription not only in Andhradesa but
also in South India.
● The Sarvadeva Inscription of Ehuvala Santamula’s Senani Elishri is also in
Sanskrit.
● A special feature of the inscriptions of their period was the almanac
(పంచాంగము) with tithi, vaara and nakshatras of that period as stated by the

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Jain scripture Dharmamrita.
Religious conditions:

● The Ikshvaku queens mostly followed Buddhism.

● The social evil sati was prevalent.
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● They also introduced the custom of mentioning years on inscriptions.
● Remains of 'Amphi Theater' not found anywhere else in India are found in
Nagarjunakonda.
● Saivism and Vaishnavism:
○ During the period of the Ikshvakus, the Puranic Shaiva, Vaishnava and
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Shakti religions were favored. Skanda Ganapati, Yaksha and Harati

deities were worshipped.
○ Srisantamula performed Vedic rites like Ashvamedha, Vajapeya,
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Agnisthoma, Agnihotra.
■ He brought many Brahmins from North India and gifted them
with Agraharas.
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■ He was a devotee of Puranic deities Virupakshapati (Shiva),

Mahasena (Skandha) and Kartikeya.
○ Temple was the main center of religion during the Ikshvaku period.
○ It is known that Lord Vishnu was worshiped in the form of Narasimha
during this period.
○ The first dynasty to undertake the construction of Hindu temples
was the Ikshvakus.

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 ○ Hindu temples were built at Vijayapuri (Nagarjunakonda) from the
time of the Ikshvakus.
● Hindu temples built during the Ikshvakus period:
○ Pushpabhadra Swamy Temple :
■ This temple is built in the shape of Gajaprishta (గజపృష్ట ).
■ This temple was built by Ehuvala Shantamula.
○ Ashtabhuja Narayana Swamy Temple:

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■ This temple was built during the period of Ehuvala Shantamula.
■ Sivasena, the general of Abhira king Vasusena, invaded the
kingdom of Ikshvakus during the time of Ehuvala Shantamula,
and built a Vaishnava temple named Ashtabhuja Swamy on
Nagarjunakonda.
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■ This is the first Vaishnava temple built in Andhra.
○ Karthikeya temple:
■ Elishri, Senani of Ehuvala Shantamula built a Shiva temple
named 'Sarvadeva'.
○ Harathi Temple:
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■ During the time of Ikshvakas there was also worship of mother

goddess.
■ A Harathi temple was built on Nagarjunakonda.
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■ It is known from inscriptions that in those days women used to

offer bangles at saptamatrikas in the Harathi temple for
progeny.
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○ Other Temples:
■ Nandikeshwara Temple, Navagraha and Kubera temples.
● Buddhism:
○ Only one of the Ikshvaku kings, Veerapurushadatta, followed
Buddhism.

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○ The period of Virapurushadatta could be regarded as the brightest
one for Buddhism.
○ Ikshvaku queens had patronized Buddhisim and made donations.
○ Not only the ladies who belonged to the royal family but also common
ladies made donations to the Buddhist Viharas and issued inscriptions.
○ By the time of C.E 2nd century Nagarjunakonda became a famous
Buddhist arama in India itself.
○ Nagarjunakonda inscriptions are referring to several Buddhist sects:

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■ Among Mahasanghikas, sects known as Poorvasaileeyulu
(Pubbasailulu), Aparasaileeyulu and Bahusruteeyulu have
emerged.
■ Amaravati was a main centre for Purvashaili sect of Buddhism

Buddhism.
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and Nagarjunakonda was a main centre for Aparashaili sect of

■ Other sects of Buddhism - Rajagirikulu, Mahisasakulu,

Siddhantikulu also used to be there at Nagarjunakonda.
○ Nikaya branch of Buddhism was formed during their time.
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■ The practice of reciting Nikayas in Buddhist scriptures in the

form of mantras began for the first time.
○ During the time of Ikshvakus there were about 20 Buddhist viharas
built on Nagarjunakonda for all sects of Buddhism.
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○ In Andhra Pradesh, along with Nagarjunakonda, Jaggayyapeta,

Chinaganjam, Ramireddi Palli and Bavikonda and in Telangana,
Nelakondapalli, Tummalagudem and Gajulabanda (Nalgonda District)
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flourished as chief Buddhist centers.

○ The construction of consecration Pillars also started. These were
constructed in Buddhist Stupas after the desires were fulfilled.
○ Prominent among those who gave charity for the construction and
maintenance of Buddhist Viharas: Ikshvaku Kings, Ikshvaku
Princesses, Women of harem.

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○ Chief among those who gave charity to Buddhist Viharas were:
Santisri, Atavi Shantisri, Kodabalisri, Bhattimahadevi, Upasika
Bodhisri.
○ Santisri:
■ Sister of Shantamula ; Menatta/ Aunt of Veerapurushadatta.
■ She was the first of the women to give charity to Buddhist
Viharas.
■ Santisri, during the sixth regnal year of Virapurushadatta has

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built a mahachaitya, containing the dhatuvu of Buddha at
Nagarjunakonda and erected nine Ayaka pillars.
■ She took pity on Brahmins, sramans and poor people and made
several donations.

○ Atavi Shantisri:
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■ A stone mandapam was built in Ghantasala.

■ Daughter of Santamula ; younger sister of Veerapurushadatta.

■ During Veerapurushadatta's time, Ayaka pillar was consecrated
for the construction of Mahachaitya.
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○ Kodabalisri:
■ Daughter of Veerapurushadatta.
■ Constructed a Buddhist Vihara for Mahasasikas (Buddhist
monks of the Mahisasaka sect) at Nagarjunakonda.
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○ Harmyasri:
■ Sister of Santamula ; Veerapurusha Datta’s menatta/aunt.
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■ In honor of her mother, she erected an Ayaka pillar for

Mahachaitya on the Nagarjunakonda.
○ Bhatti Mahadevi:
■ Queen of Veerapurushadatta.
■ Built Mahavihara and Mahachaitya for Bahusrutiyas (Bhikshus
of Bahushrutiya sect of Buddhism).

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 ○ Upasika Bodhisri:
■ Upasika Bodisri, niece of Bodisarma, the treasurer of the
kingdom, built a Vihara in Vijayapuri at Chuladammagiri. This
became famous as Simhala Vihara.
■ During the time of Veerapurushadatta, she played a key role in
the spread of Buddhism.
■ The Inscription issued by her is Upasika Bodhisri inscription.
● This inscription tells about the development of Buddhism

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during the period of Ikshvakus.
● Jainism:
○ Jain centers of this period- Penugonda, Pithapuram, Nedunur,
Tatipaka, Aryavatam, Draksharamam.

Aryavatam.
Architecture and Sculpture:
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○ Note: Idols of 6 Tirthankaras of 3rd century AD have been found in

● In the third and fourth centuries Buddhistic arts and architecture

flourished gloriously.
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○ Even though the Satavahana empire declined, arts of architecture and

sculpture did not become extinct.
● The Amaravati sculptural tradition reached its zenith during the time of
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the Ikshvakus.
● Nagarjunakonda became the main centre for Amaravati School of Art.
● Sculptures were built following Mahayana Buddhism.
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● Sati appears for the first time in Amaravati sculptures.

● Buddha images, Santamula's memorial pillar, Virapurushadatta's hatred
towards brahmana religion and embracing of Buddhism, Virapurushadatta
suppressing the rebellion, erotic sculptures etc., have been the masterpieces
of Ikshvaku art of sculpture.
● Nelakondapalli Buddha images are standing as specimens for Amaravati art
of sculpture.

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● The impact of the branches in Buddhism, such as Aparamahavinasaileeya,
Maha Viharavasini, Mahisasika and Bahusruteeya fell on the architecture and
sculpture there.
○ Earlier there was a taboo on showing Buddha in human form. But,
because of the support that came from Aparamahavinasaileeya
branch, statues of Buddha have been carved in a beautiful manner.
● Mandata Sculpture:
○ The Mandhata sculpture is the most important sculpture of the

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Ikshvaku period found in Jaggayyapeta.
○ This sculpture shows for the first time what the emperor looks like
(the characteristics of a king).
● Veerangal Tradition:

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○ “Veerangal” is the Practice of installing the statues of martyrs. This
started from the Ikshvakus period.
● The sculpture related to Sati ritual was found in Nagarjunakonda.
● Sapta Matrukala Statues at Chejarla, sculptures of Konidena and
Peddamudium date back to the Ikshvaku period.
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● The tradition of carving the names of the sculptors on the structures

started from their time.
○ The name of sculptor “Badhanthacharya” is seen on Vihara at
Nagarjunakonda.
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● The Practice of writing date, year and tidhi on inscriptions also started
during this period.
● At Nagarjunakonda three types of Stupas are there. They are:
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○ Stupas that were built over the remains of body parts of Buddha or
leading Buddhist monk, such as bones, teeth, hair and nails etc.
○ Stupas that were built over the begging bowls and articles that were
used by the Buddhist monks
○ Stupas that were built as memorials of Buddha or his disciples,
without remains or objects.

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 ● During the time of the Ikshvakus, construction of Hindu temples
commenced.
○ Temples of Kartikeya, Pushpabhadra, Ashtabhuja Swamy, Hariti,
Kubera and Navagrahas have been built at Nagarjunakonda during the
time of Ehuvala Santamula.
○ Sarvadeva temple was built at Eeleswaram (Nalgonda District).
○ Temples at Nagarjunakonda have been built, as per agama sastra,
with sanctum, antarala, mantapa, dhwaja stambha and prakara or

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compound wall.
○ Depicting the stories of Itihasas and Puranas in sculpture in the
temples continued during the Ikshvaku time.
○ In the female sculptures at Nagarjunakonda, erotic appeal appeared
more.
Nagarjunakonda Ruins:
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● In 1926, A.R. Saraswati discovered the ruins of Nagarjunakonda.
● In 1927, Longhurst investigated.
● In 1937, T. Ramachandran followed by R. Subrahmanyam investigated.
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● In the excavations of Nagarjunakonda, many types of buildings have been

uncovered that are part of the structure of the city of Nagarjunakonda. The
most important of them were the acoustic structures.
● Features of Nagarjunakonda:
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○ Known as South Indian Gaya.

○ The only island museum in India is located here.
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○ There is a Dhatugarbha stupa of Buddha.

○ Main center of Mahayana Buddhism
○ Main center of Aparasaila Chaityakavada.
○ Nagarjunakonda has a great acoustic structure.
○ The capital of the Ikshvakus.

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 ● Five famous Buddhist sculptures of the Ikshvaku period were discovered at
Nagarjunakonda. These are called Manaviya / humanistic sculptures.

Social Conditions:

● In the post-Satavahana society, along with four varnas, several mixed

castes and sub-castes have emerged.
● Every person, with birth itself, used to adopt the occupation of his
ancestors and receive the social status that is attached to it.

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● In the later period, castes on occupation basis have taken shape.
● Kings considered it as the duty to see that varnas do not become impure. But
even then, varnas used to lose their purity.
● There are occasions when persons have adopted occupations which were

as 'varna contamination’.
KH
different from their caste or varna occupations. This has come to be called

● Ikshvakus made contract marriage alliances with local families such as

Pugiyas, Dhanikas and Hiranyakas and with Ujjain Kshatraps.
● The position of the Brahmins improved in the society.
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○ The performance of Vedic rituals by the Ikshvaku kings, employing

Brahmins in higher posts and the construction of temples, have
contributed for the improvement of the economic condition of the
Brahmins.
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○ Kings used to give land to Brahmins. Such land is exempted from 18

types of taxes. Even king’s officials should not enter into the donated
villages.
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○ Brahmins got formed into three branches. They were Vedic scholars,
temple priests and employees of the king.
● By the time of the second century C.E. , foreign communities such as
Sakas, Yavanas, Pahlavas and Abhiras got sanskritised. They joined the
Indian stream of life. Because they were rulers, they received the kshatriya
social status.
● Vaisyas used to resort to trade and business. They used to form into guilds.

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 ● The majority of people in the society were Sudras. Among them, there were
followers of different occupations. Agriculturalists used to be called as
halikas.
● Position of Women:
○ Amaravati and Nagarjunakonda inscriptions mention that, even during
the time of Ikshvakus also, women of high families gave donations
independently.
■ For the mahachaitya at Nagarjunakonda, women belonging to

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the royal family made donations freely.
○ Though Ikshvaku kings have followed Vedic religion, women, of
course, patronized Buddhism, built many chaityas and made
donations.

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○ Just like the Satavahanas, Ikshvaku kings have added their
mother's name before their names.
○ The social evil sati was prevalent.
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Inscriptions

Inscriptions of Veerapurushadatta ● Alluri inscription

● Amaravati inscription
● Nagarjunakonda Inscription
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● Uppugundur Inscription
● Jaggayyapeta Inscription

Srisantamula's Inscriptions ● Rentala

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● Dachepalli
● Kesanapalli

Ehuvala Santamula’s Inscription ● Nagarjunakonda Sanskrit

inscription

Inscription of Rudrapurushadatta ● Gurajala inscription

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