Last reviewed 4 Nov 2026 · 2 min read
1. Ikshvakus (3rd–4th century CE)
- Capital Vijayapuri at Nagarjunakonda (Palnadu district) on the Krishna.
- Founder Vasishthiputra Chamtamula (Santamula); the kings performed Ashvamedha, while queens and princesses built Buddhist monasteries.
- Nagarjunakonda's remains were shifted to an island museum when the Nagarjuna Sagar reservoir flooded the valley.
2. Smaller dynasties
| Dynasty | Fact |
|---|---|
| Brihatphalayanas | Ruled from Kodur (Krishna district) |
| Salankayanas | Capital Vengi (near Eluru) |
| Anandagotrikas | Guntur region |
| Vishnukundins | Rose in Telangana and spread to coastal Andhra; Madhava Varma I; Undavalli caves (Vijayawada) are ascribed to them |
3. Pallavas
- The early Pallavas issued Prakrit grants from the Andhra region before shifting to Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu).
- They ruled the southern Andhra districts (Nellore, Guntur) for long periods.
4. Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi (624–c. 1070)
| Point | Fact |
|---|---|
| Founder | Kubja Vishnuvardhana (c. 624), brother of Pulakeshin II of Badami |
| Capital | Vengi, later Rajamahendravaram (Rajahmundry) |
| Notable ruler | Rajaraja Narendra (c. 1019–1061) — patron of Nannaya |
| Literature | Nannaya Bhattaraka began the Telugu Andhra Mahabharatam — called the Adikavi of Telugu; the work was completed by Tikkana and Errana (Kavitrayam) |
| Chola link | Marriage alliances with the Cholas; Kulottunga I (an Eastern Chalukya prince) became Chola emperor in 1070, merging Vengi with the Chola empire |
| Art | Temples at Biccavolu and Draksharamam (Bhimeswara) |
Revision SummaryQuick recap
- Ikshvakus — Vijayapuri (Nagarjunakonda); Buddhist queens.
- Salankayanas — Vengi; Vishnukundins — Undavalli caves.
- Eastern Chalukyas — Kubja Vishnuvardhana 624; Vengi → Rajahmundry.
- Rajaraja Narendra's court — Nannaya, Adikavi of Telugu; Kavitrayam = Nannaya, Tikkana, Errana.
- Kulottunga I (1070) — Vengi merged with the Cholas.