Recent archaeological excavations have unearthed significant findings at Nagardhan village in Ramtek Taluk near Nagpur, Maharashtra. The area, particularly surrounding the Nagardhan Fort, is rich in archaeological remnants dating back to the Gond Raja period and was later refurbished by the Bhosales of Nagpur during the late 18th and 19th centuries. These discoveries shed light on the life, religious practices, and trading systems of the Vakataka dynasty, highlighting Nagardhan’s importance as a capital city within the Vakataka empire.
The Historic Significance of the Vakataka Dynasty
The Vakataka dynasty traces its roots back to the mid-3rd century CE, originating in the central Deccan. Its empire stretched from Malwa and Gujarat in the north to the Tungabhadra in the south and from the Arabian Sea in the west to the Bay of Bengal in the east. The Vakataka rulers were followers of the Shaiva sect of Hinduism. They were predominantly engaged in animal rearing, as evidenced by remains of domestic animals like cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, cats, horses, and fowl, discovered in previous studies.
Strategic matrimonial alliances with other contemporary dynasties were common. A significant union was forged with Prabhavatigupta of the Gupta dynasty (Vaishnavites), the ruling power in North India at the time. Queen Prabhavatigupta later ascended to the throne following her husband Rudrasena II’s sudden demise and ruled until succeeded by her son Pravarasena II after a decade.
Queen Prabhavatigupta and Vaishnavism Influence in Vidarbha Region
Researchers believe that worship of Narasimha in Maharashtra originated from Ramtek. Queen Prabhavatigupta was instrumental in propagating Vaishnava practices within the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. Several temples associated with Lord Vishnu’s incarnations, including Keval Narasihma and Rudra Narasimha, as well as a temple dedicated to Varaha, were founded in Ramtek. These religious structures came into being after the Queen’s ascension to the throne.
Latest Findings and Their Historical Impact
Excavations at Nagardhan have revealed, for the first time, clay sealings from when Prabhavatigupta reigned as queen of the Vakataka dynasty. The oval-shaped sealing bears her name in the Brahmi script alongside the depiction of a conch, a symbol representing the Vaishnava affiliations held by the Guptas. These sealings, introduced and issued during Prabhavatigupta’s reign, underscore her significance as a woman of stature and importance, capable of influencing religious affiliations despite the Vakatakas mainly adhering to the Shaiva sect of Hinduism.
Facts on Vakataka Dynasty
| Origin | Religion | Main Occupation | Alliances |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mid 3rd Century CE, Central Deccan | Shaiva Sect of Hinduism | Animal Rearing | Prabhavatigupta of Gupta Dynasty |
Lasting Influence on Trade Practices
The clay sealing was discovered on a large wall, believed to have been part of a royal structure in the capital city. A copperplate issued by Queen Prabhavatigupta details the genealogy of the Guptas, naming her grandfather Samudragupta and father Chandragupta II. This suggests that the Vakatakas traded as far as Iran and beyond, using the Mediterranean Sea. The sealings are considered as official royal permissions issued from the capital, underlining the breadth of the Vakataka’s trading network.
