Gautamiputra
| Author:Laxman Burdak, IFS (R) |
Gautamiputra (गौतमीपुत्र) was eldest son of Vakataka King Pravarasena I (270-330) of Purika or Pravarapura. Pravarasena I had a long reign, so much so that his eldest son Gautamiputra could not succeed him, but his grand-son Rudrasena I (330-350) succeeded him. Gautamiputra himself was married to the daughter of the Bharsiva king Bhavanaga. The son of this union was Rudrasena I grand son of Pravarsena I and Bhavanaga.
History
Dr Naval Viyogi[2] writes....[p.338]: Earlier Vakatakas (250-510 AD) established their rule in Vindhya region. But later established authority over whole of Central India. From Vakataka inscriptions it is well established that a dynasty which took its name Vakataka came into existence about a century before Samudragupta's conquests. The first king of the dynasty was Vindhyashakti (250–270). Second king was Pravarasena I (270–330).
[p.339]: Pravarasena I was son of Vindhyashakti, who not only performed four Asvamedhas but also assumed the title of Samriit.48 He had a long reign, so much so that his eldest son Gautamiputra could not succeed him, but his grand-son Rudrasena I succeeded him. Gautamiputra himself was married to the daughter of the Bharsiva king Bhavanaga. The son of this union was Rudrasena I grand son of Pravarsena I and Bhavanaga. As, there was matriarchal system of heredity among the Nagas (Chapter V pp 102-03 and VI), hence Rudrasena I became the legal heir of throne of Bhavanaga in addition to throne of his own grand father Pravarsena I.49 Rudrasena I was succeeded by his son Prithivisena I. Rudrasena II son of Prithivisena I was married to Prabhavati Gupta daughter of Chandra Gupta II born of the Empress Kubera Naga. Prabhavati Gupta ruled as regent after the death of her husband Rudrasena II, as guardian to her minor son Yuvraj Divakarsena and subsequently to another son called Damodarsena or Pravarasena II.
It is obvious Vakataka dynasty took its root in Vindhya region and later extended its sways as far as Karnataka in South since Prithvisena subjugated the king of Kuntala a part of Karnataka and Kadamba kingdom.
Their capitals were at Purika, Chanak, Pravarpur and Padmapur and Branches at Nandivardhan and Vatsagulma.
48. Jayaswal K.P.,P.62 49. Jayaswal K.P.,P.63
References
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