Some info. about (kingdom/empire) rulers of Puttaparthi area from 250 BCE (Mauryan empire?) till 1121 CE (Western Chalukya empire) based on Wikipedia

Last updated on 12th Dec. 2022

This post follows up on my recent post: Chronological list of (kingdom/empire) rulers of Penukonda area (and so Puttaparthi for most part) from 1121 CE (Western Chalukya dynasty days) based on Wikipedia, https://ravisiyer.blogspot.com/2022/09/chronological-list-of-rulers-of.html .

From what I could gather from wikipedia about dynastic rulers of Puttaparthi area prior to 1121 CE (Western Chalukya dynasty days), I have got a somewhat confused picture. The period a dynasty ruled over Puttaparthi area is especially grey. But I wanted to capture even this confused picture for my own notes, and I thought it may be of interest to some readers and so decided to put it up as this public post. Note that I have used ? (question mark) to indicate confusion/doubt in the list given below. Also I have used a particular year or period associated with a map. So there are gaps in the chronology.

1) 250 BCE?, Maurya empire, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maurya_Empire . The map in the wiki page shows Mauryan kingdom as of 250 BCE which seems to just include Puttaparthi area in south-central edge of its regions. But I think this map is insufficient info. to decide whether Puttaparthi area came under Mauryan empire.

Brahmagiri Archeological site in Karnataka, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmagiri_archaeological_site , (different from today's Brahmagiri mountain/hill in Karnataka, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmagiri_(Karnataka) ) has a Mauryan era rock edict and so would have been part of Mauryan empire. This Brahmagiri Archeological site is somewhat close to Puttaparthi (182 kms by road today) and to its North-West. See Distance pic and Google Map pic below.

[On PC desktop, to open pic in larger resolution (if available), right-click on pic followed by open link (NOT image) in new tab/window. In new tab/window you may have to click on pic to zoom in.]

From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmagiri_archaeological_site :

Brahmagiri is an archaeological site located in the Chitradurga district of the state of Karnataka, India.[1] Legend has it that this is the site where sage Gautama Maharishi (also spelt Gauthama Maharshi) and his wife Ahalya lived. He was one among seven noted Hindu saints (Saptharshi mandalam). This site was first explored by Benjamin L. Rice in 1891, who discovered rock edicts of Emperor Ashoka here. These rock edicts indicated that the locality was termed as Isila and denoted the southernmost extent of the Mauryan empire.[1][2] The Brahmagiri site is a granite outcrop elevated about 180 m. above the surrounding plains and measures around 500 m east-west and 100 m north-south.[3] It is well known for the large number of megalithic monuments that have been found here.[4] The earliest settlement found here has been dated to at least the 2nd millennium BC.[5]

[References:]

1. "Excavations - Important - Karnataka". Archaeological survey of India. Archived from the original on 17 May 2008. Retrieved 14 March 2008.

2. Amalananda Ghosh (1990), p82

3. Peter N. Peregrine, Melvin Ember, Human Relations Area Files Inc. (2001), p367

4. Kenneth A. R. Kennedy (2000), p267

5. Barbara Ann Kipfer (2000), p78

--- end wiki extract ---

Also see map in https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maurya_Empire which shows Brahmagiri (Mauryan empire).

As per above map, the Mauryan empire extended a little further south from Brahmagiri of Mauryan empire and thus the region seems to include Puttaparthi area. What is not clear is on what basis the southern edges of Mauryan empire in the map were drawn. So I think that one cannot say that Puttaparthi area came under Mauryan empire. But the Brahmagiri rock edict at a distance of around 180 kms to North-West of Puttaparthi tells us that even if Puttaparthi area did not come under Mauryan empire, it was close enough to be influenced by the Mauryan empire. Note that we are talking about a period of around 2,200 to 2,300 years ago. I think it's quite fascinating to know that there is historical evidence via this rock edict of Mauryan rule over two millennia ago quite close to Puttaparthi area. 

For more on the Brahmagiri rock edict, please visit https://karnatakatravel.blogspot.com/2013/06/ashokan-minor-rock-edict-of-brahmagiri.html . Like the Jonnagiri (Yerragudi), Andhra Pradesh, Mauryan rock inscription, it exhorts people to follow good & ethical behaviour. For more, please visit: Instructions to love parents and elders, be kind and speak the truth, in rock edicts of Emperor Ashoka (3rd century BCE) which are earliest deciphered inscriptions found in India; Jonnagiri, AP rock edicts, https://ravisiyermisc.blogspot.com/2022/07/instructions-to-love-parents-and-elders.html .

2) Early 1st century CE/AD, Satavahana dynasty, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satavahana_dynasty . The map in the page, titled, "Approximate extent of the Satavahana Empire, in the early 1st century CE", shows Puttaparthi within Satavahana kingdom.

From above wiki page: 

The Satavahanas (Sādavāhana or Sātavāhana,[5] IAST: Sātavāhana), also referred to as the Andhras in the Puranas, were an ancient Indian dynasty based in the Deccan region. Most modern scholars believe that the Satavahana rule began in the late second century BCE and lasted until the early third century CE, although some assign the beginning of their rule to as early as the 3rd century BCE based on the Puranas, but uncorroborated by archaeological evidence.[6] The Satavahana kingdom mainly comprised the present-day Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra. At different times, their rule extended to parts of modern Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka. The dynasty had different capital cities at different times, including Pratishthana (Paithan) and Amaravati (Dharanikota).

[References:]

5. Burgess. Epigraphia Indica Vol 8. p. 93.

6. Sinopoli 2001, p. 166.

--- end wiki extract ---

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_South_India states :

The Śātavāhana Empire[19] was a royal Indian dynasty based from Amaravati in Andhra Pradesh as well as Junnar (Pune) and Prathisthan (Paithan) in Maharashtra. The territory of the empire covered much of India from 300 BCE onward. Although there is some controversy about when the dynasty came to an end, the most liberal estimates suggest that it lasted about 450 years, until around 220 CE. The Satavahanas are credited for establishing peace in the country, resisting the onslaught of foreigners after the decline of Mauryan Empire.

Sātavāhanas started out as feudatories to the Mauryan dynasty, but declared independence with its decline. They are known for their patronage of Hinduism. The Sātavāhanas were one of the first Indian states to issue coins struck with their rulers embossed. They formed a cultural bridge and played a vital role in trade as well as the transfer of ideas and culture to and from the Indo-Gangetic Plain to the southern tip of India.

[Reference:]

19. Woolner, Alfred C. (1928). Introduction to Prakrit. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass. pp. 235 pages(see page:15). ISBN 9788120801899.

--- end wiki extract ---

3) 500 CE, Kadamba dynasty, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kadamba_dynasty . The map in this page titled, "Extent of Kadamba Empire, 500 CE", https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Indian_Kadamba_Empire_map.svg , shows that Puttaparthi area fell within Kadamba empire in 500 CE. Also note that a caption below the map on the wiki page, states that Kadambas were "(Subordinate to Pallava until 345)". 

From above wiki page: 

The Kadambas (345–540 CE) were an ancient royal family of Karnataka, India, that ruled northern Karnataka and the Konkan from Banavasi in present-day Uttara Kannada district. The kingdom was founded by Mayurasharma in c. 345, and at later times showed the potential of developing into imperial proportions. An indication of their imperial ambitions is provided by the titles and epithets assumed by its rulers, and the marital relations they kept with other kingdoms and empires, such as the Vakatakas and Guptas of northern India.

--- end wiki extract ---

4) From 636? to 740 CE?, Badami Chalukya (different from, though related to, Western Chalukya and Eastern Chalukya dynasties), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chalukya_dynasty . The wiki page intro. is a little confusing as it merges period of three related but separate Chalukya dynasties. However is specific in the map (in page) titled, "Extent of Badami Chalukya Empire, 636 CE, 740 CE.[1: Schwartzberg, Joseph E. (1978). A Historical atlas of South Asia. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. p. 146, map XIV.2 (c). ISBN 0226742210.]", https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Badami-chalukya-empire-map.svg. The map clearly shows Puttaparthi area within the Badami Chalukya kingdom.

5) 645 CE?, Pallava dynasty, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pallava_dynasty . The map in the page, titled, "Pallava territories during Narasimhavarman I c. 645. This includes the Chalukya territories occupied by the Pallavas." shows Puttaparthi area within Pallava dynasty rule. But the Chalukya wiki page map shows Puttaparthi area within their rule from 636 to 740! So there is a conflict here.

From above wiki page: 

The Pallava dynasty was a Tamil dynasty that existed from 275 CE to 897 CE, ruling a significant portion of the Deccan, also known as Tondaimandalam. The dynasty rose to prominence after the downfall of the Satavahana dynasty, with whom they had formerly served as feudatories.[6][7]

[References:]

6. The journal of the Numismatic Society of India, Volume 51, p.109

7. Alī Jāvīd and Tabassum Javeed. (2008). World heritage monuments and related edifices in India, p.107 

--- end wiki extract ---

6) From 800 CE to 915 CE, Rashtrakuta dynasty, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rashtrakuta_dynasty . The map in this page, titled, "Core extent of Rashtrakuta Empire, 800 CE, 915 CE." shows Puttaparthi within this dynasty's rule

From above wiki page: 

Rashtrakuta (IAST: rāṣṭrakūṭa) (r. 753-982 CE) was a royal Indian dynasty ruling large parts of the Indian subcontinent between the sixth and 10th centuries. The earliest known Rashtrakuta inscription is a 7th-century copper plate grant detailing their rule from Manapura, a city in Central or West India. Other ruling Rashtrakuta clans from the same period mentioned in inscriptions were the kings of Achalapur and the rulers of Kannauj. Several controversies exist regarding the origin of these early Rashtrakutas, their native homeland and their language.

The Elichpur clan was a feudatory of the Badami Chalukyas, and during the rule of Dantidurga, it overthrew Chalukya Kirtivarman II and went on to build an empire with the Gulbarga region in modern Karnataka as its base. This clan came to be known as the Rashtrakutas of Manyakheta, rising to power in South India in 753 AD.

--- end wiki extract ---

7) 973 CE to 1121 CE, Western Chalukya ? (probably),  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Chalukya_Empire , Chola ? (improbable but possible), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chola_dynasty

From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Chalukya_Empire , "In 973, seeing confusion in the Rashtrakuta empire after a successful invasion of their capital by the ruler of the Paramara dynasty of Malwa, Tailapa II, a feudatory of the Rashtrakuta Dynasty ruling from Bijapur region defeated his overlords and made Manyakheta his capital. The dynasty quickly rose to power and grew into an empire under Someshvara I who moved the capital to Kalyani."

So from 973 CE the Rashtrakutas were replaced by Western Chalukyas in some areas of former Rashtrakuta territory. 

The map in the above page, titled, "Extent of Western Chalukya Empire, 1121 CE" shows Puttaparthi area within Western Chalukya empire.

In Hoysala empire wiki page, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoysala_Empire , the map titled, "Hoysala kingdom, c. 1050 - c. 1355" with additional info., "(Subordinate to the Western Chalukya Empire until 1187)" shows that Penukonda and perhaps also Puttaparthi were part of Hoysala kingdom then. But the Hoysalas were independently ruling this area only from 1187. 

So it seems that from 973 CE to 1187 CE Western Chalukyas were ruling Penukonda and Puttaparthi area.

But the map in https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chola_dynasty , titled, "Map showing the greatest extent of the Chola empire c. 1030 under Rajendra Chola I: territories are shown in blue ..." seems to show Puttaparthi area under Cholas.

From above wiki page:

During the period of 1010–1153 CE, the Chola territories stretched from the Maldives in the south to the banks of the Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh as the northern limit. Rajaraja Chola conquered peninsular South India, annexed part of the Rajarata kingdom in present-day Sri Lanka, and occupied Maldives islands. 

...

The Western Chalukya Empire under Satyashraya and Someshvara I tried to wriggle out of Chola domination from time to time, primarily due to the Chola influence in the Vengi kingdom.[63] The Western Chalukyas mounted several unsuccessful attempts to engage the Chola emperors in war, and except for a brief occupation of Vengi territories between 1118 and 1126, all their other attempts ended in failure with successive Chola emperors routing the armies of the Chalukyas at various places in many wars. Virarajendra Chola defeated Someshvara II of the Western Chalukya Empire and made an alliance with Prince Vikramaditya VI.[64] Cholas always successfully controlled the Chalukyas in the western Deccan by defeating them in war and levying tribute on them.[65] Even under the emperors of the Cholas like Kulothunga I and Vikrama Chola, the wars against the Chalukyas were mainly fought in Chalukya territories in Karnataka or in the Telugu country like Vengi, Kakinada, Anantapur, or Gutti. Then the former feudatories like the Hoysalas, Yadvas, and Kakatiyas steadily increased their power and finally replaced the Chalukyas.[66] With the occupation of Dharwar in North Central Karnataka by the Hoysalas under Vishnuvardhana, where he based himself with his son Narasimha I in-charge at the Hoysala capital Dwarasamudra around 1149, and with the Kalachuris occupying the Chalukyan capital for over 35 years from around 1150–1151, the Chalukya kingdom was already starting to dissolve.[67]

The Cholas under Kulothunga Chola III collaborated to the herald the dissolution of the Chalukyas by aiding Hoysalas under Veera Ballala II, the son-in-law of the Chola monarch, and defeated the Western Chalukyas in a series of wars with Someshvara IV between 1185 and 1190. The last Chalukya king's territories did not even include the erstwhile Chalukyan capitals Badami, Manyakheta or Kalyani. That was the final dissolution of Chalukyan power though the Chalukyas existed only in name since 1135–1140. But the Cholas remained stable until 1215, were absorbed by the Pandyan empire and ceased to exist by 1279.[68]

[References:]

63. Sastri (2002), p. 158

64. Ancient India: Collected Essays on the Literary and Political History of Southern India by Sakkottai Krishnaswami Aiyangar p.233

65. Chopra, Ravindran & Subrahmanian (2003), pp. 107–109

66. ndia: The Most Dangerous Decades by Selig S. Harrison p.31

67. Sastri (2002), p. 184

68. Mukund (2012), p. xlii

--- end wiki extract ---

Anantapur is mentioned as one of the places where Cholas fought with Western Chalukyas.

So did the Cholas rule Penukonda and Puttaparthi area for some years in this period (or any period) as the map in Chola wiki page seems to indicate? When I searched for Penukonda and Chola empire in Google, the top results did not include pages that said so. Further, the Penukonda wiki page,  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penukonda , does not mention Chola empire at all. Instead it says, "This region was controlled at different points in history by the Hoysalas, Chalukyas, Vijayanagar, Nawabs, Maratha chieftain Murari Rao, Tipu Sultan, Nizam and eventually came under British rule after it was ceded to the British by the Nizam of Hyderabad.[3] It was a melting pot of different religions but the town and fort were established by early Hoysala kings, who were practitioners of Jainism.[citation needed]". "[Ref.3 is a broken link]

What is clear is that Hoysalas ruled Penukonda and that Vijayanagar empire replaced Hoysalas as rulers of Penukonda. Hoysalas were vassals of (subordinate to) Western Chalukya till 1187 CE after which they became independent rulers. So I think it is reasonable to presume that Western Chalukyas ruled Penukonda prior to Hoysalas.

It is also possible that during the wars between Western Chalukyas and Chola empire in this period of 973 CE to 1187 CE, Penukonda and Puttaparthi areas would have come under control of Chola empire for some time. But there does not seem to be any noted Internet source providing that information.

So I think we can presume that most probably Western Chalukyas ruled Penukonda and Puttaparthi area from 973 CE to 1121 CE.

When was Penukonda town/city founded?

It seems very probable that Penukonda town was established by early Hoysala kings who were practitioners of Jainism as mentioned in above extract from Penukonda wiki page, as there are ancient Jain temples in Penukonda [Related post: 14th century Jain temples in Penukonda which is very close to Puttaparthi,  https://ravisiyer.blogspot.com/2022/09/14th-century-jain-temples-in-penukonda.html ].  

Extracts from wiki page of the Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana,  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vishnuvardhana , who ruled from 1108–1152 CE are given below:

"Originally a follower of Jainism and known as Bitti Deva, he came under the influence of the Hindu philosopher Ramanujacharya, converted to Hindu Vaishnavism and took the name "Vishnuvardhana".[1][2][3][4] His queen Shanthala however remained a Jain.[5] This was the transition period from Jainism to Hinduism Vishnuvardhana took the first steps in creating an independent Hoysala Empire in South India through a series of battles against his overlord, the Western Chalukya King Vikramaditya VI, and the Chola Empire to the south. 

...

[References:]

1. Govindāchārya 1906, p. 180.

2. Stein 1989, p. 16.

3. Menon 2013, p. 127.

4. Smith 1920, p. 203.

5. N, Prathibha; N, akumarPrathibha; Mar 26, akumar / Updated; 2018. "'Religion must be burnt every 1,000 yrs'". Bangalore Mirror. Retrieved 6 May 2022.

---- end wiki extracts ---

The last reference above, https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/opinion/views/religion-must-be-burnt-every-1000-yrs/articleshow/63455865.cms , states that Jainism was flourishing in Karnataka till the 9th and 10th century. Then it mentions Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana converting from Jainism to Hinduism which is mentioned in the wiki page extract given above.

Subsequent Hoysala kings seem to have been Hindu but also supported Jainism. If the statement that Penukonda was founded by early Hoysala kings who were practitioners of Jainism mentioned in Penukonda wiki page is true, then Penukonda would have been founded during or before reign of Vishnuvardhana. Hoysala empire got founded in 1050 and Vishnuvardhana reign ended in 1152. That means that Penukonda would have been founded between 1050 and 1152, if the wiki page statement is true. 

[I thank Wikipedia and Google Maps, and have presumed that they will not have any objections to me sharing the above extract(s) and maps from their website on this post which is freely viewable by all, and does not have any financial profit motive whatsoever.]