The Vishnukundian dynasty was an Indian Imperial power controlling the Deccan, in particular, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha and parts of South India during the 5th and 6th centuries, carving land out of the Vakataka Empire. The dynasty initially ruled from Indrapalanagara (in present day Nalgonda district of Telangana) and later shifted to Denduluru and Amravathi.
''Vishnukundiana'' is a sanskrit name for Vinukonda. The early rulers migrated eastern deccan to the western deccan in search of employment and under the Vaktakas they attained feudatory status. During the rule of Madhava Varma, they became independent and conquered coastal Andhra and established their capital at Denduluru near Eluru, West Godavari district.
Govinda Varma I took the imperial title of Maharaja and his son Madhava Varma I was the founder of the power based on grants from Sriparvata and Indrapalagutta. Madhava Varma, ruled from 420 AD to 455 AD and was the founder of the Vishnukundina power. The reign of Madhava Varma II was the golden age in the history of the Vishnukundina dynasty and the territories of the empire expanded. A princess of the powerful ruling family of the Deccan was given in marriage to Mahadeva Varma's son, Vikramendra Varma. This alliance gave them immense power and influence to extend their empire till the eastern coast. Amarapura, present day Amravati was made the capital. Later the capital shifted to the present day Vijayawada.
The next few rulers saw the fortunes of the empire rising with Govinda Varma II (569 - 573 AD) and Janssraya Madhava Varma (573-621 AD) enjoying cultural prosperity under their rule. In 621 AD, in his 48th regnal year, Madhava crossed the Godavari probably to oust the Chalukyas from his territories. However, he lost his life on the battlefield. Thus the Vishnukundina rule was brought to a close by 624 AD.
From the time of Madhava Varma II, an aggressive self-assertion of the Vedic Brahmanism occurred. Vedic ceremonies like Rajasuya, Sarvamedha and Aswamedha were undertaken. They established colleges for Vedic learning.
Being great devotees of Shiva, they constructed a number of cave temples dedicated to Shiva. The cave structures of Bezwada (Vijayawada), Mogalrajapuram, Undavalli caves and Bhairavakonda were dated to this period.
Coins of Vishnukundins. They minted coins using a unique method. First, the circular coin flan was produced by the casting process and later, the design and symbols were die-struck on the coin. They produced coins in copper and potin, not in lead. The lion was the dynastic emblem of the Vishnukundins and is portrayed on the coins. The reverse mostly carried the sankh shell between two lamps. There are varieties. Pot may represent a fire altar or a fire pot from which as per legend the Vishnukundins emerged. Other motifs like swastika, sun, crescent, moon, conch and wheel could be seen on the coins.
Vishnukundin, Deccan, 420-624 AD, weight 9 gm, Dia 20 mm, Obverse: Lion standing right with upright tail, Reverse: Conch between two tridents
Vishnukundin, 600-615 AD, copper, alloy, weight 8.8 gm, Obverse: Roaring Lion standing facing right with tail curled on the back, one foreleg raised, lamp in front and crescent above, circular border surrounded by dots, Reverse: Sankh between two lamps, encircled by a circular border with rays radiating.
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