Seuna Yadavas of Devagiri

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Seuna dynasty
Official languages Kannada Marathi, Sanskrit,
Capital Devagiri
Government Monarchy
Preceding state Western Chalukyas
Succeeding state Deccan Sultanates

The Seuna, Sevuna or Yadava dynasty (Marathi: देवगिरीचे यादव ,Kannada: ಸೇವುಣರು) (850 - 1334) was an Indian dynasty, which during their peak ruled present day Maharashtra, north Karnataka and parts of Madhya Pradesh from their capital at Devagiri (present-day Daulatabad in Maharashtra).

They initially ruled as feudatories of the Western Chalukyas and around the middle of the 12th. century, declared their independence. At their peak under Singhana II, they ruled a large kingdom stretching from the Tungabhadra to the Narmada rivers.

The foundations of Marathi culture was laid by Yadavas and the peculiarities of Maharashtra's social life developed in their rule[1].

Contents

[edit] Name of the dynasty

The Seuna dynasty claimed descent from Yadavas. Hence, they are often referred to as "Yadavas of Devagiri". They are also described as Marathas as they ruled a large part of Maharashtra. But, the correct name of the dynasty is Seuna or Sevuna[2]. The inscriptions of this dynasty as well as those of contemporary kingdoms, the Hoysala, Kakatiya dynasty and Western Chalukyas call them Seunas[3]. The name is probably derived from the name of their second ruler Seunachandra.

Many writers refer to the dyanasty as "Yadavas of Devagiri". The former name of the dynasty i.e. "Sevuna" (or Seuna) was brought back into use by John Faithful Fleet in his book The dynasties of the Kanarese districts of the Bombay Presidency from the earliest historical times to the Musalman conquest of A.D. 1318[4].

[edit] Origin

Scholars are divided regarding the descent of Suena dynasty.

[edit] North India

The Suena dynasty claimed descent from the Chandravanshi Yadavas of north India[5][6]. According to the verse 21 of Vratakhand (a Sanskrit work by Hemadri), the Seunas were originally from Mathura and later moved to Dwaraka. Hemdari calls them as Krishnakulotpanna (i.e. descendants of Lord Krishna)[7]. The Marathi saint Dnyaneshwar describes them as yadukulvansh tilak as well. Some of their inscriptions call them Dvaravatipuravaradhishvaras ("masters of Dvaravati or Dwaraka").

Many modern researchers such as Dr.Kolarkar also believe that Yadavas belonged to North India[8].

[edit] Maratha

According to many scholars such as Prof. George Moraes[9], V. K. Rajwade, C. V. Vaidya, Dr. A.S. Altekar, Dr. D.R. Bhandarkar, and J. Duncan M. Derrett[4], the Suena dynasty rulers were of Maratha descent. The Suenas patronised the Marathi language[10]. Digambar Balkrishna Mokashi noted that Yadava dynasty rule was "what seems to be the first true Maratha empire"[11]. In his book Medieval India, C.V.Vaidya states that Yadavas are "definitely pure Maratha Kshatriyas".

A stone inscription found at Anjaneri near Nasik suggests that there was a minor branch of the Yadava family ruling over a small district with Anjaneri as the chief city. The inscription indicates that a ruler called Seunadeva belonging to Yadava family called himself Mahasamanta and made a grant to a Jain temple[12].Many scholars such as Dr. O. P. Varma, state that Yadavas themselves were Marathi speakers and the age of the Yadavas is, therefore, very important for the history of the Marathi [13].

Jijabai (Shivaji's mother) belonged to the clan of jadhavas of Sindkhed Raja, who claimed descent from the Yadavas.

[edit] Immigrants from Karnataka

Many scholars such as C M Kulkarni[14], Colin Masica, Shrinivas Ritti etc. believe that the Seuna Yadavas were originally Kannada-speaking people. Linguist Colin Masica believes that the Yadavas were originally Kannada-speaking and used Kannada in their inscriptions (along with Sanskrit). However, by the time of Muslim conquest, they had begin to patronize Marathi, and Marathi phrases or lines were beginning to appear in their inscriptions[15]. Dr. Shrinivas Ritti's speculates that Seunas must have been originally from Kannada-speaking region and migrated northwords due to political situation in the Deccan at that time[16]

Many Seuna rulers had pure Kannada names and titles like "Dhadiyappa", "Bhillama", "Rajugi", "Vadugi" and "Vasugi", "Kaliya Ballala". Other kings had names like "Singhana" and "Mallugi" which were also used by the Southern Kalachuri dynasty. Records show that one of the early rulers "Seunachandra II" had a Kannada title Sellavidega. The Seunas had very close matrimonial relationships with royal Kannada families through out their rule[3]. Bhillama II was married to Lachchiyavve from a Rashtrakuta descendant family in Karnataka area. Vaddiga was married to Vaddiyavve, daughter of Rashtrakuta chieften Dhorappa. Wives of Vesugi and Bhillama III were Chalukya princesess.

Also, over five hundred inscriptions belonging to the Seuna dynasty have been found in Karnataka, the oldest being of the rule of Bhillama II. Most of these are in Kannada language. Others are in Kannada language but Devanagari script[3]. The Seuna coins from the early part of the rule itself have Kannada legends. Scholars such as Dr. O. P. Varma, therefore believe that Kannada was certainly a court language along with Marathi and Sanskrit during Seuna times[17].

During the rule of the Seunas, ruling chieftains who were related to the Seuna Kings were from Kannada-speaking families, like the Seunas of Masavadi-140 in present day Dharwad. Dr. A. V. Narasimha Murthy opined that during the later part of the Rashtrakuta rule from Manyakheta, Seuna chieftains were despatched from the Karnataka region to rule near Nasik[4].

[edit] History

[edit] Feudatory

Devagiri fort-The capital of Yadavas
Devagiri fort-The capital of Yadavas
Asia in 1200 AD, showing the Yadava Dynasty and its neighbors.
Asia in 1200 AD, showing the Yadava Dynasty and its neighbors.

Seunas were once the feudatories of the Rashtrakutas and then of the Western Chalukyas[2]. The founder of the Suena dynasty was Dridhaprahara, the son of Subahu. According to Vratakhanda, his capital was Shrinagara. However, an early inscription suggests that Chandradityapura (modern Chandor in the Nasik district) was the capital[12].

The name Seuna comes from Dridhaprahara's son, Seunachandra. He originally ruled a region called Seunadesha (present-day Khandesh). Bhillama II, a later ruler in the dynasty, assisted Tailapa III in his war with the Paramara king Munja. Seunachandra II helped Vikramaditya VI in gaining the throne.

[edit] Bhillama V

Bhillama V (1173-1192), son of Mallugi, established the sovereign kingdom (as opposed to feudatory of Chalukyas). He took over the Chalukya capital of Kalyani in 1190. He founded Devagiri (now Daulatabad) as the capital of the Yadava dynasty.

The Seunas were bordered by aggressive neighbours on all sides: Paramara Rajputs of Malwa in the north, Kakatiya dynasty in the east, Hoysalas in the south and Solanki Rajputs of Gujarat in the west. As a precaution, they built their citadel at Devagiri. The citadel was situated on a hill rising 183 meters[18] (300 meters according to John Keay[2]). The hill was enclosed by three lines of walls, each of which was defended by moats and turrets. The othermost wall had a circumference of 4.4 km.

[edit] Singhana II

Singhana II 1200-1247 C.E. is considered the greatest ruler of the Yadava dynasty. During his rule the kingdom expanded from Narmada to Tungabhadra. The dynasty reached at its zenith during Singhana II's rule at the expense of Hoysalas in the south, Kakatiya dynasty in the east, Paramaras and Chalukyas in the north[19].

He founded the town Shinghanapur (or Singhanapur). He was a great patron of learning and literature. He established the college of astronomy to study the work of celebrated astronomer Bhaskaracharya.

Sangit Ratnakar, an authoritative Sanskrit work on Indian music was written by Sharangadhar (or Shrangadeva) during Singhana II's reign[20]. He also patronized Changadeva, Kannada poet Kamalabhava.

[edit] Ramachandra

Ramachandra (or Ramadevarava), the grandson of Singhana II, ruled from 1271 to 1309 CE.

Hemadri (or Hemadpant) was Ramachandra's Shrikaranadhipa (Chief Minister). He compiled the encyclopedic Sanskrit work Chaturvarga Chintamani. He is said to have built many temples in a style known after him - Hemadapanti[11]. He also invented the Modi script in Marathi[20]. Hemadri wrote many books on vaidhyakshastra (Medical science), he brought and helped Bajra cultivation.[8]

In 1294, during the reign of Ramachandra (1271-1312), Ala-ud-din Khalji captured Devagiri. He restored it to Ramachandra in return for promise of a high ransom and an annual tribute[18]. However, this was not paid and Seuna kingdom's arrears to the Khalji dynasty kept mounting. In 1307, Ala-ud-din Khalji sent an army commanded by Malik Kafur to Devagiri.

Ramachandra was taken to Delhi. Khalji reinstated him on the throne. In turn, Ramachandra helped him to subdue the Hindu kingdoms of South. In 1309, Malik Kafur mounted an assault on the Kakatiya dynasty from Devagiri[2].

[edit] Fall of the kingdom

Ramachandra's successor Singhana III challenged the supremacy of Alauddin Khilji, who sent Malik Kafur to capture Devagiri. Singhana III lost his life in the ensuing battle[21]. In 1310, Khalji's army occupied Devagiri. Later, Muhammad Tughluq renamed it Daultabad. The kingdom was annexed by Khalji empire in 1317.[19].

[edit] The Seuna Yadava rulers

Sindhan, Krishnadev, Mahadev and Ramdev are considered as 'able' rulers in Yadavas.[8]

[edit] Feudatory of Western Chalukyas of Kalyani

[edit] Independent kingdom

[edit] Tributary status under Khilji dynasty

[edit] Literature

[edit] Marathi

The Yadavas of Devagiri patronised Marathi[22] and Marathi was their court language[23][24][25]. It is speculated that Kannada might be a court language during Seunachandra's rule,however Marathi language was the only court-language of Ramchandra and Mahadeva Yadavas. The Yadava capital Devagiri became a beacon for learned scholars in Marathi to showcase and find patronage for their skills. The origin and growth of Marathi literature is directly linked with rise of Yadava dynasty.[26]

Their reign also oversaw the literary development of Marathi language.[27]. The origin and growth of Marathi literature is directly linked to the rise of Yadavas of Devagiri[28].

Some historians believe that prior to the Yadava rule, both Marathi and Kannada had been used in Maharashtra; subsequently, at least partly due to their efforts, Marathi became dominant[29]. Historian José Pereira has credited Yadavas with overthrowing the rule of Kannada-speaking dynasties in Maharashtra[30].

Bhillama V's son, Jaitrapal (or Jaitugi) had Mukundaraja, the author of Paramamrita and Vivekasindhu as his spiritual teacher[20]. Paramamrita is considered the first systematic attempt to explain the Vendantic principles in Marathi language. Vivekasindhu is another exposition of Vedantic principles. Mukundaraja's earliest works were completed in 1190 C.E. Mahimabhatta wrote Lilacharita in 1238

The famous Marathi saint-poet Dnyaneshwar wrote Dnyaneshwari, a commentary on the Bhagavad Gita in 1290, during Ramachandra's period. He also composed devotional songs called abhangas. Dnyaneshwar gave a higher status to Marathi by bringing the sacred Geeta from Sanskrit to Marathi. He proudly said about Marathi-

माझा मर्हाटाची बोलु कवतिके|
परि अमृतातेहि पैजा जिंके|
ऐसी अक्षरे रसिके-
मेळवीन|

which means I will speak my Marathi (language) only with pride and I will give such Marathi words to the ardent listeners which will even win bets against the nectar (amRit).[31][32] Hemadri invented the Modi script in Marathi during this period. Chakradhara propagated the Mahanubhava cult, using Marathi as the medium of his religious teachings. The work of his followers are counted among the first works of Marathi literature.[33].

[edit] Kannada

Many scholars believe Kannada was one of the court languages during early Seuna times, as is evident from a number of Kannada-language inscriptions (See Origin section). Kamalabhava, patronised by Bhillama V wrote Santhishwarapurana, Achanna composed Varadhamanapurana in 1198, Amugideva composed many Vachanas or devotional songs. He was patronised by Singhana II. Chaundarasa of Pandharapur wrote Dashakumara Charite.

[edit] Sanskrit

The Sanskrit literary works from Seuna period include the following :

[edit] References

  1. ^ Marathiworld.com-history
  2. ^ a b c d Keay, John (2001-05-01). India: A History. Atlantic Monthly Pr, 252-257. ISBN 0-8021-3797-0. . The quoted pages can be read at Google Book Search.
  3. ^ a b c Kamat, Suryanath Upendra. A Concise History of Karnataka. 
  4. ^ a b c Murthy, A. V. Narasimha (1971). The Sevunas of Devagiri. Rao and Raghavan, 32. 
  5. ^ Chapter 8, "Yadavas Through the Ages" J.N.S.Yadav (1992)
  6. ^ Robin James Moore. Tradition and Politics in South Asia. 1979. Vikas Publishing House.
  7. ^ Madhyayugin Bharat (Marathi translation of Medieval India) written and published by Chintaman Vinayak Vaidya, pg.468
  8. ^ a b c Marathyancha Itihaas by Dr.S.G Kolarkar, pg-4, Shri Mangesh Prakashan,Nagpur
  9. ^ Professor George Moraes. Pre-Portuguese Culture of Goa. International Goan Convention. Retrieved on 2006-10-01.
  10. ^ Kulkarni, Chidambara Martanda (1966). Ancient Indian History & Culture. Karnatak Pub. House, 233. 
  11. ^ a b Mokashi, Digambar Balkrishna (1987-07-01). Palkhi: An Indian Pilgrimage. SUNY Press, 37. ISBN 0-88706-461-2. 
  12. ^ a b Nasik District Gazetteer: History - Ancient period. Retrieved on 2006-10-01.
  13. ^ Onkar Prasad Verma. Yadavas and their Times. Vidarbha Samshodhana Mandal, Nagpur. 1938, pg.265
  14. ^ Kulkarni, Chidambara Martanda (1974). Studies in Indian History. Sri Dvaipayana Trust, 111. “Yadavas of Devagiri who originally belonged to Kannada stock” 
  15. ^ Masica, Colin P. (1991). "Subsequent Spread of Indo-Aryan", The Indo-Aryan Languages. Cambridge University Press, 45. ISBN 0521299446. 
  16. ^ Shrinivas Ritti. The Seunas : the Yadavas of Devagiri. Dharwar : Dept. of Ancient Indian History and Epigraphy, Karnatak University. 1973
  17. ^ Onkar Prasad Verma. Yadavas and their Times. Vidarbha Samshodhana Mandal, Nagpur. 1938
  18. ^ a b Bennett, Mathew (2001-09-21). Dictionary of Ancient & Medieval Warfare. Stackpole Books, 98. ISBN 0-8117-2610-X. . The quoted pages can be read at Google Book Search.
  19. ^ a b "Yādava Dynasty" Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica 2007 Ultimate Reference Suite
  20. ^ a b c Mann, Gurinder Singh (2001-03-01). The Making of Sikh Scripture. Oxford University Press US, 1. ISBN 0-19-513024-3. 
  21. ^ Michell, George (1999-006-10). Architecture and Art of the Deccan Sultanates. Cambridge University Press, 5. ISBN 0-521-56321-6. 
  22. ^ Kulkarni, Chidambara Martanda (1966). Ancient Indian History & Culture. Karnatak Pub. House, 233. 
  23. ^ India 2000 - States and Union Territories of India
  24. ^ "Yadav - Pahila Marathi Bana" S.P.Dixit (1962)
  25. ^ Mali / Saini community of Maharashtra
  26. ^ BhashaIndia
  27. ^ "History of the Marhattas" Grant Duff
  28. ^ [Marathi - The Language of Warriors http://www.bhashaindia.com/Patrons/LanguageTech/Marathi.aspx]
  29. ^ Talbot, Cynthia (2001). "Towards a New Model of Medieval India", Precolonial India in Practice: Society, Region, and Identity in Medieval Andhra. US: Oxford University Press, 212. ISBN 0195136616. 
  30. ^ Literary Konkani: a brief history By José Pereira, pg2, Konkani Sahitya PrakashanOnline view
  31. ^ Marathi language
  32. ^ Maharashtra Government's page on Yadavas
  33. ^ Ancient History, Part VII. Retrieved on 2006-10-01.
  34. ^ ITCSRA FAQ on Indian Classical Music. Retrieved on 2007-12-11.

[edit] External links