Brihatphalayanas

     After the decline of the Ikshvaku dynasty, several ruling families emerged along the east coast of Andhra Pradesh, adopting their Gotras as dynastic appellations. This practice reflected a connection to ancestry and heritage, helping to legitimize their rule and establish their identity. Here’s an overview of the Brihatphalayanas and the context in which they existed:

Key Features of the Brihatphalayanas

1. Dynastic Identity:

• • The Brihatphalayanas represented a ruling family that recognized its lineage through the use of their Gotra, signifying their ancestral heritage. This practice was common among several families that sought to assert their legitimacy in the post-Ikshvaku period.

2. Connection to Other Gotras:

• • Other ruling families during this time included:
  • Vasishtha Gotras in Kalinga.
  • Salankayanas in the Krishna-Godavari basin.
  • Ananda Gotras in the region south of the Krishna River.
  • These families were documented through inscriptions found in various archaeological sites, showcasing the administrative and cultural continuity after the Ikshvakus.

3. Cultural Significance:

• • The adoption of Gotras as dynastic names symbolized a deeper connection to cultural and societal norms, emphasizing the importance of lineage in the political landscape of ancient South India.

4. Legacy:

• • The emergence of families like the Brihatphalayanas illustrates the shifting political structure after the Ikshvaku reign, where local dynasties attempted to fill the power vacuum and establish their own realms of influence.

The Brihatphalayanas represent a fragment of post-Ikshvaku political history, reflecting the practice of using lineage as a means of asserting identity and legitimacy amongst succeeding ruling families in the region. Their connection with other Gotras highlights the continuity of cultural practices and governance structures in ancient Andhra Pradesh.

Jayavarma and the Kondamudi Grant

      Jayavarma was a significant figure from a relatively lesser-known dynasty that emerged following the decline of the Ikshvaku dynasty. Here are the key points regarding his rule, the Kondamudi copper plate inscription, and the context of his administration:

Key Features of Jayavarma’s Rule

1. Historical Context:

• • Jayavarma is known primarily through the Kondamudi copper plate inscription, which provides insight into his reign and the socio-political conditions of the time. The inscription is in Prakrit and has been dated in the tenth regnal year of Jayavarma.

2. Chronology:

• • K.Gopalachari the  orized that jayavarma belonged to ageneration preceding  Sivaskandavarma of the Pallava dynasty, while Dr. K.R. Subrahmanyam suggested that the Ikshvaku dynasty and Jayavarma were contemporaneous, dating them to the 3rd century A.D.

3. Connection to Srivarma:

• • Jayavarma is identified with King Srivarma of the Brihatphalayana Gotra, referenced in records from the reign of Ikshvaku Rudrapurushadatta. His ties to this lineage reflect important dynastic heritage.

4. Cultural Contributions:

• • Under Jayavarma’s rule, there was a revival of Brahmanism, likely influenced by the Pallavas. His inclination towards Shaivism is also noted, indicating a cultural shift and a blending of religious traditions during this period.

5. Territory and Capital:

• • Jayavarma’s kingdom is thought to have included regions such as Kudura Ahara (modern-day Masula Talukas near Gudivada), Kolleru, and northern parts of Guntur district. His capital was likely Kudur, identified with Koduru, a village near Ghantasala in Krishna District.

6. Inscriptions and Administrative Details:

• • The Kondamudi grant was issued from Kudura and addressed to a local official, indicating a structured administrative framework.
  • The inscription documented the conferred gift of a village named Panturu (Patur in Tenali Taluk) to eight Brahmins, complete with special privileges:
  • Local officials were prohibited from entering the Agrahara (the area granted to Brahmins).
  • No taxes were collected from the village, indicating incentives to encourage settlements and growth.
  • A salt monopoly was granted to the Brahmin beneficiaries, indicating the economic significance of this decree.

7. Post-Jayavarma Developments:

• • After Jayavarma’s death, the Ananda Gotras moved into the Brihatphalayana territory to the south of the Krishna River, while the Salankayanas occupied the northern regions, indicating shifts in power and territorial control.

Jayavarma represents a transitional figure in the post-Ikshvaku period, illustrating the evolving political landscape and cultural influences in South India. His reign signifies the resurgence of Brahmanism and the integration of diverse religious practices, alongside the establishment of significant administrative records.