Jain Legend Vol 2

Author(s): Hastimal Maharaj, Shuganchand Jain, P S Surana
Publisher: Hastimal Maharaj Shugan C Jain P S Surana

Page 303

Gujarat, etc, were the vassal kings of V k akas and paid tribute to them. In the epics they were also named as the Vimdhyakas. Plenty of coins, rock inscriptions and copper plate inscriptions of V k aka dynasty are available. Even the Ajant cave paintings and records (transcriptions) throw light on the history of the V k akas.
Historians believe that Vindhya akti, a N ga king was the founder of the V k aka dynasty. According to the Pr as, the dynasty rose into power under the leadership of Vindhya akti of Kolikila V om (Bh ra iva) dynasty.
"Tatah kolikilebhya ca, vindhya akti-bhavi yati” this quote reveals that Vindhya akti was closely associated with Bh ra iva N ga. Bh ra ivas were of the N ga dynasty and Vindhya akti also belonged to a branch of the same dynasty. It is possible that one of the divisions of the Nag dynasty might have lived in a village, place or land with the name 'V k aka'. Hence in order to depict their separate identity from the other rulers of Nag dynasty, Vindhya akti and his successors called their branch as 'V k aka'.
Some historians interpret the aforesaid saying and state that Vindhya akti, in reality occupied the highest rank in the army of Bh ra ivas. He gradually established his authority over the areas near the Vindhyas and expanded his kingdom. Since a new akti (power) emerged from the Vindhyas, he became famous as Vindhya akti. Thus either way, it is proved beyond doubt that V k aka dynasty came into existence out of the Bharasiv dynasty only.
The reign of the kings of V k aka dynasty was as follows:
NAME OF THE KING
Vindhya akti-I
PravaraSena-I (Gautam putra) RudraSena I (Daughter's son of Bh ra ivar ja Bhavan ga) P thvi e a-I
303
TENURE
OF RULE (Christian
Year)
248-284
384-344
344-348
348-375
TENURE
OF RULE
(V.N.)
775-781
811-871
871-875
875-902