Place · Vakataka capital · India
Nandivardhan
Also known as Nandivardhana
The 4-5 century Vakataka dynasty's eastern-branch capital at Nandivardhan in Nagpur district, Maharashtra, 5 kilometres from Ramtek (modern Nagardhan). The Vakataka king Pravarasena II established the Nandivardhan branch capital around 410 CE, having moved from Vatsagulma (modern Washim). Prabhavatigupta, daughter of Chandragupta II Vikramaditya, served as Vakataka regent at Nandivardhan 390-410 CE after her husband Rudrasena II's early death. The Vidarbha Research Society and Deccan College excavations at Nagardhan from 2015 uncovered the Vakataka royal palace foundations, a 5-century Shaiva temple complex, and over 20 Vakataka-period coins. The Vakatakas patronised the Ajanta Caves (Caves 16, 17 and 19). ASI protection since 2016.
- Function
- Authority & administration
- Patron dynasty
- Vakataka
- Confidence
- Established / referenced
- Location
- 21.250, 79.300
Connections (1)
- Site adjacencyRamtek
Nandivardhan (modern Nagardhan) and Ramtek sit 5 kilometres apart in Nagpur district, Maharashtra. The Vakataka eastern-branch capital at Nandivardhan under Pravarasena II (c.410-440 CE) and the Vakataka royal temple complex at Ramtek together constitute the Vakataka archaeological ensemble. Kalidasa is traditionally said to have composed his Meghaduta at the Vakataka court here. The Vakataka patronage of the Ajanta Caves (16, 17, 19) was administered from this capital region.
Sources
Standard reference; district gazetteer and Wikipedia.
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