The Early History of the Deccan (Parts I–XI) v1.c8.s9.10

v1.c8.s9.10

The precise time of the Vākāṭaka débâcle is not known, but we shall not be far wrong in placing it between *c.* A.D. 440 and 445, the first five years of the reign of Narendrasena. The Naḷas were not in a position to occupy the Vākāṭaka territories for a long time. Soon after the death of Bhavadattavarman, Narendrasena succeeded in reoccupying the home provinces of his kingdom. Arthapati, the son and successor of Bhavadattavarman, had a short reign and (Skanda)varman, his brother, is described as regaining the family throne and repopulating the capital.¹ It therefore seems probable that after regaining his patrimony Narendrasena carried the war into the enemy's territory and devastated his capital. Arthapati, the immediate successor of Bhavadattavarman, probably soon lost his life in war and was then succeeded by his brother (Skanda)varman, who retrieved the fortunes of his family and repopulated the capital. For some time, however, the Naḷas were apparently the feudatories of the Vākāṭakas; for Narendrasena is described as the lord of Mekala or the Amarakantaka mountain, which was near, if not within, the kingdom of the Naḷas.