Which of the following ancient cities was never the capital of the Eastern branch of the Vakatakas ?

The correct answer is - Elichpur

Key Points

• Elichpur was never the capital of the Eastern branch of the Vakatakas.
• The Eastern branch of the Vakatakas had capitals such as:
  • Nandivardhan - A major administrative and cultural center during their rule.
  • Pravarpur - Named after Pravarsena I, an important ruler of the dynasty.
  • Padmapur - Another significant capital of the Eastern branch.
• Elichpur, however, was the capital of the Western branch of the Vakatakas, not the Eastern branch.
• This distinction is crucial to identifying the correct answer.

Additional Information

• Vakataka Dynasty
  • The Vakatakas were an important Indian dynasty that ruled parts of central and southern India during the 3rd to 5th centuries CE.
  • They are known to have been contemporaries of the Guptas and had matrimonial alliances with them.
• Eastern and Western branches
  • The Vakataka dynasty was divided into two branches:
    • The Eastern branch, which ruled from capitals like Nandivardhan and Pravarpur.
    • The Western branch, which ruled from Elichpur.
  • This division occurred due to territorial and administrative reasons.
• Key Rulers
  • Pravarsena I – A prominent ruler who expanded the Vakataka empire and established Pravarpur as a capital.
  • Rudrasena II – A ruler of the Western branch who maintained Elichpur as the capital.