Yadava Dynasty

The Yadava Dynasty of Devagiri ruled during medieval period in the region of western Deccan region and contributed to the Marathi culture and language. The Seuna, Sevuna, or Yadavas of Devagiri (c. 1187–1317) was a medieval Indian dynasty ruling the western Deccan region from its capital at Devagiri (present-day Daulatabad in Maharashtra). This well-organized economic system under the Yadava Dynasty highlights their sophisticated approach to governance and resource management, contributing to the prosperity of their kingdom.

In this article, you will know about the background, history, administration, literature and significance of the Yadava Dynasty that ruled during medieval India. To explore more interesting UPSC Medieval History topics of GS Paper -1 like Yadava Dynasty, check out other articles and IAS Notes of IASToppers.   

Table of Content

• Historical Background
• Formation and Expansion of Yadava Dynasty
• Cultural and Literary Contributions
• Economic Structure of the Yadava Dynasty
• Historical Timeline of Yadava Dynasty
• Factors for Decline of Yadava Dynasty
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Historical Background

• The Yadava Dynasty of Devagiri ruled during the medieval period in the region of western Deccan region and contributed to the Marathi culture and language.

Etymology and Origin

• The Seuna dynasty, often called the Yadavas of Devagiri, claimed descent from the legendary Yadu, a hero mentioned in the Puranas.
• The name “Seuna” derives from Seunachandra, an early ruler of the dynasty.
• John Faithfull Fleet revived the use of the term “Sevuna” in his 1894 work on the dynasties of the Bombay Presidency.
• Their 13th-century court poet Hemadri provided an incomplete and occasionally inaccurate record of early rulers.
• The Seunas claimed descent from the Chandravanshi Yadavas of North India, specifically from Mathura and later Dwarka.
• Inscriptions and texts like Vratakhand by Hemadri support this lineage, with the dynasty being called Krishna kulotpanna (descendants of Lord Krishna).
• The Yadavas were primarily based in present-day Maharashtra, and their language of administration shifted from Kannada and Sanskrit to Marathi over time.

Political History

• The Yadavas initially served as feudatories to the Western Chalukyas.
• Their earliest known ruler, Dridhaprahara, rose to prominence in the mid-9th century.
• Seunachandra (c. 880–900), his son, was the first to use the dynasty’s name and expanded its territory.
• The dynasty continued to grow under subsequent rulers, forming alliances through marriage with the Rashtrakutas and other prominent families.

Formation and Expansion of Yadava Dynasty

• Founder: Seunachandra, son of Dridhaprahara, established the dynasty in AD 850.
• Territory: At its peak, the Yadava kingdom stretched from the River Tungabhadra to the River Narmada, covering modern Maharashtra, northern Karnataka, and parts of Madhya Pradesh.
• Capital: The capital city was Devagiri, known today as Daulatabad in Maharashtra.
• Vassalage: Initially, the Yadavas and their family branch, the Hoysalas of Mysore, served as vassals to the Western Chalukyas.
• This was during a period when the Western Chalukyas were overshadowed by the Rashtrakutas.
• Independence: In 1185, the Yadavas declared independence from the Chalukyas. This marked the beginning of their rise as a formidable power in the Deccan region.
• Geographical extent: At its height, it extended from the Narmada River (north) to Tungabhadra River (south)- present day modern Maharashtra, northern Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh.

Prominent Rulers:

Ruler	Contribution
Bhillama V	Established a strong base of the Yadava dynasty, new capital at Devagiri, and declared independence from the declining Chalukyan power.
Jaiguti	Consolidated the southern borders by restoring a Kakatiya prince to the throne and engaged in conflicts with northern neighbors.
Simhana II (1210-1247)	Most imp. Ruler- Extended its boundaries from the Narmada to the Tungabhadra River. Led victorious battles against the Hoysalas, Paramaras, and Chalukyas, leading the Yadava kingdom to its peak of fame and might.
Krishna	Patronage of literature and culture. Under his rule, the commentary Vedantakalpataru was written.
Mahadeva	Defeated Kakatiya Rudramba in battle but spared her life. Attempted to subjugate the Hoyasala king Narasimha II.
Ramchandra	Faced defeats against the Hoyasalas, marking a decline in the Yadava dynasty’s power and influence.
Sankardeva	Resisted foreign rule under Alauddin Khalji and rejected Malik Kafur’s hunt, symbolizing resistance to external domination.

Cultural & Literary Contributions

• The Yadavas made significant contributions to architecture and culture, especially noted for  building structures like the Gondeshwar Temple at Sinnaur.

• They patronized the Marathi language, establishing it as their court language, which played a crucial role in its development and literary tradition.
• The shift to Marathi as a prominent language of administration marked an important cultural transition, distinguishing them from their Kannada-speaking neighbors.
• The Indian Deccan has seen a succession of powerful dynasties, including the Satavahanas, Chalukyas, and Rashtrakutas.

Daulatabad Fort:

• According to ancient Indian texts, Daulatabad Fort falls under the classification of Misra Durg or mixed fort.
• This indicates that the fort combines qualities of Giridurg (mountain fort), Dev Durg (God’s fort), and Bhumi Durg (land fort).
• Its fortification walls were built over different dynasties such as the Yadavas, Khilji, Tughlaq, Bahamani, Nizam Shahi, and Malik Amber, and resembling medieval European forts.
• Features: Projecting towers, covered passages, and bastions, with the labyrinthine underground passages with safety arrangements.
• Monuments: Chand Minar and Chini Mahal, Ganapati temple, near
• It is considered one of the most powerful and well-preserved forts of its era due to powerful wall, defended by moat and glacis surrounding the hill at its base.

Literary Contributions

• Marathi Literature: Their patronage led to significant works like Dnyaneshwari by Saint Dnyaneshwar and the adoption of the Modi script by Hemadri.
• Kannada Literature: The dynasty also patronized Kannada literature, with contributions from poets like Kamalabhava and Achanna.
• Sanskrit Works: The period saw the creation of important Sanskrit works, including Hemadri’s Chaturvarga Chintamani and Bhaskaracharya’s Siddhanta Shiromani.

Economic Structure of the Yadava Dynasty

Taxation System

• Aruvana: Farmland was subject to a tax.
• Santhey-aya: Market-based income tax.
• Bannige: Professional taxes imposed on blacksmiths, cobblers, washermen, carpenters, and other craftsmen.
• Talevana: Possibly an individual tax imposed at particular places or periods.
• Sunkadhikari: The primary tax collector responsible for obtaining taxes from subordinates and depositing them in the state treasury.
• Mahabhandari: A member of the royal treasury administration overseeing financial matters.
• Taxes on Specific Items: Taxes were levied on the ownership of horses, horse carriages (bandis), and slaves (banisas).
• Customs and Merchandise Taxes: These were significant sources of government revenue.
• Professional Taxes: Imposed on various craftsmen including blacksmiths, cobblers, washermen, carpenters, etc.

Trade and Commerce

• Vyavaharas and Settis: Terms used for dealers and businesspeople.
• Gatrigas/Hannavanigas: Traders dealing in nuts and betel leaves.
• Teligas: Dealers in petroleum products.
• Virabalanja: A prominent trading association with several branches and an office in Aihole.
• Guilds: Formed to organize trades and industries, regulate trade and industry, and conduct banking transactions.

Agriculture and Land Management

• Agricultural Focus: Agriculture continued to be a primary focus for the Yadava rulers.
• Land Development: Efforts were made to make additional land available for farming.
• Irrigation: Dams and tanks were constructed to improve irrigation.
• Land Revenue: The demand for land revenue was not precisely determined, but specific crops like cotton, chay (red dye), sugarcane, and oil seeds were taxed at higher rates and had to be paid in cash, thus categorized as cash crops or superior crops.
• State Claims: The state claimed ownership of forests, mines, and other land, imposing taxes on these resources.

Economic Diversification

• Crops: A wide range of crops were grown, with certain cash crops being more heavily taxed and contributing significantly to the economy.
• Trade: Active trade, both internal and external, supported a diverse and thriving economy.

Historical Timeline of Yadava Dynasty

• Initially, the Seunas served as feudatories to the Rashtrakutas and later the Western Chalukyas.
• The dynasty’s founder, Dridhaprahara, and his successors, such as Seunachandra and Bhillama II, played significant roles in regional politics.
• Bhillama V (1173-1192 CE) established the sovereign Seuna kingdom, with Devagiri as its capital. His reign marked the beginning of an aggressive expansion.
• Singhana II (1200-1247 CE) is regarded as the greatest ruler of the dynasty. Under his rule, the kingdom expanded significantly, reaching its peak.
  • He was a patron of literature and learning, supporting scholars like Sharngadeva and Bhaskaracharya.
• Ramachandra (1271-1312 CE) faced invasions from Alauddin Khalji, who captured Devagiri in 1294 and again in 1307.
• Despite initial restoration, Ramachandra was eventually taken prisoner, and his kingdom became a tributary to the Khalji dynasty.
• In 1296, Devagiri was raided by the Khalji forces, leading to a ransom and tribute arrangement.
• Malik Kafur’s expeditions in 1307 and 1313 culminated in the capture and annexation of the Yadava kingdom by the Khaljis in 1317.
• The city of Devagiri was renamed Daulatabad by Muhammad bin Tughluq.

Factors for Decline of Yadava Dynasty

• Internal Struggles: Internal conflicts and power struggles weakened the kingdom.
• External Threats: Alauddin Khilji of the Delhi Sultanate launched a successful campaign against the Yadavas in 1296, capturing their capital, Devagiri.
• Emerging Regional Powers: Other regional kingdoms sought to expand their territories, further destabilizing Yadava rule.
• Ultimately, the dynasty was overthrown by the Delhi Sultanate in the early 14th century, marking the end of their rule and the beginning of a new era in the Deccan region.

Conclusion

The Seuna Yadava dynasty’s rule laid the foundation for Marathi culture and language. Their contributions to literature, architecture, and administration had a lasting impact on the Deccan region. The dynasty’s fall marked the end of Hindu sovereignty in Maharashtra until the rise of the Maratha Empire under Shivaji in the 17th century. The dynasty rose to prominence by leveraging the decline of their Chalukya overlords, expanded their territory through strategic military campaigns, and eventually succumbed to the might of the Delhi Sultanate, which annexed their kingdom in the early 14th century.

Ref: Source-1

Other Articles in History & Culture
Magadha Empire	Indo-Islamic Architecture
Chalukya Dynasty	Medieval School of Sculpture
Decline of Mughal Empire	Social Development during Gupta Period

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)