Ancient and Medieval Indian Rulers

Krishnadeva Raya, the most famous ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire, founded the suburban township of Nagalapuram near Vijayanagara, naming it after his mother, Nagala Devi.

The Vijayanagara Empire was founded in 1336 CE by two brothers, Harihara I and Bukka Raya I, of the Sangama dynasty. Therefore, both are considered founders of the empire.

The Sangama dynasty was overthrown by Saluva Narasimha in 1485 CE, marking the beginning of the Saluva dynasty (spelled 'Suluv' in the options). This event is known as the First Usurpation of the Vijayanagara Empire.

The Vijayanagara Empire was ruled by four distinct dynasties in succession: the Sangama dynasty, the Saluva dynasty, the Tuluva dynasty, and the Aravidu dynasty.

In the Mahabharata, during Bhishma's classification of the warriors, both King Virata of Matsya and King Drupada of Panchala were designated as Maharathis (great chariot warriors) fighting on the side of the Pandavas.

Krishnadevaraya was the most famous emperor of the Vijayanagara Empire, ruling from 1509 to 1529. Under his reign, the empire reached its peak of military power and cultural achievement.

The Marathas captured the Elephanta Island from the Portuguese in 1737, ending over two centuries of Portuguese rule. This event is historically significant as it brought the ancient Hindu cave temples back under the administration of a native Indian power.

The Rashtrakuta dynasty was primarily responsible for patronizing and constructing the magnificent rock-cut temples at Ellora, including the world-famous monolithic Kailash Temple (Cave 16). Other dynasties like the Yadavas and Kalachuris also contributed to the site over different periods.

The Chennakeshava Temple (often referred to in some sources as the Channakeshava or Chinnaswamy temple) at Belur, Karnataka, was commissioned by the Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana in 1117 CE to commemorate his victory over the Cholas.

According to Hindu mythology and local legends, King Indradyumna of Avanti commissioned the construction of the original Jagannath Temple in Puri. Historically, the temple was rebuilt by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva in the 12th century, but Indradyumna remains the legendary founder.

Chandragupta II, the powerful ruler of the Gupta Empire, adopted the title of Vikramaditya (meaning "Sun of Valor"). He is well-known for defeating the Shakas and presiding over a golden age of art, literature, and science. His father, Samudragupta, was known as the "Napoleon of India," while Sri Gupta was the founder of the dynasty.

Kalidasa, one of the greatest Sanskrit poets and dramatists, was one of the "nine gems" (Navaratnas) in the court of Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya). His works, such as Shakuntala and Meghaduta, flourished under this royal patronage. While Chandragupta I and Samudragupta were also great rulers, Kalidasa is specifically associated with Chandragupta II.

Sri Gupta, the founder of the Gupta dynasty, was succeeded by his son Ghatotkacha. Ghatotkacha ruled before Chandragupta I, who then elevated the family's status to a great empire. Therefore, Ghatotkacha succeeded Sri Gupta.

Vasudeva I was the last of the great Kushan emperors, ruling during a period when the empire's power began to decline significantly. Other options like Chandragupta Maurya and Kumar Gupta belonged to the Mauryan and Gupta dynasties, respectively, not the Kushan dynasty.

During the Gupta administration, the empire was divided into provinces (bhuktis), which were further subdivided into districts called vishayas. The administrative head of a vishaya was known as a Vishyapati.