Mahameghavahana_dynasty
Mahameghavahana dynasty
Ancient Indian dynasty
The Mahameghavahana dynasty (Mahā-Mēgha-Vāhana, 2nd or 1st century BC to early 4th century CE[4][5]) was an ancient ruling dynasty of Kalinga after the decline of the Maurya Empire.[6] In the first century B.C., Mahameghavahana, a king of Chedirastra (or Cetarattha, i.e., kingdom of the Chedis)[7] conquered Kalinga and Kosala. During the reign of Kharavela, the third king of Mahameghavahana dynasty, South Kosala became an integral part of the kingdom. He patronised Jainism, but did not discriminate against other religions.[8][9] He is known by his Hathigumpha inscription.
50 CE
South Kosala was later conquered by Gautamiputra Satakarni of the Satavahana dynasty in the early part of the 2nd century CE and remained in their possession up to the second half of the 2nd century CE. It was during the second and third century CE, the Meghas or Meghavahanas reappeared in the political scene and regained their suzerainty over South Kosala. Samudragupta during his daksinapatha expedition, defeated Mahendr of Kosala who probably belonged to the Megha dynasty. As a result, the South Kosala during the fourth century A.D, became a part of the Gupta empire.[4][10]
The Sada dynasty who ruled form Amaravati region in their inscription from Guntapalli describe themselves as Maharaja of Kalinga Mahisaka countries belonging to Mahameghavahana family.[11]
