Who was the only king of the Vakataka dynasty who took the title of ‘Samrat’ ?

The correct answer is - Pravarsen I

Key Points

• Pravarsen I was the only king of the Vakataka dynasty to take the title of ‘Samrat’.
• The title ‘Samrat’ indicates a ruler who had achieved sovereignty over other kings, reflecting his supreme authority and political dominance.
• Pravarsen I expanded the Vakataka empire significantly, consolidating his power and establishing himself as a paramount ruler in the Indian subcontinent.
• He was a patron of Vedic culture and performed the prestigious Ashvamedha Yagna, a ritual that symbolized his legitimacy and supreme authority as an emperor.
• The Vakataka dynasty flourished under his reign, marking a period of prosperity and territorial expansion.

Additional Information

• The Vakataka Dynasty:
  • The Vakatakas were a prominent dynasty in ancient India, ruling parts of central and southern India from the 3rd to the 5th centuries CE.
  • They were contemporaries of the Gupta Empire and had close political and matrimonial alliances with the Guptas.
• Other Prominent Kings of the Vakataka Dynasty:
  • Vindhyashakti: The founder of the Vakataka dynasty, who laid the foundation for the dynasty's rise to power.
  • Rudrasen I: Played a significant role in consolidating the early Vakataka kingdom.
  • Pruthvishen I: Contributed to the stability of the kingdom but did not achieve the same level of prominence as Pravarsen I.
• Significance of the Ashvamedha Yagna:
  • This ancient Vedic ritual was performed by kings to assert their sovereignty and authority over neighboring territories.
  • The performance of this ritual by Pravarsen I highlights his ambition and status as a powerful ruler.