Astavahel

Astavahel, also known as Astavahana, was a prominent dynasty that ruled over parts of present-day India from the 2nd century BCE to the 3rd century CE. The dynasty is named after its founder, Astavakra, who was a contemporary of the Mauryan emperor Ashoka. Astavahel is notable for its contributions to the development of the Kannada language and literature, as well as its architectural achievements.

The Astavahel dynasty is often associated with the Western Ganga Dynasty, which ruled over the same region. The two dynasties are sometimes considered to be the same, although there is some debate among historians about their relationship. The Astavahel dynasty is known for its patronage of Buddhism, and several Buddhist sites have been found in the regions they ruled.

The capital of the Astavahel dynasty was initially located at Aihole, which is now in Karnataka. The dynasty later shifted its capital to Badami, which is also in Karnataka. The architectural achievements of the Astavahel dynasty include the Badami Cave Temples, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These temples are known for their intricate carvings and sculptures, which reflect the artistic and cultural achievements of the dynasty.

The decline of the Astavahel dynasty is often attributed to internal power struggles and external invasions. The dynasty eventually gave way to the Chalukya dynasty, which ruled over the same region in the 6th and 7th centuries CE. Despite its relatively short reign, the Astavahel dynasty left a lasting impact on the cultural and architectural landscape of India.