History
From the Chalukya period (around 7th century AD), there were small dynasties ruling over parts of Andhra. Amongst them were the Parichedis, Chagis, Kalachuris and the Kota Kings (Kota Vamsa). Kota Kings initially patronised Jainism and later on they also patronised Hinduism like the Chalukyas. They favoured Shaivism and their family god was Amareswara of Amaravati. They built several Hindu temples during their reign.
Kota Kings followed the varna system. The Brahmins were held in high esteem in the society. They were given gifts of land and money. The Kshatriyas were the ruling class. The Komatis (Vaisyas) was trading community.
Some historians mention that Dhanunjaya gotra of Kota Kings might have come from there ancestor Prince Dhananjaya who ruled Madhyadesa.Ancestry of Kota kings. p. 149: http://books.google.co.in/books?id=-d9IAvFOUHsC&pg=PA171&dq=dhanyakataka&lr=#PPA149,M1
Kota Kings most of the time of their reign enjoyed independent rule, while in their later stage of their reign they became subordinates of Kakatiyas. Kota Kings had lot of political successes during their reign. Kota Vamsa was closely connected by marriage ties with the Eastern Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, Paricchedis, Chagis and Kalachuris. Kota Betaraja married Ganapamba, daughter of Kakatiya king Ganapati Deva. Kota Betaraja was the last ruler of the Kota Dynasty which ended in 1268 AD.
Much information about the initial Kota Kings is not exactly known, Kota Hariseemakrishna was said to be the founder of the Kota dynasty. Basing on inscriptions of later Kota kings, Kota Bhimaraja ruled in 11th century AD.
Kota Ketaraja II who was the common ancestor of Andhra Kshatriya families of Datla, Dantuluri,Pakalapati,Bhupathiraju and Jampana etc. ascended the throne in 1182. Kota Ketaraja II ruled the entire Kota Kingdom consisting of Shatsahara, Kondanatavadi, Kandravadi, DoddiKandravadi and Kondapadumati districts from 1218 AD with the help of his two sons Kota Bhimaraju and Rudraraju.
List of the later Kota Kings (rulers):
- Kota Bhimaraja I - 1100 AD.
- Kota Ketaraja I - 1130 AD.
- Kota Bhimaraja II.
- Kota Ketaraja II - 1182 AD to 1232 AD.
- Kota Rudraraju.
- Kota Betaraja - 1268 AD.
Read more about this topic: Kota Vamsa
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