spread southward into Maharashtra. At its greatest extent, Pravarasena's empire covered almost the whole of the Deccan between the Narmada and Krishna rivers, while his sphere of influence extended over Malwa, Gujarat, Andhradesha, and southern Koshala. Pravarasena had four sons who were appointed as viceroys over different provinces of his empire, and these provinces seem to have become independent following Pravarasena's death. Successors Pravarasena's eldest son was Prince Gautamiputra, but he predeceased his father. Gautamiputra's son Rudrasena thus succeeded Pravarasena upon the latter's death, with Rudrasena and his descendants forming the "main" branch of the Vakataka dynasty ruling over northern Berar (Vidarbha) and parts of Madhya Pradesh. Another one of Pravarasena's sons, Sarvasena, seems to have been a viceroy ruling over southern Berar and the Marathwada region of Maharashtra, and upon his father's death Sarvasena founded a branch of the Vakataka dynasty at Vatsagulma (identified with Washim). Nothing is known about the branches set up by the other two sons. Pravarasena left a lasting legacy and was remembered up until the final demise of the Vakataka dynasty. All of the copper plates of the Vakataka rulers begin the family genealogy with Pravarasena instead of Vindhyashakti. None of Pravarasena's successors adopted his lofty title of Samrāṭ, instead contenting themselves with the relatively modest title of Mahārāja. Pravarasena's unique imperial title, his expansive empire, and his performance of numerous Vedic sacrifices made him stand out as a particularly illustrious ruler in the eyes of posterity. References Vakataka dynasty 3rd-century Indian monarchs 4th-century Indian monarchs Year of birth unknown