The Vishnukundina dynasty (IAST: Viṣṇukundina) was an Indian dynasty based in Deccan, which ruled modern Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha and parts of South India during the 5th and 6th centuries, carving land out from the Vakataka Empire. It played an important role in the history of the Deccan during the 5th and 6th centuries. The dynasty initially ruled from Indrapalanagara (in present day Nalgonda district of Telangana), and later shifted to Denduluru, and Amaravathi. The area north of the Godavari, Kalinga became independent, the area south of the Krishna River fell to the Pallavas. The Vishnukundina reign came to an end with the conquest of the eastern Deccan by the Chalukya, Pulakeshin II. Pulakeshi appointed his brother Kubja Vishnuvardhana as viceroy to rule over the conquered lands. Eventually, Vishnuvardhana declared his independence and started the Eastern Chalukya dynasty. Origin "Vishnukundina" is a Sanskritised name for Vinukonda. The early rulers of the dynasty migrated from eastern deccan to the west deccan in search of employment and under the Vakatakas they might have attained feudatory status. During the reign of Madhava Varma, they became independent and conquered coastal Andhra from the Salankayanas and established their capital at Denduluru near Eluru, West Godavari district. Chronology The Vishnukundina reign might be fixed between the end of the Salankayana and the rise of the Eastern Chalukyan power in 624. Some historians mention Vishnukundinas' reign was from 420 to 624, while some other historians say their reign was from the early 5th century to the 7th century. Govinda Varma I Govinda Varma I took the imperial title of Maharaja and his son Madhava Varma I was the founder of the power based on grants from Sriparvata (Nagarjunakonda) and Indrapalagutta. Madhava Varma I The reign of Madhava Varma (c. 420 – c. 455). He was the founder of the Vishnukundina power. Madhava Varma II Madhava Varma II, was the most powerful ruler of Vishnukundina dynasty. The reign of Madhava Varma II (c. 440 – c. 460) was a golden age in the history of the Vishnukundinas, he is regarded as the Greatest Ruler of Vishnukundina dynasty, the Vishnukundina dynasty reached its greatest territorial extent under Madhava Varma II. He defeated Prithvishena II, the powerful ruler og Vakataka dynasty, the daughter of Prithvishena II, Vakataka Mahadevi, was given in marriage to Madhava Varma II. By the middle of the 5th century, the dynasty began its imperial expansion under