Which ancient ruler of the Nala dynasty, whose inscriptions have been discovered at Podaguda and Rajiv Lochan temple premises, is credited with defeating the Vakatakas and briefly sacking their capital in the late fifth century CE?

💡 Solution & Explanation

King Bhavadatta Varman of the Nala dynasty, which ruled parts of Bastar and the adjoining Koraput region, led a successful campaign against the Vakatakas and issued the Rithpur copper plate grant during his occupation. His son Arthapati Bhattaraka continued the territorial expansion before the Vakatakas under Narendrasena retaliated and re-established supremacy. The Nala kingdom's administrative records shed light on the turbulent political landscape of ancient Chhattisgarh and Odisha borders.