Administration of Vishnukundina Empire

Administration of Vishnukundina dynasty has been inferred from the ancient inscriptions that refer to Palki Rashtra, Karma rashtra, Guddadi Vishaya and so on. Madhav Varma III appointed members of the royal family as Viceroys. The king was the supreme as far as law was concerned. The Kings had established several punishments for various crimes. They were known for their impartial judgment and sense of justice.

Army in Vishnukundina Empire
Their army consisted of Elephants, Chariots, Cavalry and Infantry. Hastikosa was in charge of elephant forces and the Virakosa was in charge of land forces. They also issued grants on behalf of the kings.

Taxes in Vishnukundina Empire
As far as tax collection is concerned there has been well-organised administrative machinery for land revenue collection. Agrahara villages were exempted from taxes.

Religion in Vishnukundina Empire
Buddhism was propagated during the Vishnukundina period. There is a probability that the kings prior to the Madhav Varma II were patrons of Buddhism. Govinda Varma I was a Buddhist and builder of Stupas and Viharas. From the time of accession of Madhav Varma II, an aggressive self-assertion of the Vedic Brahmanism took place. Vedic ceremonies like Rajasuya, Purushamedha, Sarvamedha and Aswamedha were performed. This represents the militant spirit of the Brahmanical revival. The inscriptions refer to family deity Sri Parvata Swami.

It can be concluded that both the Hindu sects of Shaivism and Vaishnavism might have been equally patronised.

Literature in Vishnukundina Empire
The rulers of Vishnukundina dynasty were great patrons of learning. They even established colleges for Vedic learning. Learned Brahmins were encouraged by giving them gifts. Colleges were established for the propagation of Vedic studies. Indra Bhattaraka established several schools that would impart education on Vedic literature. Some of the Vishnukundin kings also composed several books. Vikramendra Varma I was described as a great poet in a record. An incomplete work on Sanskrit poetics called `Janasraya Chando Vichiti`, was attributed to Madhav Varma IV `. Sanskrit language was also encouraged by the Kings.

Art and Architecture in Vishnukundina Empire
There were many Kings who were great devotees of Lord Shiva. They have constructed several cave temples that have been dedicated to Lord Shiva. The cave structures at Bezwada (Vijayawada), Mogalrajapuram, Undavalli caves and Bhairavakonda is believed to have been built by this dynasty. However some of these temples have been attributed to the Pallava Mahendra Varman I.