Bhillama V

Bhillama V is credited to have laid the foundation of the Yadava rule in Devagiri. He was the son of Mallugi who had established the autonomous Seuna Kingdom. Bhillama V captured Kalyana, the capital of Chalukya; Kisukadnad, Tardavadinad, Belvola and the adjoining territories. Jaitrasimha, Peyiya Sahani, Mayideva, and Lakh-khana were his able generals. With their help he organised a heavy armoured army and extended his empire. Bhillama invaded the kingdom of the Hoysalas of Dorasamudra. He also overran the Hoysala kingdom and reached Seringapatam in the Mysore District. During this campaign he also invaded the territory of the Cholas and won a battle against Kulottunga III.

However in, 1188-1189 AD Ballala II defeated Bhillama which forced the latter to withdraw from the Hoysala country. Inscriptions of Bhillama`s reign refer to his supremacy over Belvola, Tardavadi, and Madagihal in the old Jath State. The Silaharas of Northern and Southern Konkan, Kadambas of Goa and the Rattas of Saundatti do not seem to have accepted his supremacy. He was, however, checked by Chahamanas of Naddula when he attacked Gujarat.

Bhillama V also attacked Northern India. He captured the city of Srivardhana, near Nagpur, from a chief named Antala. Bhillama overran Malwa and Gurjara after defeating Vindhya Varman and Bhima II and reached the border of the Nadol kingdom in the old Sirohi State. According to Mutgi inscription he achieved victory over the Kalingas, Gaudas, Vangas, Angas, Nepalas and the Panchalas.

Bhillama V ruled from 1185 AD to 1193 AD as per the inscriptions of his son Jaitugi. Towards the end of his rule Bhillama V was again engaged in a struggle with the Hoysalas. Ballala II launched an aggressive campaign and the Hoysala army had also attacked the fort at Soratur. Bhillama`s general Jaitrasimha of the southern forces, finding his position to be weak withdrew to the fortress at Lokkigundi, where there was a big concentration of Ballala`s army. He had to surrender to Ballala II after his constant persuasion. Bhillama was succeeded by his son Jaitugi.