Devagiri was the name for Daulatabad which was the region of Deccan during the mediaeval period. Yadavas ruled Devagiri under the suzerainty of Chalukyas though they were the governors of Rashtrakuta rulers.Bhilama-V Yadava (1185 - 1193 AD), a later prince of the Yadava family made a bid for the paramount power in the Deccan by revolting against Chalukyas. Soon he led various expeditions against the Hoysalas, the Paramaras and started ruling the whole country north of the Krishna. He then founded the city of Devagiri (abode of Gods!) and henceforth, the dynasty founded by Bhilama Yadava - V (1185 - 1193 AD) was known as Yadavas of Devagiri. Bhilama-V concentrated in only strengthening his power than conquering or annexing territories of his neighbours Hoysalas and Silharas of Karad.
Jaitugi (1191 - 1200), the next successor combated against Pandya's of Nolambavadi. Hoysalas were still supreme and Jaitugi had to acknowledge the suzerainty of Hoysalas. The next ruler Singhana (1200 - 1247 AD) was much more powerful and adventurous compared to his predecessors and also had inherited a stable kingdom. He had time to campaign against Hoysalas and Karad Silharas which brought him much success, the Karad Silharas were totally wiped out upon his campaign.
Krishna (1247 - 1261 AD) and Mahadeva (1261 - 1270 AD) were helpless rulers who had more trouble rendered by their neighbour who were more powerful. They managed to contain the trouble than concentrating on expanding their territory or to look after the domestic affairs. Mahadeva passed the throne to his son Ammana, but the latter was deposed by Krishna's son Ramachandra who captured the impregnable port of Devagiri easily.
Ramachandra Yadava (1270 - 1311) enjoyed a good reign in the beginning by defeating Hoysalas and captured the Dwarasamudra (also called Halebidu). But the aggressive campaigns of the Delhi Sultanate shattered the dreams of inheriting the fruits of his victory and efforts when Ala-al-din Mohammad Khilji was sent by his master Firuz to lead the southern campaign. In 1294 AD, the kingdom of Devagiri was invaded by the Sultanate and Ramachandra was taken unaware. The latter paid a heavy ransom and managed to reign till 1310.
In 1311, Ramachandra was succeded by his son Shankaragana who discontinued sendning tribute to Delhi. General Malik Kafur was sent to Devagiri and Shankaragana was slain. Sometime later, Harapaladeva - the son-in-law of Ramachandra raised an insurrection and drove away the Mohammedans to rule for a short period. The city transformed to Daulatabad when it was taken again under Sultanate control, and the Yadava dynasty saw its end in 1318 AD.
LAST UPDATED 1st Nov 2001
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