This article is a list of the various dynasties and monarchs that have ruled in the Indian subcontinent and it is one of several lists of incumbents.
The earliest Indian rulers are known from epigraphical sources found in archeological inscriptions on Ashokan edictsInscriptions of Asoka de D.C. Sircar p.30 written in Prakrit and using the Brahmi script. They are also known from the literary sources such as Hindu literature, Jain literature and Buddhist literature in context of literary sources. Archaeological sources include archeological remains in Indian subcontinent which give many details about earlier kingdoms, monarchs, and their interactions with each other.
Early types of historic documentation include metal coins with an indication of the ruler, or at least the dynasty, at the time. These Punch-marked coins were issued around 600s BCE and are found in abundance from the Maurya Empire in 300s BCE. There are also stone inscriptions and documentary records from foreign cultures from around this time. The main imperial or quasi-imperial rulers of North India are fairly clear from this point on, but many local rulers, and the situation in the Deccan and South India has less clear stone inscriptions from early centuries. Main sources of South Indian history is Sangam Literature dated from 300s BCE. Time period of ancient Indian rulers is speculative, or at least uncertain.
Vedic India (c. 6000s – 200s BCE)
Kingdom of Magadha List of monarchs of Magadha
Kingdom of Kashmir List of monarchs of Kashmir
Gandhara Kingdom (Mahabaratha) Kings of Gandhara
Kuru Kingdom (c. 1200 – 345 BCE) List of Kuru kings
Kingdom of Avanti (c. 1100 – 400 BCE) Haiheyas Maharaj Adarsh Maharaj Ayu Maharaj Nahusha Maharaj Yayati Maharaj Yadu Sahasrajit Satajit Mahahaya, Renuhaya and Haihaya (the founder of Haihaya Kingdom). (Contemporary to Suryavanshi king Mandhatri) Dharma was the son of Haihaya. Netra Kunti Sohanji Mahishman was the founder of Mahishmati on the banks of River Narmada. Bhadrasenaka (Bhadrasena) (Contemporary to Suryavanshi king Trishanku) Durmada (Contemporary to Suryavanshi king Harischandra) Durdama Bhima Samhata Kanaka Dhanaka Krtavirya, Krtagni, Krtavarma and Krtauja. (Contemporary to Suryavanshi king Rohitashva) Sahasrabahu Kartavirya Arjuna was the son of Krtavirya who ruled 88 years and was finally killed by Lord Parashurama. Jayadhwaja, Vrshabha, Madhu and Urujit were left by Parshurama and 995 others were killed by Lord Parashurama. Pajanya was adopted by Kroshta king Devamidha Talajangha (Contemporary to Suryavanshi king Asita) Vithihotra (Contemporary to Suryavanshi king Sagara) Madhu Vrshni Pradyota dynasty
Videha (c. 1100 – 700 BCE) Kings of Videha
Videgha Mathava - Founder of Videha Nimi - Earliest ancestor of Janaka Dynasty Mithi - First Janaka and founder of Mithila Udavasu - Second Janaka Nandivardhana - Third Janaka Suketu - Fourth Janaka Devarata Janaka - Fifth Janaka Brihadvrata Mahavira Sudhriti Dristaketu Haryasva Maru Pratindhaka Kritiratha Devamidha Vibhuta Mahidhrata Kirtirata Mahorama Svarnorama Hrasvaroma Seeradhvaja (father of Sita in Ramayana) - Twenty first Janaka Bhaanumaan Shatadyumna Shuchi Oorjanaamaa Kriti Anjana Kurujit Arishtanemi Shrutaayu Supaarshva Srinjaya Kshemaavee Anenaa Bhaumaratha Satyaratha Upagu Upagupta Svaagata Svaananda Suvarchaa Supaarshwa Subhaasha Sushruta Jaya Vijaya Rita Sunaya Veetahavya Dhriti Bahulashva Kriti Apart from the above list of Janakas, there more Janakas mentioned in different texts: Karala Janaka Dharmadhwaja Janaka Janadeva Janaka Keshidhwaja Janaka Khandikya Janaka
Kalinga Kingdom (c. 1100 – 261 BCE) Kings of Kalinga
Kosala Kingdom (c. 1100 – 345 BCE) Kings of Kosala:Misra, V.S. (2007). Ancient Indian Dynasties, Mumbai: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, , pp.283-8, 384 Brihadbala Brihatkshaya Urukriya Vatsavyuha Prativyoma Bhaanu Divakara Veer Sahadeva Brihadashva Bhanuratha Pratitashva Supratika Marudeva Sunakshatra Pushkara Antariksha Suvarna Bruhadaraaj Kritanjaya Ranajjaya Sanjaya Mahakoshala or Jayasena Prasenajit Virudhaka Sumitra
Panchala Kingdom (c. 1100 BCE – 350 CE) Kings of Panchala: Rishin Brihadbhanu, (son of Brihadvasu) Brihatkaya Puranjaya Riksha Bramhyaswa Aramyaswa Mudgala, Yavinara, Pratiswan, Maharaja Kampilya - (founder of Kampilya capital of Panchala Kingdom) Sranjaya, (son of Aramyaswa) Dritimana Drdhanemi Sarvasena, (founder of Ujjain Kingdom) Mitra Rukmaratha Suparswa Sumathi Sannatimana Krta Pijavana Somadutta Jantuvahana Badhrayaswa Brihadhishu Brihadhanu Brihadkarma Jayaratha Visvajit Seinyajit Nepavirya, (after this King's name the country was named Nepaldesh) Samara Sadashva Ruchiraswa Pruthusena Prapti Prthaswa Sukrthi Vibhiraja Anuha Bramhadatta II Vishwaksena Dandasena Durmukha Durbuddhi Dharbhya Divodasa Sivana I Mitrayu Maitrayana Soma Sivana II Sadasana Sahadeva Somaka, (Somaka's eldest son was Sugandakrthu and youngest was Prishata. But in a war all sons died and Prishata Survived and became the king of Panchala) Prishati, (son of Somaka) Drupada, (son of Prishata) Dhrishtadyumna, (was the son of Drupada, Draupadi and Shikhandi were the daughters of Drupada) Keśin Dālbhya Pravahana Jaivali Achyuta, (last known ruler of Panchala Kingdom which was defeated in c. 350 CE by Gupta ruler Samudragupta.)
Anga Kingdom (c. 1100 – 530 BCE) Kings of Anga: Maharaj Anga - (founder of the kingdom and son of King Bali) Romapada Brihadratha Angaraj Karna Vrishaketu - (son of Karna) Tamralipta Lomapada Chitraratha Vrihadratha Vasuhoma Dhatarattha Dhadivahana Brahmadatta - (last king of Anga kingdom)
Kamboja Kingdom (c. 700 – 200 BCE) Kings of Kamboja: Kamatha Chandravarma Kamboja Kamatha Kamboja Prapaksha Kamboja Sudakshina Kamboja Srindra Varmana Kamboj
Shakya Republic (c. 7th to 5th century BCE) Rulers of Shakya: Shakya Sihahanu Śuddhodana Siddhartha Shakya (aka Gautama Buddha) Rāhula Later Shakya Republic was conquered by Virudhaka of Kosala.
Kingdom of Tambapanni (c. 543 – 437 BCE)
Portrait Name Birth Death Reign (BCE) Marriages ClaimStartEndVijaya?Sinhapurason of Sinhabahu, and Sinhasivali505Tambapanni543505Kuvenitwo children Pandu PrincesFounded KingdomMarriage to KuveniUpatissa(regent)--505504Prince Vijaya's Chief MinisterPanduvasdeva--504474Nephew of VijayaAbhaya--474454Son of PanduvasdevaTissa(regent)--454437Younger brother of Abhaya
Ancient and early medieval Southern Indian dynasties
Pandya dynasty (c. 600 BCE–1650 CE)
Early Pandyans
Koon Pandiyan - (Earliest Known Pandyan king) Nedunj Cheliyan I (Aariyap Padai Kadantha Nedunj Cheliyan), he was mentioned in legend of Kannagi Pudappandiyan Mudukudumi Paruvaludhi Nedunj Cheliyan II (Pasumpun Pandiyan) Nan Maran Nedunj Cheliyan III (Talaiyaalanganathu Seruvendra Nedunj Cheliyan) Maran Valudi Musiri Mutriya Cheliyan Ukkirap Peruvaluthi
Middle Pandyans (c. 590–920 CE) Kadungon (590–620 CE) Maravarman Avani Culamani (c. 620–645 CE) Jayantavarman (c. 645–670 CE) Arikesari Maravarman Nindraseer Nedumaaran (c. 670–710 CE) Kochadaiyan Ranadhiran (710–735 CE) Arikesari Parankusa Maravarman Rajasimha I (735–765) Parantaka Nedunjadaiyan (765–815) Rasasingan II (790–800) Varagunan I (800–830) Srimara Srivallabha (815–862) Varagunavarman II (862–880) Parantaka Viranarayana (880–900) Maravarman Rajasimha II (900–920)
Pandyans under Chola Empire (c. 920–1216 CE) Sundara Pandyan I Vira Pandyan I Vira Pandyan II Amarabhujanga Tivrakopa Jatavarman Sundara Chola Pandyan Maravarman Vikrama Chola Pandyan Maravarman Parakrama Chola Pandyan Jatavarman Chola Pandya Seervallabha Manakulachala (1101–1124) Maaravaramban Seervallaban (1132–1161) Parakrama Pandyan I (1161–1162) Kulasekara Pandyan III Vira Pandyan III Jatavarman Srivallaban (1175–1180) Jatavarman Kulasekaran I (1190–1216)
Pandalam dynasty (Later Pandyans) (c. 1212–1345 CE)
Parakrama Pandyan II (1212–1215) Maravarman Sundara Pandyan (1216–1238) Sadayavarman Kulasekaran II (1238–1240) Maravarman Sundara Pandyan II (1238–1251) Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan (1251–1268) Maaravarman Kulasekara Pandyan I (1268–1308) Sundara Pandyan IV (1309–1327) Vira Pandyan IV (1309–1345)
Tenkasi Pandya dynasty (c. 1422–1650 CE)
During the 15th century, the Pandyans lost their traditional capital city Madurai because of the Islamic and Nayaks invasion, and were forced to move their capital to Tirunelveli in southern Tamilakam and existed there as vassals. Cataiyavarman Parakrama Pandyan (1422–1463) Cataiyavarman III Kulasekara Pandyan (1429–1473) Azhagan Perumal Parakrama Pandyan (1473–1506) Kulasekara Pandyan (1479–1499) Cataiyavarman Civallappa Pandyan (1534–1543) Parakrama Kulasekara Pandyan (1543–1552) Nelveli Maran (1552–1564) Cataiyavarman Adiveerama Pandyan (1564–1604) Varathunga Pandyan (1588–1612) Varakunarama Pandyan (1613–1618) Kollankondan (1618–1650)
Chera dynasty (c. 600 BCE–1530 CE) Ancient Chera kings
Kongu Cheras (c. 400–844 CE)
Makotai Cheras
Venadu Cheras (Kulasekharas) (c. 1090–1530 CE): Rama Kulasekhara (1090–1102) Kotha Varma Marthandam (1102–1125) Vira Kerala Varma I (1125–1145) Kodai Kerala Varma (1145–1150) Vira Ravi Varma (1145–1150) Vira Kerala Varma II (1164–1167) Vira Aditya Varma (1167–1173) Vira Udaya Martanda Varma (1173–1192) Devadaram Vira Kerala Varma III (1192–1195) Vira Manikantha Rama Varma Tiruvadi (1195- ?) Vira Rama Kerala Varma Tiruvadi (1209–1214) Vira Ravi Kerala Varma Tiruvadi (1214–1240) Vira Padmanabha Martanda Varma Tiruvadi (1240–1252) Ravi Varma (1252–1313) Vira Udaya Martanda Varma (1313–1333) Aditya Varma Tiruvadi (1333–1335) Vira Rama Udaya Martanda Varma Tiruvadi (1335–1342) Vira Kerala Varma Tiruvadi (1342–1363) Vira Martanda Varma III (1363–1366) Vira Rama Martanda Varma (1366–1382) Vira Ravi Varma (1383–1416) Vira Ravi Ravi Varma (1416–1417) Vira Kerala Martanda Varma (1383) Chera Udaya Martanda Varma (1383–1444) Vira Ravi Varma (1444–1458) Sankhara Sri Vira Rama Martanda Varma (1458–1468) Vira Kodai Sri Aditya Varma (1468–1484 Vira Ravi Ravi Varma (1484–1503) Martanda Varma, Kulasekhara Perumal (1503–1504) Vira Ravi Kerala Varma, Kulasekhara Perumal (1504–1530)
Chola dynasty (c. 600 BCE–1279 CE) Ancient Chola kings (c. 600 BCE – 300 CE) Eri Oliyan Vaendhi Maandhuvaazhi El Mei Nannan Keezhai Kinjuvan Vazhisai Nannan Mei Kiyagusi Aerru Aai Kuzhi Agusi Aerru Thizhagan Maandhi Maandhi Vaelan Aai Adumban Ilamcetcenni Karikala Chola Nedunkilli Nalankilli Killivalavan Perunarkilli Kocengannan Nalluruththiran
Chola emperors (848 – 1279 AD)
Velir dynasties (c. 300 BCE–1200 CE)
Major dynasties of Velir are- Vēl Pāri Ilanji Vel Irunkōvēl Athiyamān Malayamān Malaiyamān Thirumudi Kāri Athiyamān Nedumān Añci Vaiyāvik Kōpperum Pēkan
Ay dynasty (Velir) (c. 300 BCE–800 CE)
Early Ay Kings Ay Andiran Ay Titiyan Ay Atiyan
Medieval Ay Kings Chadayan Karunanthan Karunanthadakkkan Srivallabha (r. 856–884 CE) Vikramaditya Varaguna (r. 884–911 CE)
Pallava dynasty (c. 275 – 897 CE)
Kadamba dynasties (c. 345–1310 CE) Principality of Banavasi (c. 345–540 CE)
Banavasi branch rulers- Mayurasharma (345–365) Kangavarma (365–390) Bhageerath (390–415) Raghu (415–435) Kakusthavarma (435–455) Santivarma (455–460) Shiva Mandhatri (460–475) Mrigeshavarma (475–485) Ravivarma (485–519) Harivarma (519–530)
Triparvatha branch rulers- Krishna Varma I (455–475) Vishnuvarma (475–485) Simhavarma (485–516) Krishna Varma II (516–540)
Principality of Goa (c. 960–1345 CE)
Shashthadeva I alis Kantakacharya (c. 960 CE), founder of dynasty Nagavarma Guhalladeva I Shashathadeva II Guhalladeva II (1038–1042) Veeravarmadeva (1042–1054) Jayakeshi I (1054–1080)