Senua Civil War

**The Seuna (Yadava) Civil War** was a time of civil war in the Seuna (Yadava) dynasty of the Deccan region in the late 13th century. The conflict was between two brothers, Ramchandra Yadava and Ammana, who both wanted to control the kingdom. Ramchandra, with the help of his generals, Hemad Pant and Tikkama Saluva defeated Ammana's faction and Ammana was captured after this defeat.

Later, Ammana was punished in a cruel way. His eyes were destroyed and then he was executed. His general, Narasinha was taken as a prisoner. After this victory, Ramchandra Yadava became the ruler and brought an end to the conflict. This event was an important turning point in the history of the Yadava dynasty.

 of the Deccan Region.]]

## Background
### Mahadeva of Devagiri
Mahadeva, ruled around 1261–1270 CE) was a king of the Seuna (Yadava) dynasty in the Deccan region of India. He became king after his brother Krishna. Mahadeva defeated the Shilaharas of Kolhapur and stopped a rebellion by the Kadamba rulers who were under his control. He attacked nearby kingdoms, fought an unclear battle with the Kakatiya queen Rudrama, and lost to the Hoysala king Narasimha II. Some records from his time mention other victories, but these may have been exaggerated.

### Ascension to the Throne of Devagiri
#### Death of Krishna of Devagiri
Krishna's last inscription is dated to May 1261. At the time of his death, his son Ramachandra was likely either not yet born or too young to hold the title of yuvaraja (heir apparent) or ascend the throne. Consequently, Krishna was succeeded in 1261 by his brother Mahadeva, who had been designated as the heir apparent since at least 1250 and had assisted in the administration during Krishna's reign.

### Ramachandra's Escape and Preparations
Many people supported Ramachandra, including important officers and generals like Hemadri and Tikkama. These officers had been loyal to Mahadeva but switched their support to Ramachandra after Ammana became king.

When Ramachandra decided to claim the throne, Ammana could not stop or capture him. Ramachandra escaped from the capital and started planning to take the throne using a clever strategy.
## The Senua Interregnum
Ammana, a young and carefree king known for his love of dancing and music, ruled over Devagiri. Ramachandra, a determined leader, planned a bold coup to take over the fort of Devagiri. Disguised as a leader of a group of traveling performers, he and his followers gained access to the fort. Once inside, they arranged a performance for Ammana. During the show, Ramachandra and his group removed their disguises, captured Ammana, and took control of his main supporters.

This plan succeeded because many of Ammana’s generals, except for Narasimha, did not fully support him. A document from Ramachandra himself confirms this account, making it a reliable version of events.
### Imprisonment or Execution of Ammana
According to the Mahanubhava writings, such as the Lila Caritra, Ramachandra took the throne by blinding his cousin Ammaṇa. This account is considered believable because it reflects the fear and reactions of people at the time. Another text, Smriti-stala, criticizes Ramachandra for this act and blames it for his later defeat by Muslim forces. However, this account seems biased and less accurate. A third Mahanubhava text, Bhanuvijaya, gives a highly exaggerated version of the event about execution of Ammana and is not seen as reliable.

## Aftermath
, with the traditional Yadava capital of Diogil ("Deogiri", or Devagiri) at the center, in the Catalan Atlas (1375). On top of the city of Diogil floats a peculiar flag, while coastal cities are under the black flag of the Delhi Sultanate.Devagiri was ultimately captured by ‘Alā ud-Dīn Khaljī in 1307.The trading ship raises the flag of the Ilkhanate.]]

After taking the throne from his cousin Ammana through a coup in the capital Devagiri, he expanded the Yadava kingdom by fighting neighboring states such as the Paramaras, Vaghelas, Hoysalas, and Kakatiyas. 

In 1296 CE, he had to pay yearly tribute to Alauddin Khalji after a Muslim army from the Delhi Sultanate invaded. When he stopped paying the tribute in 1303-1304 CE, Alauddin sent his general Malik Kafur to attack him in 1308, making the Yadavas vassals of the Delhi Sultanate. After this, Ramachandra became a loyal supporter of Alauddin, helping him defeat the Kakatiyas and the Hoysalas.
## References