Maitraka rulers of Valabhi
Maitrakas of Valllabhi Family Tree / Image Tree Vallabhi, a famous centre of learning rivalling Nalanda in ancient India, once served as the capital of the Maitraka Dynasty which arose in Gujarat and Saurashtra in western India in the late 5th century AD on the debris of the Gupta Empire. Vallabhi was a port city which was of substantial commercial significance. The Maitraka dynasty ruled from approximately 475 to 776 CE. Vallabhi has been described as famous centre of learning and trade in Somadeva’s Kathasaritsagara (Ocean of the Streams of Stories), a commentary written in the 11th century AD on the extinct Brihatkatha by Guṇaḍhya. Maitraka dynasty was founded in 475 CE by Bhatarka , who was a military governor of Saurashtra under Gupta Empire. He was a commander of Skandagupta, the last great Gupta ruler. Bhatarka did not assume the royal titles and continued to style himself as Senapati (General). He was responsible for setting up the famed univ