A dynasty that originated in the central Deccan region of India during the mid-third century CE and ruled from Malwa in the north to the Tungabhadra river in the south, and from the western to the eastern coasts. The sculptures and murals at the Ajanta Caves are dated to this period, particularly the patronage of Vakataka king Harisena (r. 460–480 CE), who was a major patron of Buddhist art and architecture.