Eternal India Encyclopedia

Eternal India encyclopedia

LURE - THRU THE AGES

THE CHALUKYAS OF BADAMI 535 747 A.D.

Overview * Pulakesin I (535-566) founder of the dynasty. * Kirtivarma, son of Pulakesin I, (567-598). * Pulakesin II (610-642) expanded the Chalukyan kingdom in the North upto the Narmada. * Aihole inscription written by Ravikirti, a Jain poet is the most important source of information on him. Advent * Family was originally from Ayodhya. Chronology * Pulakesin I (son of Ranaraga) (535-566). * Kirtivarman I (son of Pulakesin I) (567-598). * Mangalesa (II son of Pulakesin) (598-610). * Pulakesin II (son of Kirtivarman I) (610- 642). * Vikramaditya I (son of Pulakesin II) (655- 681). * Vinayaditya (son of Vikramaditya II) (681 - 696) * Vijayaditya (son of Vinayaditya) (696-733) * Vikramaditya II (son of Vijayaditya) (734- 745) * Kirtivarma II (746-757) Wars * 610 A.D Civil war; Pulakesin II killed Mangalesa. Friends : Cholas, Keralites, Pandyas. Foes : Pallavas. Pulakesin I (535-566) : He laid the founda- tion for the fort of Vatapi (modem Badami) in Bijapur District. He is not credited with any specific conquest. Kirtivarma (567-598): He is known as "the first maker of Vatapi". He is also described as "Night of destruction" to the Nalas, Kadambas and Maury as. The influence of the Chalukyas extended over a wide region in the southern part of state of Maharashtra and adjoining area of Mysore and Madras states. He annexed part of the Maurya territories in the Konkan. Mangalesa (598-610 A.D.): Kirtivarma was succeeded by his brother Mangalesa. His greatest achievement was his victory over the Kalachuris. The struggle between Kalachuris and the Chalukyas seems to have continued for many years. After sometime Mangalesa came into complete possession of central and northern Maratha country.

There was a civil war between Mangalesa and his nephew Pulakesin II (son of Kirti- varma I). He lost his life and Pulakasin II became king. Pulakesin II (610-642 A.D.) : He was the greatest ruler of the Chalukyan Dynasty and one of the greatest rulers of ancient India. Pulakesin won a brilliant victory over Harshavardhana, when the latter invaded Kathiawad-as a result of both extending their power over the Gujarat region of India. Pu- lakesin subjugated his neighbours - the Ka- dambas, the Gangas of South Mysore, and the Mauryas of the Konkan. He defeated the Pal- lava King, Mahendra Varma I who retreated behind his capital, Kanchi. But ultimately the Pallavas took revenge and attacked Pu- lakesin's capital, Badami, and captured it. Pu- lakesin was killed in the battle. His reputation and influence spread beyond the limits of India. The King of Persia, Khusru II, received an ambassador from Pulakesin II in A D 625-26. Hiuen Tsang, the Chinese traveller, paid a visit to the court of Pulakesin II and was impressed by his benevolent rule and the loyalty of his subjects. Many cave temples and temples came up at The Chalukya throne remained vacant from 642-655. Badami and some of the southern districts remained under the control of the Pal- lavas, who could not be driven out because of dissension among the sons of Pulakesin II. Fi- nally one of them succeeded in recovering Badami from the Pallavas and ascended the throne of his father as Vikramaditya I. Vinayaditya (681-696 A.D): He carried on campaigns against Pallavas, Kalabhras, Ker- alas, Haihays, Vilas, Malawas, Cholas, Pan- dyas. Alupas, Gangas etc. Badami, Pattadakal and Aihole. Vikramaditya I (655-681 A.D.)

Vijayaditya (696-733) : He underwent train- ing in military and administrative matters. He conquered Kanchi and received tribute from Parameshvara Varma, the Pallava King. Vikramaditya II (734-745 A.D) : He de- stroyed the power of the Chola, Kerala, Pan- dya, Kalabhra and other kings. He was a great builder and patron of learning. Kirtivarman II (746-757 A.D): He was the last ruler of the glorious Chalukya race. After 50 years the Chalukya power was completely eclipsed by Dantidurga, the Rashtrakuta king. Kiritivarma II tried to restore the fallen fortune of his family, but he was defeated by Krishna I, the Rashtrakuta King. The Rashtrakuta power remained for more than two centuries, and was destroyed by the later western Chalukyas of Kalyana.

Malegitti

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Shivalaya Temple, Badami One of the early Chalukyan temples, it is in southern style with a simple shrine