CHALUKYAS

Historical Background

 The Chalukyas ruled parts of Southern and Central India between the 6th century

and the 12th century.

 There were three distinct but related Chalukya dynasties.

o Badami Chalukyas:

 The earliest Chalukyas with their capital at Badami

(Vatapi) in Karnataka.

 They ruled from mid-6th century and declined after the death

of their greatest king, Pulakesin II in 642 AD.

o Eastern Chalukyas:

 Emerged after the death of Pulakesin II in Eastern Deccan

with capital at Vengi.

 They ruled till the 11th century.

o Western Chalukyas:

 Descendants of the Badami Chalukyas, they emerged in the

late 10th century and ruled from Kalyani.
Badami Chalukyas

With the decline of the Gupta dynasty and their immediate successors in northern India in
the 6th century, dramatic changes began to occur in the Deccan and southern areas of Vindhyas.
In this region, the era of minor kingdoms had given way to the era of huge empires. 

Pulakeshin - I established the Chalukya dynasty in 543 AD. He

conquered Vatapi (modern Badami in Karnataka's Bagalkot district) and proclaimed it his
capital. "Chalukyas of Badami" refers to Pulakeshin I and his descendants. 

Badami Chalukyas - Background

 Between the 6th and 12th centuries, the Chalukya dynasty ruled vast areas of southern
and central India.

 They governed as three separate but related dynasties during this time.

 The "Badami Chalukyas" the first dynasty, ruled from Vatapi (modern Badami) from
the middle of the sixth century.

 The Eastern Chalukyas founded an independent state in the eastern Deccan after

Pulakeshin II death. They ruled Vengi until the 11th century.

 In the western Deccan, the decline of the Rashtrakutas in the middle of the 10th century
led to the emergence of Western Chalukyas. They ruled till the 12th century.

 Badami Chalukyas emerged with the decline of the Kadamba kingdom of Banavasi. They
asserted their independence and rose to prominence under Pulakeshin II's reign.
 Jayasimha was the first ruler of the Chalukya dynasty . But the real founder of the
Chalukyan dynasty was Pulakesin I (543–566 CE).
 After him, Pulakeshin II ruled over the whole Deccan and was the Badami dynasty's
most well-known ruler. He is regarded as one of India's most notable kings.
 By conquering Harsha on the banks of the Narmada,  Pulakeshin II pushed the Chalukya
Empire up to the northern borders of the Pallava kingdom.
 Following the death of Pulakeshin II, the Badami Chalukya dynasty had a brief period
of decline due to internal feuds.
o In this period, Badami was invaded by the Pallavas for thirteen years.
 During the reign of Vikramaditya I, who succeeded in driving the Pallavas out of
Badami and restoring order to the empire. He took the title "Rajamalla" (Sovereign of
the Mallas/ Pallavas).
 After him, Vijayaditya became the new ruler and his thirty-seven-year reign (696–733
AD) was affluent, and he is remembered for his temple-building spree.
 The next ruler was Vikramaditya II (733–744 AD) and the kingdom reached its pinnacle
under his reign.
  He was known for his numerous invasions and victories over Pallava Nandivarman II.
 He is also remembered for his compassion towards people and monuments of
Kanchipuram, the Pallava capital.
 He avenged the Pallavas' prior humiliation of the Chalukyas by engraving a Kannada
inscription on the Kailasanath Temple's victory pillar.
 Vikramaditya II later conquered the three traditional kingdoms of Tamil land i.e. the
Pandyas, Cholas, and Cheras.
 In 753 AD, the Rashtrakuta Ruler Dantidurga deposed the last Chalukya
king, Kirtivarman II.
 The Chalukyas governed a huge empire that stretched from the Kaveri in the south to the
Narmada in the north at their peak.

Important Rulers of Badami Chalukyas

Pulakesin I (543 – 566 AD)

 Jayasimha was Pulakesin’s grandfather and Ranaraga was his father.

 His forefathers were vassal monarchs, most likely from the Kadambas or Rashtrakutas.
 Jayasimha was the first ruler of the Pulakesin dynasty.
 But the real founder of the Chalukyan dynasty was Pulakesin I (543–566 AD).
 He established a strong fortification at Vapati (modern Badami) in Karnataka's Bijapur
district and declared independence by sacrificing a horse.

Kirtivarman I (566 – 597 AD)

 After his father, Pulakesin I, died in 566 AD, Kirtivarman I seized the throne.
 Kirtivarman inherited a small empire based on Vatapi, which he greatly expanded.
 His empire stretched from the Konkan coast of modern-day Maharashtra in the north to
Karnataka's Shimoga region in the south.
o And from the Arabian Sea in the west to Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool and Guntur
districts in the east.
 According to the Pulakesin II Aihole inscription, Kirtivarman was "the night of doom"
for the Nalas, Mauryas, and Kadambas.

Pulakesin II (609 - 642 AD)

 Pulakesin-II was the most powerful ruler of the Badami Chalukyas.

 He was the first king to issue gold coins in South India.
 He was too young when his father died, that's why his paternal uncle Mangalesha was
elevated to the throne (regent king).
 Pulakesin II ascended the throne after defeating Mangalesha in the Bana territory
at Elpattu-Simbhige.
 He is famous for defeating King Harsha on the banks of the Narmada.
  He took the titles of Parmeshwara, Prithivivallabha, and Satyashraya and established
himself as the supreme power in modern Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat.
 He defeated Pallava king Mahendravarman I but was defeated and killed by
Mahendravarman’s son and successor, Narasimha Varman I.

Vikramaditya I (655 - 680 AD)

 Vikramaditya was the third son of Pulakesin II.

 He set himself the task of repelling the Pallava invasion and restoring the unity of his
father's kingdom with the assistance of his maternal grandfather  Bhuvikarma or
Durvineet of the Western Ganga Dynasty.
 He was able to put an end to Pallava's thirteen-year occupation and capture Vatapi.
 He defeated Mahendravarman II (Pallava king) in 668 AD and continued his capture of
Kanchi for about five to six years.
 During this time, he plundered the Chola, Pandya, and Kerala kingdoms but did not
annex any territory (his army remained in Tiruchirapalli).

Kirtivarman II (746 - 753 AD)

 Kirtivarman was the son of Vikramaditya II.

 When he succeeded to the throne, Chalukyas seemed to be at their best because the
Pallavas were defeated, the Deccan was taken over by the Chalukyas, and the seemingly
invincible Muslims were repulsed.
 However, within a decade, Kirtivarman had lost his glory, as the rising power
of Rashtrakutas and Pandyas caused trouble for the Chalukya king.
 The Chalukyas of Badami's rule came to an end with Kirtivarman II, who was deposed in
753 AD by Dantidurga.

Military of Badami Chalukyas

 Badami Chalukyas's defence strength was made up of infantry, cavalry, elephant corps,
and a powerful navy.
 Pulakeshin II's success outside of the Vindyas was due to his army's well-organized
nature.
 According to the Chinese explorer Hiuen-Tsang, the Chalukyan army had hundreds of
intoxicated elephants prior to battle.
 Badami Chalukyas captured Revatidvipa (Goa) and Puri on India's east coast using their
navy.
 The mighty Chalukya forces are referred to as Karnatabala in Rashtrakuta inscriptions.

Administration

Administration of Badami Chalukyas

  At higher levels of Badami Chalukyas, the government was modelled after the
administrative systems of Magadha and Satavahana.
 Maharashtrakas (provinces) were divided into smaller Rashtrakas (Mandala), and
Rashtrakas (Mandala) into Vishaya (district), and then in Bhoga (group of ten villages).
 Inscriptions during Vikramaditya I also mention a territorial unit called Dasagrama.
 There were independent districts ruled by feudatories, such as the Alupas, Gangas,
Banas, and Sendrakas, in addition to imperial provinces.
 Local assemblies and guilds were in charge of dealing with local issues.
 Agraharas (seat of higher learning) were looked after by groups of mahajanas (learned
brahmins), such as those at Badami (served by 2000 mahajans) and Aihole (served by
500 mahajanas).
 Different taxes were levied by Badami Chalukyas.
 The Herjunka – a tax on loads, the Kirukula – a tax on retail goods in transit,
the Bilkode – a sales tax, the Pannaya – a betel tax, and the Siddaya – a land tax were all
levied.

Religion

Religion of Badami Chalukyas

 The Badami rulers were Vedic Hindus who built temples in Aihole, Pattadakal and
Mahakuta which were dedicated to popular Hindu deities.
 During their period, both Shaivism and Vaishnavism prospered, albeit it appears that the
former was more popular.
 Vedic sacrifices, sacred vows, and gift-giving were all significant.
 Sculptures of Hindu gods such as Vishnu, Shiva, Kartikeya, Ganapathi, Shakti, Surya,
and Sapta Matrikas (seven mothers) attest to their popularity.
 The Ashwamedha (horse sacrifice) was also performed by the Badami rulers.
 During this time, Jainism was also a popular religion.
 The dynasty's kings were secular and also promoted Jainism. The Jain faith is honoured
in one of the Badami Cave temples.
 In the Aihole complex, Jain temples were also built.
 At Badami, Queen Vinayavati dedicated a temple to the Trimurti ("Hindu trinity"). The
Trimurti, Harihara (half Vishnu, half Shiva), and Ardhanarishwara (half Shiva, half-
woman) sculptures all show a great deal of tolerance.
 After making inroads throughout Southeast Asia, Buddhism was on the decline. This fact
was supported by Hiuen-Tsiang's works.
 The primary educational centres of Badami Chalukyas were Badami, Aihole, Kurtukoti,
and Puligere.

Architecture

Architecture of Badami Chalukya

  Under the Badami Chalukya dynasty, architecture emerged in the Malaprabha river basin,
in present-day Bagalkot district of Karnataka state of India, between the 5th and 8th
century AD.
 This style is known as the Vesara or Chalukya style, which encompasses the much later
Western Chalukya architecture of the 11th and 12th centuries.
 The first Badami Chalukya temples were built at Aihole around 450 A.D. when the
Badami Chalukyas were vassals of the Banavasi Kadambas.
 There are two types of monuments in their style: rock-cut halls, sometimes known as
"cave temples," and others are "structural temples”, which are built above ground.
 The Early Chalukya style was developed in Aihole around 450 CE and perfected in
Badami and Pattadakal in Karnataka.
 Pattadakal is home to some of the most beautiful architectural temples.
 Pattadakkal has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are 10
temples here, four of which are in the Nagar style and six of which are in the Dravida
style.
 Aihole’s famous temples are Ladh Khan temple (Surya temple), Durga temple,
Huchimalligudi temple, and Ravikirti's Jain temple. It is home to 70 temples.

Conclusion

Conclusion

The Chalukyas' reign was a landmark moment in the history of South India, as well as a golden
age in the history of Karnataka. With the triumph of the Badami Chalukyas, the political
landscape in South India transitioned from minor kingdoms to massive empires. Between the
Kaveri and the Narmada rivers, a kingdom headquartered in Southern India acquired control of
the entire region. The establishment of this empire witnessed the emergence of efficient
administration, international trade, and the development of a new architectural style known as
"Chalukyan architecture."
Eastern Chalukyas 

Eastern Chalukyas, also known as the Chalukyas of Vengi, were a dynasty that governed
areas of South India from the 7th to12th century. They began as governors of Badami's
Chalukyas in the Deccan region. They established a sovereign kingdom after that
and dominated the Vengi region of modern-day Andhra Pradesh till around 1130 CE. They
continued to rule the territory as Chola feudatories until 1189 CE. The Eastern Chalukyas have
been the source of several conflicts between the more powerful Cholas and the Western
Chalukyas over control of the crucial Vengi area throughout their history. In this article, we will
discuss the Eastern Chalukyas which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

Eastern Chalukyas - Background

 The Chalukyas of Vengi separated out from the Badami Chalukyas.

 After destroying the remnants of the Vishnukundina dynasty, Badami ruler Pulakeshin

II (609–642 AD) controlled the Vengi territory in eastern Deccan.

 In 624 A.D, he placed his brother Kubja Vishnuvardhana as governor of the newly

gained region.

 After Pulakeshin died facing the Pallavas in the Battle of Vatapi, his brother Kubja
Vishnuvardhana developed an independent state.

 So, the founder of the Eastern Chalukya kingdom was Kubja Vishnuvardhana.

 From 642 CE to 705 CE some kings, except Jayasimha I ruled for very short durations.

 After it, there was a period of unrest marked by family feuds and weak governments.

 Meanwhile, the Rashtrakutas defeated the Badami Western Chalukyas.

 The Rashtrakutas repeatedly overran Vengi's kingdom, putting the weak rulers of Vengi
to the test.

 Until Gunaga Vijayaditya III came to power in 848 CE, no Eastern Chalukya monarch

could keep them in check.

 Amoghavarsha, the Rashtrakuta emperor at the time, treated him as an ally, and

Vijayaditya again declared independence following Amoghavarsha's death.

 Lastly, the Vengi kingdom succumbed to the Chola empire and came to an end.

 The dynasty began claiming legendary moon dynasty roots in the 11th century.

  The dynasty descended from the Moon, according to tradition, via Budha, Pururava, the
Pandavas, and Udayana.

Important Rulers of Western Chalukyas

Kubja Vishnuvardhana

 He reigned from 624–641 AD and was Pulakeshin II's brother.

 From 615 AD, Vishnuvardhana controlled the Vengi lands in eastern Andhra Pradesh as

viceroy under Pulakeshin II.

 Vishnuvardhana eventually declared independence and established the Eastern

Chalukya dynasty (624 AD).

 He was the monarch of a kingdom that stretched from Nellore to Visakhapatnam.

 He was given the name Vishamasiddhi (conqueror of difficulties).

 He fought in the battles between his brother Pulakeshin II and the Pallava
Narasimhavarma I in 641, and he most likely died in battle.

 He was succeeded by his son, Jayasimha I.

 After him, many weak rulers came to the throne.

Mangi Yuvaraja (682 - 706 AD)

 The accession of Mangi Yuvaraja heralds the beginning of the end of a series of weak or
ineffectual rulers, as the kingdom now has to face up to the increasing aggression of the
Rashtrakutas,

 Rashtrakutas not only threaten the main Chalukyan kingdom but also overrun the Vengi
kingdom several times and have to be repulsed.

Rajaraja Narendra (1019 – 1061 AD)

 He became the king of the Vengi kingdom.

 He established the city Rajahmahendravaram (Rajahmundry).

 His time was known for the rich social and cultural heritage of the Vengi empire.

 Rajahmundry was sacked by Western Chalukyas and the region saw wars between the
Western Chalukya and other neighbouring dynasties, with the political backing of Chola
dynasty.

 Rajaraja Narendra, son of Vimaladitya Chalukya, married Amangai Devi, daughter of

Rajendra Chola I.

 From Arinjaya Chola forward, the mighty Cholas and Chalukyas had a feudal alliance
that lasted three centuries.
  When a political vacuum emerged, Rajaraja Narendra's son became the Chola empire's
ruler in Gangaikondacholapuram, merging the Chola and Chalukya empires.

Administration

Administration of Eastern Chalukyas

 The Eastern Chalukya court was largely a Badami republic in its early years, but as
decades passed, local elements gained prominence and the Vengi kingdom developed its
own characteristics.

 External influences remained, as the Eastern Chalukyas had long and close relationships
with the Pallavas, Rashtrakutas, Cholas, and Chalukyas of Kalyani, which were either
friendly or hostile.

 The administration of the Eastern Chalukyas was based on Hindu philosophy.

 The inscriptions refer to the traditional seven components of the state (Saptanga), as well
as the eighteen Tirthas (Offices).

 It includes Mantri (Minister), Purohita (Chaplain), Senapati (Commander), Yuvaraja

(Heir-apparent), Dauvarika (Door keeper), Pradhana (Chief), Adhyaksha (Head of
department), and many.

 According to sources, the administrative subdivisions Vishaya and Kottam existed.

 The royal edicts (recording land or village donations) are addressed to all Naiyogi
Kavallabhas, as well as the Gramyakas, the granted village's residents.

 The Manneyas are also mentioned in inscriptions from time to time. They had land or
revenue assignments in various villages.

Religion

Religion of Eastern Chalukyas

 Hinduism was the dominant religion, whereas Shaivism was more popular than

Vaishnavism in the Eastern Chalukya empire,

 Some rulers proclaimed themselves to be Parama Maheswaras (Emperors).

 The Vijayaditya II, Yuddhamalla I, Vijayaditya III, and Bhima I were all involved in the
construction of temples in the Eastern Chalukya kingdom.

 The annual Jatra of the Mahasena temple involved a procession of the deity's idol.

 Buddhism was in decline whereas Jainism was able to maintain considerable public

support.

 This is evidenced by the numerous portraits of Jainism seen in wrecked villages across
Andhra Pradesh.
  The inscriptions also detail the construction of Jain temples and land grants in exchange
for the monarchs' and people's support.

 Vimaladitya even declared himself a devotee of Mahavira's doctrine.

Architecture

Architecture of Eastern Chalukyas

 The Eastern Chalukyan rulers built a huge number of temples as a result of the
widespread Shiva devotional cult throughout the kingdom.

 The construction of 108 temples is attributed to Vijayaditya II.

 Yuddhamalla I built a Kartikeya temple in Vijayawada.

 The magnificent Draksharama and Chalukya Bhimavaram (Samalkot) temples were built
by Bhima I.

 Following the Pallava and Chalukya traditions, the Eastern Chalukyas created their own
distinct architectural style, which can be seen in the Pancharama shrines (particularly the
Draksharama temple) and Biccavolu temples.

 The Golingeshvara temple at Biccavolu has rich sculptures of deities like Shiva, Vishnu,
Agni, and Surya.

 Also, the famous Jain centres of the time were Vijayawada, Jenupadu, Penugonda (West
Godavari), and Munugodu.

Conclusion

Conclusion

In 615 AD, the Chalyukan monarch Pulakeshi II defeated the Vishnukundina kingdom and
placed his brother, Kubja Vishnuvardhana, as governor. But Kubja immediately declared his
independence and established a separate kingdom in the Eastern Chalukyas. Vengi was the
capital of the Eastern Chalukyas, and their dynasty lasted for around 500 years, from the seventh
century to 1075, when the Vengi kingdom succumbed to the Chola empire. Their capital was
originally located in Vengi, West Godavari district, but it was eventually relocated to
Rajamahendravaram (Rajamundry).
Western Chalukyas

Between the tenth and twelfth centuries, the Western Chalukya Empire rose to power. They
ruled the majority of the western Deccan region of South India. This Kannadiga line is also
known as the Kalyani Chalukya after its magnificent capital at Kalyani. During the reign of
Vikramaditya VI, in the late 11th and early 12th centuries, the Western Chalukyas were
successful against the Cholas, reaching a peak of dominance over most of the Deccan, between
the Narmada River in the north and the Kaveri River in the south.

Western Chalukyas - Background

 The Western Chalukya Empire is also known as the Kalyani Chalukya Empire.

 After Dantidurga destroyed the Chalukyas of Badami, they resurrected two centuries

later, around 972-73AD.

 This was known as the Chalukyas of Kalyani and is said to have the same ancestry as the
previous mighty Chalukyas (though this is disputed).

 Tailapa-II, who was a feudatory of the Rashtrakuta, established this dynasty.

 For 200 years, they were at odds with the Cholas as well as the eastern Chalukyas
of Vengi.

 The two empires of Southern India, the Western Chalukyas and the Chola dynasty of

Tanjore, fought many bloody battles for control of the fertile Vengi region.

 The other major Deccan ruling families, the Hoysalas, the Seuna Yadavas of Devagiri,
the Kakatiya dynasty, and the Southern Kalachuris of Kalyani, were subordinates to the
Western Chalukyas during this period.

 They gained independence only when the Chalukyas' power waned in the latter half of the
12th century.

 In the 12th century, the Hoysala Empire finally destroyed them.

  This empire made significant contributions to modern Kannada and Sanskrit literature.

Important Rulers of Western Chalukyas

Tailapa II

 Tailapa-II was the founder of Western Chalukyas, he was one of the Rastrakutas'
feudatories.

 Tailapa reigned for 24 years and was able to reclaim his race's ancient territory, with the
exception of the Gujarat region.

 He supported Ranna, a Kannada poet who was among the first to write in the Kannada
language.

 Ranna, Adikavi Pampa, and Sri Ponna are regarded as Kannada literature's "three

gems."

 Tailapa II spent the majority of his time-fighting Munja, the Paramara king of Dhara.

 Munja was eventually captured and most likely killed in captivity. This occurred in 995
AD.

 Tailapa died two years later, and his throne was passed down to his son Satyasraya.

Satyasraya

 Satyasraya's reign lasted from 997 to 1008 AD.

 To begin with, he followed his father's aggressive policy and was at odds with
the Eastern Chalukyas and Cholas.

 His 11-year reign was disrupted by a war with the great Chola Rajaraja-I, who overran
the Chalukya country and looted and killed a large number of men, women, and children.

Someshwara I

 Someshwara I, also known as Ahavamalla or Trilokamalla, ruled from 1042 to 1068

AD.

 Someshwara I established Kalyani as its capital.

 He was attacked by Rajadhiraja I of Chola dynasty, who overran the Chalukyan capital
and demolished the forts and erected pillars as a memento of the victories, but a
Chalukyan counterattack forced them out.

 The Chalukya army raided the Chola capital Kanchipuram under Someshwara-I, but was
repelled back.

 Rajadhiraja Chola was finally killed in the battle of Koppam. His younger brother,
however, took command and drove the Chalukyas back.

 Brother of Someshwara was killed in this attack. Someshwara I's reign is remembered for
numerous wars.
Vikramaditya VI

 Vikramaditya VI ascended to the throne in 1076 AD, ushering in the Chalukya-Vikram

era.

 Vikramaditya VI was one of the Western Chalukyan Empire's most capable rulers.

 He is the hero of a historical poem (Vikramankadevacharita) by Bilhana, a Kashmir

poet, and reigned in tolerable peace for about a half-century.

 Vikramaditya VI captured Kanchi in his career and engaged in serious battles with
Vishnu, the Hoysala King of Dorsamudra.

 During the reign of Vikramaditya VI, a celebrated jurist from the 12th century named
Vijnevara lived in the capital Kalyani.

 Vijnevara wrote a treatise on inheritance that is considered to be one of the most

influential legal treatises in Hindu law outside of Bengal.

Administration

Administration of Western Chalukyas

 The Western Chalukya kingship was hereditary but If the king did not have a male heir
then the kingship passed to the king's brother.

 The administration was highly decentralised, and feudatory clans such as the Alupas,
Hoysalas, Kakatiya, Seuna, southern Kalachuri, and others were permitted to rule their
autonomous provinces while paying an annual tribute to the Chalukya emperor.

 Titles such as Mahapradhana (Chief Minister), Sandhivigrahika,

and Dharmadhikari (chief justice) were taken up.

 The kingdom was divided into provinces such as Banavasi-12000, Nolambavadi-32000,

and Gangavadi-96000, with each name indicating the number of villages under its
control.

 The large provinces were known as Mandalas, under which there were Nadu, and Nadu
was further subdivided into Kampanas (groups of villages) and finally a Bada (village).

 Women from the royal family were also in charge of Nadus and Kampanas.

Religion

Religion of Western Chalukyas

 Western Chalukyas were the followers of Virashaivism.

 Virashaivism, also known as Lingayatism, is a Hindu sect based on Shaivism.

 The rise of Virashaivism in Chalukya territory coincided with a general decline in interest
in Jainism, though Chalukyas remained religiously tolerant.
  With the spread of Adi Shankara's Advaita philosophy in the 8th century, the decline of
Buddhism in South India began.

 During the Western Chalukya rule, the only places of Buddhist worship that remained
were Dambal and Balligavi.

 There is no mention of religious conflict in the period's writings and inscriptions,

implying that the religious transition was smooth.

Literature

Literature During Western Chalukyas

 The Western Chalukya period saw a lot of literary activity in Kannada and Sanskrit.

 This is a golden age of Kannada literature. Jain scholars wrote about the lives of
Tirthankaras, and Virashaiva poets expressed their devotion to God in short poems
called Vachanas.

 Almost 300 contemporary Vachanakaras (Vachana poets), including thirty women

poets, have been documented during this time.

 Early works by Brahmin writers focused on the epics Ramayana, Mahabharata,

Bhagavata, Puranas, and Vedas.

 Ranna, grammarian Nagavarma II, minister Durgasimha, and the Virashaiva

saint and social reformer Basavanna were among the most notable Kannada scholars.

 Ranna, who was patronised by King Tailapa II and Satyashraya, is one of Kannada
literature's "three gems."

Conclusion

Conclusion

Western Chalukya empire ruled over the majority of the western Deccan region of South India.
It was founded by Tailapa-II, a Rastrakutas feudatory. During the reign of Vikramaditya VI,
Western Chalukyas were at their peak and controlled most of the Deccan region. They were the
followers of Virashaivism and this period is considered as the golden age of Kannada literature.
The 12th century marked the end of this dynasty when the Hoysala empire destroyed them.
Pallava Dynasty (275 - 897 CE)

The Pallava Dynasty was located in the South Indian subcontinent. The span of Pallavas’s
reign was from 275 CE to 897 C.E. They were the most influential rulers of South India and
contributed enormously in the fields of religion, philosophy, art, coins and architecture. Pallavas
were at their peak during the reign of Mahendravarman I and Narasimhavarman I.
Throughout their rule in Tondaimandalam, they were in constant conflict with both Chalukyas
of Badami in the north and the Tamil kingdom of Cholas and Pandyas in the south. They
are most remembered for their shore temple architecture. In this article, we will discuss
the Pallavas (275CE-897CE) which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

Extent of the Pallava Dynasty

 Kanchipuram was the Pallava capital.

 At the height of their power, their territories stretched from northern Andhra Pradesh to
River Kaveri in the south.

 The Pallavas' authority reduced the Cholas to a marginal state in the seventh century.

 The Pallava king Narasimhavarman occupied Vatapi (Badami) after defeating the
Chalukyas.

 The Pandyas, Chalukyas, and Pallavas all worked together to crush the Kalabhra
uprising.
  The Kalabhras were protesting against the Brahmanic rulers of the three dynasties'
numerous land grants (Brahamadeya) to Brahmanas.

Rulers of Pallava Empire

 Sivaskanda Varman (4th Century AD)

o He was the most powerful of the early rulers. Ruled at the start of the fourth
century AD.

o In 283 CE, Sivaskandavarman of Kanchi, a Pallava king who ruled from 275 to
300 CE, issued the charter.

o Ashwamedha and other Vedic sacrifices were performed by him.

 Simhavarman/Simhavishnu (575-600 AD)

o Simhavishnu was the line's first ruler. Simhavishnu defeated the Kalabhras, laying
the groundwork for the "Age of the Imperial Pallavas."

o He also defeated the Chola, Pandya, and Chera kingdoms' rulers.

o He ruled over the entire region between the Krishna and the Kaveri rivers. He was
a Vishnu worshipper with the title Avanishimha (lion of the earth).

o According to literary tradition, the great poet Bharavi paid him a visit at his court.

 Mahendravarman (600-630 AD)

o Mahendravarman I, Simhavishnu's son, succeeded him. He was a multi-talented

genius. He was a soldier and statesman, as well as a religious reformer, architect,
poet, and musician.

o His titles included Mattavilasa, Chitrakarapuli, Vichitrachitta, Gundabhara,

and Lalitankura. During this time, the long-running Pallava-Chalukya conflict
began.

o Pulakesin II defeated Mahendravarman I near Kanchi in a battle known as

Pullalur.

o Pulakesin II was almost at the Pallava capital, but Mahendravarman bought peace
by ceding their Northern provinces to Pulakesin II.

 Narasimhavarman I (630-668 AD)

o Narasimhavarman I was the greatest of the Pallavas, elevating the dynasty's power
and prestige to incredible heights. He was known as Mahamalla or Mamalla,
which means "great wrestler."

o His father started the Pallava-Chalukya conflict, which he successfully continued.

He wished to avenge his father's defeat at the hands of Chalukyan ruler Pulakesin
II.
 o In three battles, including one in Manimangalam near Kanchi in 642 CE, he
defeated Pulakesin II.

o Pulakesin II died, and Narasimhavarman took the title Vatapikonda in his place

(the conqueror of Vatapi).

Major Literary Works

Major Literary Works of Pallava Dynasty

 The Pallavas were great supporters of education. Kanchi, their capital, was an ancient
centre of learning. Kanchi's Ghatika was well-known, attracting students from all over
India and abroad.

 Mayurasarman, the founder of the Kadamba dynasty, studied Vedas in

Kanchi. Dinganaga, a Buddhist writer, came to Kanchi to study.

 Kanchi was the home of Dharmapala, who later became the President of Nalanada
University.

 Bharavi, the great Sanskrit scholar, lived during Simhavishnu's reign.

 Another Sanskrit writer, Dandin, graced the court of Narasimhavarman II.

 The Sanskrit play Mattavilasa Prahasana was written by Mahendravarman I.

 Tamil literature had also grown during this period.

 During this time, music and dance flourished as well.

 Tamil devotional saints used music and dance to bring the "concept of compassionate
God" to life.

 Religious hymns were sung with music and dance accompaniment.

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link Major Literary Works of pallava dynasty

Art and Architecture

Art and Architecture of Pallava Dynasty

 The religious revival of the time provided impetus for architectural activity. The Pallavas
made enormous contributions to Indian art and architecture.

 In fact, the Pallavas were the forefathers of the Dravidian style of Indian architecture in
the south. It was a gradual progression from cave temples to monolithic Rathas,
culminating in structural temples.

 The Pallavas had also aided in the advancement of sculpture. Beautiful sculptures adorn
the walls of the Mandapas.

 The sculpture at Mamallapuram depicting the "Descent of Ganges or the Penance of

Arjuna" is a masterpiece of classical art.
  Music, dance, and painting had also flourished under the Pallavas' patronage. The
paintings in the Sittannavasal caves date from the Pallava period.

Decline of Pallavas

 The attack and temporary occupation of Kanchi by Vikramaditya II may be regarded as

the beginning of the end of Pallava supremacy over South India.
 The Pallava kingdom was attacked by the Pandyas, the western Gangas, and the
Rashtrakutas.
 Dantidurga, the founder of the Rashtrakuta Kingdom, defeated Nandivarman, but the
latter offered his daughter Reva in marriage to the former, preventing the Pallava
Kingdom from collapsing.
 Pallava rule lasted until the end of the ninth century CE. The other rulers were
Dantivarman (795 – 846 CE), Nandivarman III (846 – 869 CE), and Nripatunga (869 –
899 CE).
 The last Pallava king was Aparajitavarman (903 CE).
 Aditya I, the Chola king, defeated Aparjitavarman and took control of the Kanchi
region. With this, the Pallava hegemony over South India came to an end.

Conclusion

From 275 CE to 897 CE, the Pallavas established themselves as a formidable power in South
India. They were able to maintain their rule for approximately 500 years. Pallava's fortunes
declined after Narasimhavarman. The Chalukyan army invaded the Pallava kingdom and
threatened Kanchipuram, its capital. Aparajitavarman was the last king of the Pallava dynasty,
and his defeat by the Chola king brought the Pallava power to an end around the end of the 9th
century.
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