900-Year-Old Chalukyan Inscription

• 01 Apr 2024

Source: TH

Why in News?

Recently, A 900-year-old Kannada inscription belonging to the Kalyani Chalukya dynasty was discovered in a neglected state in Gangapuram, in Telangana.

• It was issued by Customs Officers under Tailapa-III, son of Emperor 'Bhulokamalla' Someswara-III of the Kalyani Chalukya dynasty.

Who were the Chalukyas?

• Overview:
  • The Chalukyas ruled parts of Southern and Central India between the 6^th century and the 12^th century.
  • The kingdom of Chalukyas was centred around the Raichur Doab, between the Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers.
• Three distinct but related Chalukya dynasties:
  • Badami Chalukyas: They were the earliest Chalukyas with their capital at Badami (Vatapi) in Karnataka.
    • Their rule started in the mid-6^th century and declined after the death of their greatest king, Pulakesin II in 642 AD.
  • Eastern Chalukyas: Emerged after the death of Pulakesin II in Eastern Deccan with the capital at Vengi.
    • They ruled till the 11^th century.
  • Western Chalukyas: They were the descendants of the Badami Chalukyas.
    • They emerged in the late 10^th century and ruled from Kalyani.

Note:

Pulakesin II: The Pinnacle of Chalukya Power -

• Conquered various kingdoms including Kadambas, Gangas of Mysore, Mauravas of North Konkan, Latas of Gujarat, Malavas, and Gurjars.
• Secured submissions from Chola, Chera, and Pandya kings.
• Defeated King Harsha of Kannauj and Pallava king Mahendravarman.

• Administration and Cultural Contributions:
  • Robust Military: Comprehensive army with infantry, cavalry, elephant unit, and a strong navy.
  • Religious Tolerance: Despite being Hindu rulers, they showed tolerance towards Buddhism and Jainism.
  • Literary and Numismatic Contributions: Advanced developments in Kannada and Telugu literature.
  • Coins featured Nagari and Kannada inscriptions, temple cryptograms, and symbols like lions, boars, and lotuses.
• Architectural Marvels:
  • Cave Temples: Built temples with both religious and secular themes adorned with beautiful mural paintings.
  • Notable Temples:
    • Aihole temples: Lady Khan (Surya), Durga, Huchimalligudi.
    • Badami temples.
    • Pattadakal Temples: The UNESCO World Heritage site features 10 temples in both Nagar and Dravida styles, including the Virupaksha and Sangameshwara Temples.
• Aihole Inscription of Pulakesin II:
  • Situated in the Megudi temple at Aihole, Karnataka, the Aihole inscription provides invaluable insights into Chalukya history and achievements.
  • Aihole is considered the “Cradle of Indian temple architecture”.
  • Crafted by the renowned poet Ravikriti, the inscription is a lyrical tribute to the Chalukya dynasty, particularly King Pulakesin II, lauded as the embodiment of truth (Sathyasraya).
  • The inscription chronicles the Chalukya dynasty's triumphs over adversaries, including the renowned defeat of Harshavardhana.
• Decline:
  • After the decline of the Chalukya Kingdom of Kalyani at the end of 12^th century, the new kingdoms which arose in South India were Yadavas of Devagiri and Kakatiyas of Warangal and Hoysalas of Dwarasamudra and Pandyas of Madurai.