The Chalukya dynasty was an ancient Indian dynasty that played a significant role in the history of South India. It was known for its contributions to art, culture, and architecture, as well as its political influence in different periods. Read here to learn more.
The Chalukyas played a crucial role in the history of South India and contributed significantly to the development of art, architecture, literature, and culture in the Deccan region.
The Chalukya dynasty can be broadly categorized into three major branches: the Badami Chalukyas, the Western Chalukyas, and the Eastern Chalukyas.
While these three branches of the Chalukya dynasty had their unique characteristics, they all left a lasting legacy in the history of India, particularly in the Deccan plateau.
Badami Chalukyas dynasty (6th to 8th centuries CE)
The Badami Chalukyas were the earliest dynasty of the Chalukya Empire. Their capital was Badami in present-day Karnataka.
The Badami dynasty was established by Pulakeshin I around 543 CE and his descendants are referred to as “Chalukyas of Badami”. They ruled over an empire that comprised the entire state of Karnataka and most of Andhra Pradesh in the Deccan.
The most famous ruler of this dynasty was Pulakeshin II (610-642 CE). He is known for defeating the powerful North Indian ruler Harsha and expanding the Chalukya Empire’s territories.
- Pulakeshin II, whose pre-coronation name was Ereya, commanded control over the entire Deccan and is perhaps the most well-known emperor of the Badami dynasty. He is considered one of the most notable kings in Indian history.
The kingdom fell into decline after the death of Pulakeshin II and Badami was occupied by Pallavas for about 13 years.
Rulers
- Vikramaditya I (655 – 680 CE): Vikramaditya I succeeded in taking the territory back from Pallavas and continued his father’s legacy of expansion and conquest. He maintained the empire’s territorial integrity and engaged in successful military campaigns.
- Vinayaditya (680 – 696 CE): Vinayaditya, the son of Vikramaditya I, ruled during a relatively peaceful period. His reign saw stability and consolidation of the empire’s territories.
- Vijayaditya (696 – 733 CE): Vijayaditya succeeded Vinayaditya and continued his father’s policies. His reign witnessed conflicts with the Rashtrakutas and the Pallavas.
- Vikramaditya II (733 – 746 CE): Vikramaditya II was another significant ruler of the Badami Chalukya dynasty. He is known for his military campaigns, especially his victories over the Pallavas and the Rashtrakutas.
- Kirtivarman II (746 – 753 CE): Kirtivarman II faced challenges from the Rashtrakutas and was eventually defeated by them, marking the decline of the Badami Chalukya dynasty.
Architecture
The Badami Chalukyas were known for their patronage of art and architecture, including rock-cut cave temples at Badami, Aihole, and Pattadakal, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Cave 1: Known as the Cave Temple of Lord Shiva, this is the largest and most famous of the rock-cut temples. It features intricate carvings of deities and scenes from Hindu mythology, including a majestic 18-armed Nataraja (Shiva as the Lord of Dance) sculpture.
- Cave 2: This cave temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and features carvings of Vishnu in various forms, including the Varaha (boar) incarnation.
- Cave 3: Dedicated to Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, this cave temple has detailed carvings of Jain Tirthankaras (spiritual leaders) and other Jain deities.
In addition to the rock-cut temples, the Badami Chalukyas also constructed structural temples made of stone. These temples are characterized by their unique Dravidian-style shikhara (towering spires) and intricate sculptural work. Examples include:
- Dattatreya Temple: Located in Aihole, this temple is one of the earliest examples of Chalukyan architecture. It features a unique triple-headed image of Lord Dattatreya and elaborate carvings.
- Pattadakal: The group of temples at Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases some of the most exquisite Chalukyan architecture. The Virupaksha Temple, Mallikarjuna Temple, and Kashi Vishveshvara Temple are prime examples.
- Sangameshvara Temple: Located in Pattadakal, this temple is known for its detailed carvings and intricate sculptures, depicting various aspects of Hindu mythology and religious li
The Badami Chalukya dynasty began to decline in the 8th century due to internal conflicts, external invasions, and the rise of other regional powers.
The Rashtrakutas eventually overtook the Chalukyas in the Deccan, leading to the decline of the Badami Chalukya dynasty.
Western Chalukyas dynasty (10th to 12th centuries CE)
The Western Chalukyas, also known as the Kalyani Chalukyas, had their capital in Kalyani (modern-day Basavakalyan in Karnataka).
They claimed descent from the ancient Chalukyas of Badami, who had ruled the region centuries earlier.
They emerged as a powerful dynasty in the Deccan region during the 10th century. The dynasty reached its zenith under King Vikramaditya VI (r. 1076-1126 CE).
Rulers
- Tailapa II (973-997 CE): Tailapa II is considered one of the founders of the Western Chalukya dynasty. He expanded the Chalukya territory and was known for his successful military campaigns.
- Satyashraya (997-1008 CE): Satyashraya succeeded Tailapa II as the ruler of the Western Chalukyas. His reign was marked by efforts to consolidate Chalukya’s power and establish control over the region.
- Vikramaditya VI (1076-1126 CE): Vikramaditya VI is one of the most famous Chalukya rulers. His reign saw the height of Chalukya’s power and influence. He was a patron of arts and culture and is known for his inscription at the Kailasanatha temple in Ellora.
- Someshvara I (1042-1068 CE): Someshvara I was another important ruler of the Kalyani Chalukya dynasty. He made significant contributions to the arts and literature of the time.
- Someshvara II (1068-1076 CE): Someshvara II succeeded Someshvara I and continued his legacy. He is known for his patronage of Jainism and the construction of Jain temples.
- Vikramaditya VII (1136-1156 CE): Vikramaditya VII was a later ruler who tried to revive Chalukya’s power, but by this time, the dynasty was facing decline.
Architecture
The Western Chalukyas are known for their contributions to art and literature, particularly the Sanskrit poet Bilhana and their Chalukyan style of temple architecture.
Their style of temple architecture is often referred to as “Vesara,” characterized by a combination of both Nagara (North Indian) and Dravidian (South Indian) architectural elements. This style resulted in unique and distinctive temple designs.
- They were notable for their temple architecture, characterized by intricately carved stone temples with unique features.
- The Lad Khan Temple, the Durga Temple at Aihole, and the Mahadeva Temple at Itagi are notable examples of Chalukyan architecture.
The Western Chalukya dynasty began to decline in the 12th century due to external invasions, particularly by the Cholas and the Kalachuris. Additionally, the rise of the Hoysala dynasty and other regional powers contributed to their decline.
- Despite their eventual decline, the Western Chalukyas left a lasting legacy in the Deccan region.
- Their architectural contributions, especially the Chalukyan style of temple architecture, continue to be admired and studied by historians and art enthusiasts.
- The dynasty effectively came to an end in the late 12th century when the Kalachuris of Kalyani defeated and absorbed the Western Chalukya kingdom.
Eastern Chalukyas dynasty (7th to 12th centuries CE)
The Eastern Chalukyas, also known as the Chalukyas of Vengi, ruled in the eastern Deccan region, primarily in present-day Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. They branched out of Badami chalukyas.
They ruled over the eastern Deccan region of India, with their capital initially in Vengi (modern-day Pedakallepalli in Andhra Pradesh) and later in Rajamahendravaram (modern-day Rajahmundry).
Rulers
- Kubja Vishnuvardhana (624 – 641 CE): Kubja Vishnuvardhana is considered the founder of the Chalukya dynasty in Vengi. He established the dynasty and laid the foundation for its rule in the region. He was the brother of Pulakeshin II and possibly became independent after the latter’s death.
- Jayasimha I (641 – 673 CE): Jayasimha I succeeded his father Kubja Vishnuvardhana and continued to consolidate and expand the Chalukya rule in Vengi.
- Mangi Yuvaraja (673 – 682 CE): Mangi Yuvaraja was a Chalukya ruler who followed Jayasimha I. His rule marked a period of relative stability and consolidation.
- Vishnuvardhana II (706 – 746 CE): Vishnuvardhana II continued the expansion of the Chalukya kingdom. He played a significant role in the political developments of the region.
- Vijayaditya I (746 – 756 CE): Vijayaditya I was known for his contributions to art and culture. He was a patron of the famous Telugu poet Nannaya Bhatta, who wrote the Mahabharata in Telugu.
- Vishnuvardhana III (770 – 821 CE): Vishnuvardhana III was another important ruler who patronized art and literature. His rule saw the continuation of cultural developments in the Vengi region.
- Vijayaditya II (808 – 847 CE): Vijayaditya II was a Chalukya ruler who ruled during a period of political turmoil. His reign witnessed conflicts with the Rashtrakutas.
- Amma I (847 – 869 CE): Amma I was one of the last rulers of the Chalukyas of Vengi. His reign marked the declining phase of the dynasty, as the region faced invasions and conflicts.
The dynasty had a complex history, often subject to conflicts with neighboring dynasties like the Cholas and the Chalukyas of Kalyani.
The Eastern Chalukyas administration as mentioned in inscriptions refers to the traditional seven components of the state (Saptanga), and the eighteen Tirthas (Offices), such as:
- Mantri (Minister)
- Purohita (Chaplain)
- Senapati (Commander)
- Yuvaraja (Heir-apparent)
- Dauvarika (Door keeper)
- Pradhana (Chief)
- Adhyaksha (Head of the department) and so on.
Architecture
They were responsible for the construction of various temples in their region, incorporating Dravidian architectural elements.
- Dravidian Temple Architecture: The Chalukyas of Vengi were patrons of Dravidian-style temple architecture, which is characterized by its distinctive pyramid-shaped towers or vimanas. These temples typically had square or rectangular sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) and a hall (mandapa) supported by intricately carved pillars.
- Lingaraja Temple: The Lingaraja Temple in Rajamahendravaram (formerly known as Draksharama) is one of the most significant examples of Chalukya architecture. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and showcases the typical Dravidian architectural elements, including a towering vimana and richly carved stone sculptures.
- Bhimesvara Temple: Another notable temple constructed by the Chalukyas of Vengi is the Bhimesvara Temple in Samalkot. This temple is renowned for its intricate carvings on the exterior walls, depicting various deities, mythological scenes, and intricate ornamentation.
- Kumararama Bhimeswara Temple: Located in Samarlakota, this temple is one of the five Pancharama Kshetras dedicated to Lord Shiva. It features a Dravidian-style vimana with detailed carvings and sculptures.
- Jagannath Temple: The Chalukyas of Vengi also contributed to the construction of the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha. Although this temple primarily follows the Kalinga style of architecture, it received patronage and support from various dynasties, including the Chalukyas of Vengi.
- Influence of Chola Architecture: The Chalukyan architects in the Vengi region were influenced by the Chola dynasty, which was known for its architectural grandeur. As a result, some elements of Chola architecture, such as large and intricately carved gopurams (entrance towers) and temple tanks, were incorporated into Chalukyan temples.
- Niche Sculptures: Chalukya temples are often adorned with niche sculptures of deities, celestial beings, and mythological figures. These sculptures showcase the artistic prowess of the era and the religious devotion of the rulers.
- Ornate Pillars: Pillars inside the temple halls (mandapas) are adorned with intricate carvings, including depictions of divine beings, dancers, musicians, and floral motifs.
-Article by Swathi Satish
Leave a Reply