Chalukyan Age Telangana History – Culture
After Satavahanas, several parts of South India were ruled by the famous Chalukyan dynasty for around six centuries. Their rule period is known as the Chalukyan Age in South Indian history. Among them, those who ruled with Badami (Vatapi) in Bijapur district as their capital formed the parental branch. The Eastern Chalukyan dynasty, branched off from the Badami Chalukyas, ruled over Vengi uninterruptedly for four and a half centuries and towards the end became the descendants of Tanjavoor Cholas and ruled the Tamil region also for two and a half centuries.
During their rule, South Indian culture flourished splendidly—politically and culturally. The Hindu culture took birth during the Ikshvakus and Vishnukunds and blossomed in the Chalukyan period. Ancient Vedanta literature, architecture and sculpture attained their final shape. The temples in Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Andhradesa remain as storehouses of architecture, sculpture and painting. Regional languages such as Telugu, Kannada, Marathi and Gujarati attained new forms during the Chalukyan time.
Sources
The history of Chalukyas mainly depended on stone or copper plate inscriptions. Most information about the Eastern Chalukyas is dependent on copper plate inscriptions. Many copper plate inscriptions of those days are available. During their period, we notice three clear phases. In the inscriptions of early rulers from Kubja Vishnuvardhana to Vishnuvardhana V, only the names of rulers of three generations appear—donor, father and grandfather. No historically valuable information about victories is available.
However, after Gunaga Vijayaditya (Vijayaditya III) ascended the throne, some change is seen. In his Sataluru grant inscription, the chronology of earlier rulers, their rule period, and events are given. The Neelgund inscription (866 A.D.) informs that Gunaga Vijayaditya was the feudatory of Amoghavarsha I and paid tribute. The Sanjan copper plate inscription (872 A.D.) reveals that Gunaga Vijayaditya cleaned the walking path of Amoghavarsha.
Among the Eastern Chalukyas, Kubja Vishnuvardhana, with the acceptance of Pulakesi II, ruled over Vengi independently. The Kopparam inscription (631 A.D.) refers to Vishnuvardhana as heir-apparent (Yuvaraja); the Cheepurupalli inscription (641 A.D.) says he assumed the title of Maharaja. The Aihole inscription is the main source for Pulakesi II, written in Sanskrit by Ravikeerthi, his Minister for War.
For Vemulavada Chalukyas, the Kollipara copper plate inscription of Arikesari I, Kuruvagattu stone inscription, Chennur copper plate inscription (941 A.D.), Karimnagar copper plate inscription (946 A.D.), Kurkyala inscription (940 A.D.), Parbhani copper plate inscription (966 A.D.), and Repaka inscription (968 A.D.) are chief sources. Literary sources include 'Vikramarjuna Vijayam' by Pampa and 'Yasastilaka Champukavyam' by Somadevasuri.
For Mudigonda Chalukyas, the Mogala Cheruvu inscription of Kusumayudha IV, Krivvaka inscription of Kusumayudha VI, Narayanagiri copper plate inscription (1004 A.D.), Bezawada copper plate inscription (892 A.D.), and Koravi inscription (935 A.D.) are important. Among archaeological sources, coins like 'Chalukya Chandra' gold coins found in Arakan and Siam are notable. Gold coin was called 'gadya' (88 grains), silver coin 'mada', and copper coin 'kasu'.
Origin of the Word Chalukya
There were no certain sources about the origin of their dynastic name and place of origin. Some stories state Chalukyas belonged to the Chandravamsa that ruled Ayodhya. In Solanki inscriptions of Gujarat, it was stated that the founder was born from the 'chalukya' (chuluka) of Brahma. Bilhana in 'Vikramankadeva Charitra' narrates that a great warrior was born from Brahma's palm (chuluka), hence the name Chalukya. The Kautham inscription of Vikramaditya V describes them as Chandravamsa kings who ruled Ayodhya, went on exile to South India, and later reestablished authority.
The word 'Chalika' was first found in an inscription of the Ikshvakus at Nagarjunakonda (C.E. 3rd century), referring to Khandachelika Remmanaka, a feudatory king of Hiranya rashtra. If 'Chalika' is the old form of 'Chalukya', he could be 'Chalukya Remmanaka'. Alternative forms like Saliki, Sahuki, Chelka, Chelalya are seen. Dr. Rice felt Chalukyas belonged to the family of Seleucus in Central Asia, but this is not trusted. D.C. Sircar revealed they belonged to a Kannada family who declared themselves Kshatriyas. The Ranastapudi inscription mentions the founder stayed in the ashram of Vishnubhatta Somayaji in 'Mudivemu agraharam' (Cuddapah district). The Tummeyanoor inscription of Pulakesi II refers to parts of Kurnool and Mahaboobnagar as 'Chalukya Vishaya'. Historians believe their native place itself became Chalukya Vishaya. Near Bidar, there is a village Chalkapuri and a river Chalki. According to Durga Prasad Dikshit, the area of Bidar and Osmanabad districts is the native land of the Chalukyas.
Political Developments
The ancestors of Chalukyas, as feudatories of the Ikshvakus, ruled Hiranya rashtra in Cuddapa district. In C.E. 4th century first half, Pallavas overthrew the Ikshvakus. Chalukyas tried to defy the Pallavas. Trilochana Pallava defeated them. Mayurasarma, the Kadamba ruler, joined with Chalukyas and fought against Pallavas. As a result, they went into Karnataka land and established a kingdom in the Badami region. Their royal emblem is varaha. The founder is Jayasimha or Jayasimha Vallabha. He defeated the Rashtrakutas of Manyakheta.
Son of Ranaraga. He was the founder of the independent Chalukyan dynasty. He defied Kadambas, occupied Vatapi and built a strong fort there (543 A.D.) and made it his capital. He performed asvamedha sacrifice. Among the Chalukyan rulers, he was the first who assumed the title of 'maharaja'.
Son of Pulakesi I. He defeated Mauryas of Konkan and Kadambas of Banavasi, extended his kingdom up to Konkan. He built several palaces and temples in Vatapi (Badami) and turned it into a beautiful city.
Brother of Keertivarma. He defeated Kadambas, conquered Revati island or Goa. He had the title of 'paramabhagavata'. A war of succession took place between Pulakesi II and Mangalesa; the latter was killed and Pulakesi II ascended the throne in C.E. 609.
Pulakesi II was the greatest ruler among the Western Chalukya kings. With his coming to power, the Chalukyan age started in South Indian history. He conquered Maharashtra, Malwa, Kalinga, Andhra and Karnataka. He defeated Harsha, the North Indian emperor, on the banks of the Narmada. The Aihole (Ayyavolu) prasasti by Ravikeerthi describes his expeditions. After the battle, Narmada became the boundary. He assumed the title 'Parameswara'. He defeated Pallava Mahendravarma at Pullalur. He went up to Kanchipuram. During the time of Narasimhavarma I (630–668 A.D.), Pulakesi II died in Pallava hands. Narasimhavarma assumed the title 'Vatapikonda'. The Persian emperor sent Khusru as ambassador; a painting in Ajanta caves illustrates this. Chinese traveller Hiuen-tsang visited in 641 A.D. and observed the kingdom was extensive and prosperous.
Third son of Pulakesi II. He saved the kingdom from Pallava attacks and conquered Pandya, Chola and Kalabhra rulers. Chalukyan authority extended up to three seas.
Son of Vikramaditya. His rule went peacefully. He received gifts from Kalabhra, Kerala, Haihaya, Malwa, Chola and Pandya kings. He lost his life in the 'Vilande' battle against Prameswaravarman, the Ganga king.
Son of Vikramaditya. He invaded Northern India and adopted the Ganga-Yamuna torana and Pala flag as his emblem. He built some temples at Pattadakal.
He confronted the Arabs in Sindh. He defeated the Pallavas and erected a victory pillar on the coast of the Southern Ocean. His wives Lokamahadevi and Rajaneetrailokyadevi built 'Lokeswaralayam' and 'Tralokeswaralayam' at Pattadakal.
Last ruler of the Western Chalukya (Badami/Vatapi) dynasty. Rashtrakuta Dantidurga overthrew the Badami Chalukya dynasty in C.E. 752 and established the Rashtrakuta kingdom.
Eastern Chalukyas stand as important among those dynasties who rendered yeomen services to Telugu culture and literature. As the Vengi region between the Krishna and Godavari rivers became their capital, they are called Vengi Chalukyas. Their rule ran from C.E. 624 to 1075. Their rule period is divided into three phases: first (624–753) – peace; second (753–973) – deadly enmity with Rashtrakutas; third (973–1075) – decline of Rashtrakutas and emergence of Kalyani Chalukyas.
Founder of the Vengi Chalukya kingdom. He ruled Vengi for 18 years. Titles: 'Vishamasiddhi', 'Kamadheva', 'Makaradhwaja'. The Kopparam inscription (631 A.D.) tells us Pulakesi II permitted him to rule independently. His kingdom extended from Visakhapatnam to Kammanadu. He was praised as 'Paramabhagavata'. His wife Ayyanamahadevi favoured Jainism and built a Jain monastery at Bezawada. Chinese traveller Hiuen-tsang visited during his time.
Known as Jayasimhavallabha I. He reigned for 33 years. Titles: 'Sakala Lokasraya', 'Sarvasiddhi'. The Vipparla inscription was the first Telugu inscription of the Eastern Chalukyas.
Ruled for seven days only. Issued the Kondanagoor inscription. Titles: 'tyagadhanudu', 'makaradhwaja'.
Son of Indrabhattaraka. Praised as 'dharmasastravetta'. Titles: 'vishamasiddhi', 'makaradhwaja', 'sarvalokesaraya', 'pralayaditya'.
Ruled for 25 years. Title: 'vijayasiddhi'. Expanded the kingdom from Visakhapatnam to Ongole.
Eldest son of Mangi Yuvaraju. Wars of succession started from his time, weakening the kingdom.
After Kokkili Maharaju, he ascended the throne. Title: 'tribhuvanamkusa'. His wife was Vijayamahadevi.
Eastern Chalukyas entered the second phase. Rashtrakutas under Dantidurga ended the Badami Chalukyan dynasty. Chalukya–Rashtrakuta wars continued for around 200 years.
He started as a feudatory of Rashtrakuta Krishna I. Arikesari I defeated him. He gave his daughter Seelamahadevi in marriage to Dhruva.
Also known as Narendra Mrigaraju. He fought 108 battles over twelve years. He got titles: 'Narendreswara', 'Narendramrugaraju', 'Chalukyaraya', 'Vikramadavali'. He built 108 Siva temples. It is said that due to him only, Bezawada got its name.
Son of Vijayaditya II. He had four sons: Vijayaditya III, Vikramaditya, Nripakamudu and Yuddhamalla.
Gunaga Vijayaditya was the greatest among the Eastern Chalukyas. He made the victory flag march from the Ganges in the North to the Cauvery in the South. He conquered Gangavadi and Nolambavadi in C.E. 870. He took charge of Pali dhvaja and Krishna–Yamuna torana. Titles: 'tripuramartamaheswara', 'parachakrarama', 'ranarangasudraka'. After him, a quarrel started for the throne.
His rule was opposed by his uncle Yuddhamalla I. He waged 360 battles. He installed Bheemeswaraswamy at Draksharamam.
He constructed Rajamahendrapuram and made it the Chalukyan capital. Title: 'rajamahendra'.
Half-brother of Ammaraju I. He drove away Yuddhamalla II.
Ruled for 25 years. He donated to a Saiva temple called 'samastabhuvanasraya' at Bezawada.
He took Velanadu, Konidesa and Pottapinadu. He was killed by Jatachoda Bhima.
He belonged to the Chola dynasty. He ruled with Peddakallu in Kurnool district as capital. He died in C.E. 999.
Title: 'Chalukya Chandrudu'. Coins with this title were found in the Arakan coast.
Titles: 'rajamarthanda', 'mummidibhima'. He later accepted Jainism. He built a cave temple called Ramakonda in Ramathirtham.
His coronation was held in C.E. 1022 after Rajendra Chola invaded and defeated Vijayaditya. His wife was Ammangadevi. Nannaya, the poet with title 'sabdasasana', adorned his court. The first two and a half parvas of Andhra Mahabharata were written by Nannaya, assisted by Narayanabhattu.
After Rajaraja Narendra, his son Rajendra had to ascend the throne. As his uncle Vijayaditya VII occupied the throne, Rajendra could not. Rajendra Chola II and Virarajendra tried to restore Rajendra. After the death of Vijayaditya VII in C.E. 1075, the Vengi Chalukya dynasty came to an end. Rajendra ascended the Chola throne as Kulottunga Chola and joined Vengi in the Chola empire.
Vemulavada Chalukyas were the feudatories of the Rashtrakutas. They ruled over the North-western Telangana region with Vemulavada in Karimnagar district as their capital. They ruled from C.E. 750 to 975, around 225 years. For knowing their history, six stone inscriptions and two copper plate inscriptions are found.
Founder of the Vemulavada Chalukyan kingdom. He joined as the commander-in-chief of Dantidurga, the founder of the Rashtrakuta empire. He ruled Sapadalaksha and conquered the impregnable Chitrakuta fort. He ruled with Bodhan as his capital. He conquered Turkish, Yavana, Barbara, Kashmira, Kamboja, Magadha, Kalinga, Ganga, Pallava, Pandya and Kerala areas.
He was the feudatory of Rashtrakuta Dhruva. He supported Dhruva in the war of succession. Dhruva gifted Nagarkurnool and Ramadugu to Arikesari I. Capital was shifted from Bodhan to Vemulavada. He made an educational donation of Belmoga village to Mugdhasivacharya. Titles: 'samastalokasraya', 'tribhuvanamalla', 'rajatrinetra', 'sahasrarayadi'.
Title: 'soladaganda' (a warrior who knew no defeat). He was victorious in forty-two battles. He invaded Vengi, defeated Chalukya Bhima and took him into custody. He built the Baddegeswara temple at Vemulavada (now Bheemeswara temple).
He was a warrior of great strength. He undertook a military expedition up to the Ganges river. He was the feudatory of Rashtrakuta Indra III. He defeated Mahipala, the Gurjara Prathihara ruler. His wife Jakavva was the sister of Indra III and mother of Arikesari II.
Admired as a scholar, warrior, good ruler and patron of poets. Under his patronage, Pampa wrote 'Vikramarjuna Vijayam', the first great work in Kannada literature. He had titles: pambaramkusa, ammaanagandhavarana, udattanarayana, gunanidhi, gunarnava, saranagata, vajrapanjara, priyagala, tribhuvanamalla, samantachudamani.
Eldest son of Arikesari II. He ruled with Gangadhara town as his capital.
Built a Jaina monastery of Gauda Sangha called subhadamajenalaya for Somadevasuri. Bommala gattu developed into a great Jaina centre.
Last king of the Vemulavada Chalukya dynasty. He issued the Parbhani copper plate inscription (966 A.D.) and Karimnagar copper plate inscription (946 A.D.). He granted Repaka village to 'subhadamajenalayam'. In 973 A.D., the Rashtrakuta dynasty was destroyed and the Kalyani Chalukya kingdom was established by Tailapa II. Along with Rashtrakutas, Vemulavada Chalukya rule also came to an end.
Mudigonda Chalukyas ruled over Manchikondanadu in Koraviseema of present Telangana with Mudigonda (Khammam district) as their capital. Khammam and Warangal areas came to be known as 'Koraviseema'. They guarded the North-western borders of the Vengi Chalukyas.
Founder of the Mudigonda Chalukyan dynasty. He acquired Koravi mandalam with the help of the Eastern Chalukyas and ruled from Mudigonda.
Contemporary of Gunaga Vijayaditya and Chalukya Bhima. He freed Chalukya Bhima from the capturing of Krishna II and installed him on the throne.
Son of Kusumayudha. He was removed by his brother Niravadya (910–935 A.D.). With the help of Arikesari II, Gonagaiah dethroned Niravadya and acquired the Mudigonda kingdom back.
Last among the Mudigonda Chalukyas. During the time of his younger brother Nagatiraju (C.E. 1175–1200), Ganapatideva (Kakatiya kingdom) invaded and defeated him. With this, the Mudigonda Chalukya kingdom became part of the Kakatiya empire.
Kalyani Chalukyas are also called Western Chalukyas. They belong to the Badami Chalukya dynasty. Their first capital was Manyakheta; later they made Kalyani their capital. Their rule was established by Tailapa II.
By defeating Karka II, the last Rashtrakuta king, in C.E. 973, the sovereignty of Kalyani Chalukyas was established. He assumed titles: 'mahasamantadhipa', 'chalukyarama', 'satyasrayakula tilaka', 'ahavamalla', 'prithvi vallabha'. He defeated the Paramaras and Cholas. Ranna, the poet, flourished in his court.
Titles: 'irivabendaga', 'akalamka charita'. He fought continuous wars against the Cholas. Vimalachandra, a Jain scholar, was his guru.
Title: 'tribhuvanamalla'. He was liberal and made donations.
Titles: 'jagadekamalla', 'trailokamalla', 'vikramasimha'. He accepted Kalamukha Saivism due to the encouragement of his queens Devalamahadevi and Suggaladevi.
The greatest among the Kalyani Chalukyas. Titles: 'aahavamalla', 'rajanarayana', 'trailokamalla'. He built the Kalyani city. He fought many battles with the Cholas. In the Kopparam battle of C.E. 1053–54, Western Chalukyas killed Chola Rajadhiraja. He died on C.E. 1068, March 28th, by jumping into the Tungabhadra river.
Title: 'bhuvanaikamalla'. His brother Vikramaditya VI rebelled against him and occupied the kingdom.
Considered a great king among the Western Chalukyas. He started the Chalukya Vikrama era from C.E. 1076. He patronised poets Bilhana and Vijnaneswara. Title: 'tribhuvanamalla'.
He wrote 'abhilashitardhachintamani', described as 'vijnanasarvasvam' (encyclopedia), also called 'manasollasam'.
During his time, the Hoyasalas rose. After him, his younger brother Tailapa III (C.E. 1151–57) assumed authority. In C.E. 1157, Kalchuri Bijjala drove away Tailapa III. With the death of Someswara IV in C.E. 1200, the Kalyani Chalukyan dynasty ended.
Chalukyan Age: Administrative System
The Chalukyan government had been a monarchy of hereditary nature. The king was all in all. King's authority consisted of seven items (king, minister, kingdom, treasury, army, friend and fort). The yuvaraja or crown prince assisted the king. Chalukyan kings used titles: 'parameswara', 'paramabhattaraka', 'parama maheswara', 'prithvivallabha', 'Bhuvanasraya', 'Rajadhiraja', 'rajaparameswara'. The emperor had to rule according to the dharmasastras. The council of ministers helped the emperor. Minister, commander-in-chief, treasurer, purohit and yuvaraja advised the king. During Chalukyan times, these posts were gradually held by Sudras also.
For administrative convenience, the empire was divided into provinces and provinces into vishayas. Vishayas were also called nadus. Kammanadu, Prolanadu, Attilinadu and Venginadu were some names. Rashtra, Vishaya and Village were headed by Rashtradhipati, Vishyadhipati and Gramani respectively. Village was the foundation. Grama sabha used to be there in every village. Karanams maintained village accounts.
Tribute paid by feudatories was the main source of income. Land tax amounted to 1/6th of the produce. Taxes were paid in cash or kind. Professional taxes were levied on potter, washerman, barber, goldsmith and blacksmith. Chalukyan kings spent on army, royal family, salaries, welfare activities, charities and philanthropy. According to Sukra's 'Neetisaram', a king should keep 1/6th of income in treasury; half of the remaining on army, 1/12th for royal family, 1/12th for salaries, 1/12th for people's welfare, and 1/12th for charities.
Judicial administration: The king remained the chief justice. Judgments were given by 'rashtradhipati' in provinces and 'vishayapati' in Vishayas. In villages, Grama sabhas gave judgments. Special judges were called 'pradvivakas'. The Koravi copper plate inscription (C.E. 935) gives details about criminal investigation. 'Mitakshara' of Vijnaneswara and 'Neetikavyamruta' of Somadevasuri are referred to as dharmasastra works. Death sentence was the highest punishment. Cutting of hands, legs, ears, nose etc. were hard punishments.
Military organisation: Chalukyan emperors led armies. The Aihole inscription of Pulakesi II gives details about six types of army organisations: i) Mula (hereditary); ii) Bhritya; iii) Sreni (guild-based); iv) Mitra (friendly kingdoms); v) Atavika (forest tribes); vi) Amitra (captured forces). Forts were under 'durgadhipathi'.
Economic Development
During the Chalukyan period, dependence on land and agriculture increased. Brahmins got agraharas and became landlords. Sudras cultivated their lands. Agricultural lands were divided into wet lands, dry lands, sandy lands (garuvu) and garden lands. Land tax was fixed depending on water facility, land fertility and crop yield. Commercial crops included coconut, betel leaf, betel nut, mango, sugarcane, cotton, grams and pulses.
Irrigation was essential. Emperors constructed tanks and wells. The tanks Chaita tank and Bhimasamudram mentioned in the Tadikonda inscription of Ammaraju II are supplying water even today. In Chebrolu of Guntur district, there was a big tank called Ananta Sarovaram. Land measurements included nivartana, martu, khandika and putti. King Vijayaditya decided taxes in Malliswaradeva town: Oodpu paddy field – 2 chinnas per putti; Oodpu field – 6 chinnas; Dry land – 4 chinnas; New land – 2 chinnas.
Industries: Teliki (oil-extractor), potter, blacksmith, carpenter, kanchari (brass utensil maker) and medari (basket maker) were given tax-free lands. Cloth industry continued. Powerful trade guilds carried on brisk trade. Vaisyas, telula (oil-pressers), perikas and balejas had their guilds. Fairs and pilgrimage places developed into trade centers. Visakhapatnam was named Kulottunga Cholapattanam, Ghantasala as Chola Pandyapuram and Motupalli as Deseeyakonda pattanam. Coins: gadyana, mada, panam, kalamju, dramas. Pavuluri Mallanna's work gives coin relations: 4 gokara kanulu = 1 sorakani; 4 sora kanulu = 1 pittha; 4 pitthalu = 1 kani; 4 kanulu = 1 visam; 4 visalu = 1 pattika; 4 pattikalu = 1 chinnam; 4 chinnalu = 1 madha.
Social Development during Chalukyan Age
Vedic Brahman religion gained prominence and varna system took a stable shape. Brahmins had first place. Kshatriyas went as soldiers. Vaisyas formed the third group; their occupation was trade. They were called sreshti, setti and komati. Sudras belonged to the fourth group. During the time of the Chalukyas, opportunity came for some sudras to assume authority over the kingdom. Chalukya feudatories such as Velanati kings, Kondapadamatlu, Tyagi and Parichchedi belonged to sudra caste. Position of women: In the patriarchal society, there used to be restrictions on women. Upper caste ladies and prostitutes used to earn skill in fine arts.
Educational Organisation
Vedic studies received a lot of patronage. Puranas, itihasas, dharmasastras, agamasastras, grammar, Vedanta, Astronomy, Diplomacy, Mathematics, Ayurveda and Logic were studied. The highest educational centre was called Ghatikasthanam. Those who graduated from such Ghatikas were called Ghatikasikas. Nolambeswara temple in Hemavati was a Ghatikasthanam. The Hiresamudra inscription mentions boarding arrangements for more than ninety students. At Nagai, a big library was run. Pavuluri Mallanna translated 'Ganitasastram' written by 'Mahaviracharya' as 'Sarasangraha ganitam'.
Cultural Development
Religious Developments
Vedic religion was in the highest position. Temple construction was taken up as a movement. It became a tradition that the number of wars fought had to be equalled by the construction of the same number of temples. Vijayaditya II built 108 temples; Chalukya Bhima built 360 temples. The temple group in Bikkavolu was constructed during Gunagavijayaditya. Pancharamas were constructed during the Chalukyas.
Saivism: Saivism had popular following. Srisailam, Alampuram and Draksharamam were Saiva centres. Basaveswara (C.E. 1100–70) started the Vira Saiva movement. Vaishnavism: Ramanujacharya propagated Vaishnavism. Buddhism: After C.E. 5th and 6th centuries, Buddhism began declining. Jainism: Ayyanamahadevi, queen of Kubjavishnuvardhana, established Nedumba Vasadi at Bezawada. At Potlacheruvu, there used to be some 500 Jain Vasadis. Vemulavada and Podanapuram (Bodhan) were leading Jain centres. Somadevasuri wrote 'Yasastilaka' and 'Neetikavyamrutam'.
Literary Development
The Telugu language started developing from the time of the Chalukyas. Nannechoda was the greatest poet of this age; he had the title 'Kavirajasekhara' for his 'Kumarasambhavam'. The Vipparla inscription of Jayasimhavallabha I was the first Eastern Chalukyan inscription. Mallikarjuna Panditaradhya wrote 'Sivatatvasaram' and started 'Sataka Prakriya' in Telugu. Tikkana Somayaji was the greatest among Telugu poets. He wrote 'Nirvachanottara Ramayana'. Nannaya wrote the first two and a half parvas of Andhra Mahabharata. Palkuriki Somanatha wrote 'Panditaradhya Charitra' and 'BasavaPuranam'. Ketana wrote 'Dasakumar Charitra' and 'Vijnaneswara'. Marana wrote 'Markandeya Purana'.
Art Development
Early Chalukyas at Badami constructed many cave temples. Prominent temples came up at Aihole and Pattadakal in Karnataka. Around 70 temples in Aihole and 10 temples at Pattadakal were constructed. In Mahaboobnagar district and at Alampur on the bank of Tungabhadra, there are nine temples called Navabrahma temples. The Bhimeswara temple at Vemulavada belonged to the ninth century, built by Baddega. In coastal Andhra, Eastern Chalukyas built many temples. Gunaga Vijayaditya built the Vijayeswara temple at Bikkavolu. Chalukya Bhima constructed Bhimeswara temples at Draksharama. Rajarajeswara temple was built by Rajaraja Narendra. During the Chalukyan age, music and dance were patronised. Painting at Badami is a beautiful specimen of Deccan painting.
Conclusion
The period of Chalukyan rule could be considered a glorious age in South Indian history. These Chalukyas, during their long period of rule from the sixth to twelfth century, achieved political unity and successfully resisted foreign invasions. They developed South India in all fields and brought back memories of Satavahana rule. Vemulavada Chalukyas who ruled over Telangana areas gave the fruits of great administration to the people of Telangana. Mudigonda Chalukyas also ruled over the Telangana region. Chalukyas gave importance to the construction of tanks and contributed to improving crop yields. Chaita tank and BhimaSamudram mentioned in the Tadikonda inscription of Ammaraju II are even today supplying water to cultivated lands. Saiva and Jain temples at Alampuram, Vemulavada, Kolanupaka, Aihole and Pattadakal stand even today as specimens of the architectural and sculptural style of the Chalukyas. In the literary field, Telugu started becoming the medium for inscriptions and writings. With Nannaya's preparation of 'Mahabharata' in Telugu, the way became clear for the development of Telugu language and literature. It could be realised that the Chalukyas, during their long rule of six centuries, introduced stable, praiseworthy, popular, ideal and trend-setting systems and changes in political, administrative, economic, social and cultural fields.
📋 Chalukyan Rulers List with Tenure (Exam Quick Revision)
| Dynasty | Ruler | Tenure (A.D.) | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Badami (Western) Chalukyas. | Jayasimha Vallabha | c. 500–535 | Founder; defeated Rashtrakutas of Manyakheta |
| Pulakesi I | 535–566 | Founder of independent dynasty; built Vatapi fort (543 A.D.) | |
| Keertivarma | 566–597 | Extended kingdom up to Konkan; built temples at Badami | |
| Mangalesa | 598–609 | Title 'paramabhagavata'; killed in war of succession | |
| Pulakesi II | 609–642 | Greatest ruler; defeated Harsha; died in Pallava hands | |
| Vikramaditya | 642–680 | Saved kingdom; extended authority up to three seas | |
| Vinayaditya | 680–696 | Peaceful rule; died in Vilande battle | |
| Vijayaditya | 696–733 | Adopted Ganga-Yamuna torana; built temples at Pattadakal | |
| Vikramaditya II | 733–744 | Defeated Pallavas; erected victory pillar on Southern Ocean coast | |
| Keertivarma II | 745–752 | Last ruler; overthrown by Dantidurga (Rashtrakuta) | |
| Eastern Chalukyas (Vengi) | Kubja Vishnuvardhana | 624–641 | Founder; title 'Vishamasiddhi'; first Telugu inscription |
| Jayasimha I | 642–673 | Reigned 33 years; Vipparla inscription in Telugu | |
| Indrabhattaraka | 673 | Ruled only 7 days; Kondanagoor inscription | |
| Vishnuvardhana II | 673–682 | Title 'dharmasastravetta' | |
| Mangi Yuvaraju | 682–706 | Expanded kingdom from Visakhapatnam to Ongole | |
| Jayasimha II | 706–718 | Wars of succession started | |
| Kokkili Maharaju | 718–719 | Short rule; brother of Vishnuvardhana III | |
| Vishnuvardhana III | 719–755 | Title 'tribhuvanamkusa' | |
| Vijayaditya I | 755–772 | Second phase; Rashtrakuta wars began | |
| Vishnuvardhana IV | 772–808 | Feudatory of Krishna I; daughter married Dhruva | |
| Vijayaditya II | 808–847 | Fought 108 battles; built 108 Siva temples | |
| Kalivishnuvardhana | 847–848 | Short rule; four sons | |
| Gunaga Vijayaditya (III) | 849–892 | Greatest; flag from Ganges to Cauvery; titles: tripuramartamaheswara | |
| Chalukya Bhima I | 892–921 | Waged 360 battles; installed Bheemeswaraswamy at Draksharamam | |
| Vijayaditya IV (Kollabhiganda) | 921 | Ruled 6 months; died in Viraja battle | |
| Ammaraju I | 921–927 | Constructed Rajamahendrapuram; title 'rajamahendra' | |
| Chalukya Bhima II | 934–945 | Drove away Yuddhamalla II | |
| Ammaraju II | 945–970 | Ruled 25 years; donated to Saiva temple at Bezawada | |
| Danarnava | 970–973 | Killed by Jatachoda Bhima | |
| Jatachoda Bhima | 973–999 | Chola dynasty; ruled with Peddakallu as capital | |
| Saktivarma | 1000–1011 | Title 'Chalukya Chandrudu'; coins found in Arakan | |
| Vimaladitya | 1011–1018 | Built Ramakonda cave temple; accepted Jainism | |
| Rajaraja Narendra | 1019–1061 | Nannaya's patron; coronation in 1022 A.D. | |
| Vijayaditya VII | 1061–1075 | Last ruler; Vengi joined Chola empire | |
| Vemulavada Chalukyas | Vinayaditya Yuddhamalla | 750–775 | Founder; commander-in-chief of Dantidurga; capital Bodhan |
| Arikesari I | 775–800 | Feudatory of Dhruva; capital shifted to Vemulavada | |
| Narasimha I | 800–825 | Son of Arikesari I | |
| Yuddhamalla II | 825–850 | Son of Narasimha I | |
| Baddega | 850–895 | Title 'soladaganda'; won 42 battles; built Baddegeswara temple | |
| Yuddhamalla III | 895–915 | Details not available | |
| Narasimha II | 915–930 | Expedition up to Ganges; defeated Mahipala | |
| Arikesari II | 930–955 | Patron of Pampa; title 'pambaramkusa' | |
| Vegaraju | 955–960 | Capital at Gangadhara | |
| Baddega II | 960–965 | Built subhadamajenalaya for Somadevasuri | |
| Arikesari III | 965–973 | Last ruler; Parbhani and Karimnagar inscriptions | |
| Mudigonda Chalukyas | Ranamardhudu | 850–870 | Founder; acquired Koravi mandalam |
| Kusumayudha I | 870–895 | Freed Chalukya Bhima from Krishna II | |
| Gonagaiah | 895–910 | Removed by brother Niravadya; later restored with Arikesari II's help | |
| Niravadya | 910–935 | Koravi inscription issued | |
| Kusumayudha VI | 1150–1175 | Last ruler; kingdom merged into Kakatiya empire | |
| Nagatiraju | 1175–1200 | Brother of Kusumayudha VI; defeated by Ganapatideva | |
| Kalyani Chalukyas | Tailapa II | 973–997 | Founder; defeated Karka II; titles: mahasamantadhipa |
| Satyasraya | 997–1008 | Titles: 'irivabendaga', 'akalamka charita' | |
| Vikramaditya V | 1008–1018 | Title 'tribhuvanamalla' | |
| Jayasimha II | 1018–1042 | Titles: 'jagadekamalla', 'trailokamalla', 'vikramasimha' | |
| Someswara I | 1042–1068 | Greatest; built Kalyani city; died by jumping into Tungabhadra | |
| Someswara II | 1068–1076 | Title 'bhuvanaikamalla' | |
| Vikramaditya VI | 1076–1126 | Started Chalukya Vikrama era; patronised Bilhana | |
| Someswara III | 1126–1138 | Wrote 'manasollasam' (encyclopedia) | |
| Jagadekamalla | 1138–1151 | Hoyasalas rose during his time | |
| Tailapa III | 1151–1157 | Drove away by Kalchuri Bijjala | |
| Someswara IV | 1183–1200 | Last ruler; died in exile; dynasty ended |
