The Chalukyas emerged as one of the most powerful dynasties of early medieval peninsular India. The political history of South India during c. 600–900 CE was marked by continuous warfare among the Chalukyas of Badami (Western Chalukyas), Pallavas of Kanchi, and Pandyas of Madurai. In the mid-8th century, the Western Chalukyas were replaced by the Rashtrakutas of Manyakheta. Apart from the Western Chalukyas, two other important branches of the lineage existed — the Chalukyas of Lata and the Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi.
The Western Chalukyas claimed Brahmana origin and described themselves as Haritiputras of the Manavya gotra.The founder of their independent power was Pulakeshin I (535–566 CE). He established a strong fortress at Vatapi (Badami) and performed several shrauta sacrifices, including the Ashvamedha.His son Kirtivarman I (566/67–597/98 CE) expanded the kingdom through successful wars against:
After Kirtivarman I, a succession conflict took place between:
Pulakeshin II eventually emerged victorious and became the most powerful ruler of the dynasty.
Pulakeshin II achieved several major victories, described in the famous Aihole inscription. His campaigns included victories against:
He also conducted expeditions into:
One of his greatest achievements was defeating Harshavardhana on the banks of the Narmada River. The Narmada subsequently became an important political boundary between northern and southern India.
Pulakeshin II successfully attacked the Pallava kingdom, but later a Pallava counterattack led to:
The Meguti Temple inscription at Aihole is among the most important records of Chalukya history.
The inscription describes the Chalukya lineage and military successes and is regarded as a literary masterpiece. Ravikirti even compared himself with Kalidasa and Bhasa.
The Eastern Chalukyas established themselves in Vengi (Andhra region) in the second half of the 8th century.
During his reign:
Rashtrakuta inscriptions admitted that their glory was “drowned in the ocean of the Chalukyas.”However, Rashtrakutas later regained power and Eastern Chalukyas accepted their supremacy. A matrimonial alliance was also forged between the two dynasties.
Vijayaditya III (848–892 CE) claimed victories over:
He also gave shelter to a Chola king.
During the reign of Bhima I (892–922 CE):
After Vijayaditya IV, frequent succession disputes weakened the kingdom.Some rulers had extremely short reigns:
| Ruler | Duration |
|---|---|
| Vijayaditya IV | 6 months |
| Tala | 1 month |
| Vijayaditya V | 15 days |
Political stability partially returned under Bhima II and Amma II, but decline continued. Finally, Rajaraja Chola conquered Vengi in 999 CE.
The conflict between the Pallavas and Western Chalukyas became one of the defining struggles of South Indian history.
During the reign of Pallava king Mahendravarman I (590–630 CE):
Pallava ruler Narasimhavarman I (630–668 CE):
The Pallava–Chalukya rivalry continued for decades with alternating victories.
The boar (Varaha) became the emblem of the early Chalukyas. Their inscriptions usually began with invocations to Vishnu’s boar incarnation.Several Chalukya rulers patronized:
Jain establishments in peninsular India received patronage from:
The earliest surviving work of Telugu literature was composed under Eastern Chalukya patronage.
The Chalukya-Vikrama era began in 1076 CE and was used in inscriptions of Karnataka and adjoining regions. Ancient eras generally commemorated important events such as accession of kings.
The Chalukya courts patronized important literary works.
Kannada literary works were also produced under the patronage of:
Among the Eastern Chalukyas, queen Vijayamahadevi ruled after the death of her husband Chandraditya.
The Kakatiya queen Rudramadevi was married into the Eastern Chalukya family through Virabhadra.
The Chalukyas made immense contributions to Indian temple architecture, especially in the Deccan.
The Deccan style represented an amalgamation of:
Hardy suggests the term Karnata-Dravida instead of Vesara for Chalukya temples.
Badami was the capital of the early Western Chalukyas.
The caves at Badami are carved into red sandstone hills and include:
Famous for large Vishnu reliefs:
The boar (Varaha) symbol also represented the Chalukyas.
Aihole is famous for early Chalukya temples and experimentation in architecture.
Sculptures include:
Pattadakal represents the mature phase of Chalukya architecture.It is famous for temples combining:
The finest temple at Pattadakal.
An inscription praises architect Gunda, called:
Several sculptors even signed their works on temple walls.
The important merchant guild Ayyavole (Aihole guild) originated at Aihole around the 8th century.
In the mid-8th century:
The Chalukya political legacy, however, continued through: