Category Kindoms of India

When did the Pallavas reassert their power?

          The Pallavas reasserted their power in the 6th century AD, after defeating the Kalabhras.

          During the rule of Mahendravarman I and Narasimhavarman I, the Pallavas dominated the Telugu and northern parts of the Tamil region. With Kanchi as their capital, they established themselves as a major power and ruled for about 600 years. The Chinese traveller Hieun Tsang visited Kanchi during the reign of Narasimhavarman I. In his descriptions, he notes that Kanchi had fertile soil.

           The climate was hot and the region produced plenty of grain, and many flowers and fruits. The area also produced precious gems. The people were courageous, honest and truthful.

           The Chalukyas of Badami and the Tamil kingdoms of the Cholas and the Pandyas were in constant conflict during the reign of the Pallavas.

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Who were the prominent rulers of the Rashtrakuta dynasty?

           The Rashtrakutas occupied the territory that was earlier ruled by the Chalukyas; Dantidurga established his kingdom in the western Deccan in AD 735, after defeating the Chalukyas. Dantidurga is said to be the son of a Chalukyan princess Bhavanaga. He took the titles Rajadhiraja and Parameshvara after defeating the Chalukyas.

           The Rashtrakuta kings expanded their territory by winning wars against the Pallavas, Cholas and other prominent rulers of south India. In the north, they fought against the Pratiharas and Palas and even occupied Kanauj for a while.

           Amoghavarsha occupied a special place amongst the Rashtrakuta kings; he was known for his learning and liking for Jainism. Krishna III, who annexed part of the Chola Empire in AD 949, is known as the last great Rashtrakuta king.

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Why is the rule of the Chalukyas a milestone in the history of south India?

 

            The rule of the Chalukyas is often regarded as the Golden Age of Karnataka. A huge shift happened in the politics of south India with the ascendancy of the Badami Chalukyas, as smaller kingdoms were replaced by large empires.

           Their kingdom based in south India took control over and consolidated the entire region between the rivers Kaveri and Narmada.

           This period saw an exemplary administration, a rise in overseas trade and commerce, and the development of a new style of architecture called the ‘Chalukyan architecture’.

           Kannada literature enjoyed royal patronage during the reign of the Western Chalukyas, while the Eastern Chalukyas patronized Telugu literature.

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Which was the capital of the Western Chalukyas?

           The Chalukyas of Kalyani were the last members of the much celebrated Chalukya dynasty. With its capital at Kalyani, the kingdom of the Western Chalukyas was established by Tailapa II, who was probably a feudatory of the Rashtrakutas. Some historians have claimed that the Kalyani Chalukyas were not related to the Badami Chalukyas, and that they belonged to a different lineage.

           Their power was well established after the Western Chalukyas fought against the Paramaras of Malwa, the Kalachuris of Chedi and the Cholas of the south and they quickly grew into an empire under Someshwara I. His son Vikramaditya VI is famous for defeating the kings of the Gangetic valley. As recorded in many inscriptions, and records by scholars and religious centres, Vikramaditya VI was an able warrior and a devout king.

           The Chalukya power declined after the demise of Vikramaditya VI. It finally dissolved towards the end of the 12th century, making way for the emerging Hoysala Empire, the Pandyas, the Kakatiyas and the Seuna Yadavas of Devagiri.

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When did the Chalukyas of Vengi establish their kingdom?

             It was after the death of Pulakeshin II that the Eastern Chalukyas became an independent kingdom. They established themselves in the eastern Deccan and started ruling from Vengi. Pulakeshin II, who conquered the eastern Deccan in AD 616 had appointed his brother Kubja Vishnuvardhana as the governor of the new territory.

           Territorial disputes flared up between the Rashtrakutas, the new rulers of the western Deccan, and the Eastern Chalukyas after the decline of the Badami Chalukya Empire. This was followed by the subjugation of the Eastern Chalukyas by the Rashtrakutas for much of the next two centuries.

           The Eastern Chalukyas were notorious for causing many wars between the Cholas and the Western Chalukyas; both the kingdoms fought over the control of the strategic Vengi region.

           Telugu culture, literature, poetry and art flourished during the latter half of the rule of the Eastern Chalukyas.

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Why Pulakeshin II is considered the greatest of all Chalukya kings?

  As soon as Pulakeshin II ascended the throne in AD 610, he granted pardon to all those who opposed his succession in order to restore peace. He then worked to strengthen the law and order situation throughout his kingdom and settle other primary needs of the people.

          It won’t be wrong to say that Pulakeshin II, lived up to his name that meant ‘great lion’. He captured Vanavasi from the Kadambas, took over parts of the Pallava territory and defeated Harshavardhana on the banks of the river Narmada. As per an inscription found in Ai-hole, Pulakeshin ruled over ninety-nine thousand villages. He instilled fear in the kings of the neighbouring areas.

          Battles were not the only thing he was famous for; he was one of the most benevolent administrators as well. Pulakeshin II sent an ambassador to the court of Khusru II, king of Persia and had temples constructed in his kingdom. He was defeated and killed by the Pallava king Narasimhavarman in AD 642.

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