KALYANA CHALUKYA: HISTORY

KALYANA CHALUKYA: HISTORY

NEWS: 900-yr-old inscriptions found in Vikarabad dist

 

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?

Three rare Kannada inscriptions from the Kalyana Chalukya era were discovered in Telangana, dating back to the reign of Emperor Someswara-III Bhulokamalladeva, detailing temple construction and land donations. The Chalukyas of Kalyana (973-1180 AD) played a crucial role in Deccan history, contributing to architecture, literature, and religious developments while engaging in conflicts with the Cholas and Eastern Chalukyas.

 

Kalyana Chalukya-Era Inscriptions and the Legacy of the Chalukyas of Kalyani

Discovery of Three Kalyana Chalukya-Era Inscriptions in Telangana

  • Location: Kankal village, Telangana.
  • Historical Context: These inscriptions belong to the reign of Emperor Someswara-III Bhulokamalladeva.
  • Dates of Inscriptions: December 25, 1129 CE, October 5, 1130 CE, and January 8, 1132 CE.
  • Language: Written in Kannada.
  • Themes: Construction of the Bijjeswara temple and donations made to the temple.
  • Details of the Inscriptions:
  • First Inscription: Mentions the construction of the Bijjeswara temple, the consecration of a Shivalinga, and a donation of 100 martars (a historical land measure) of land by a local chief.
  • Second Inscription: Records land and cash donations to the Bijjeswara temple by a local donor.
  • Third Inscription: Also documents donations made to the temple.

 

Historical Background of the Chalukyas

Chalukyas of Badami (Early Chalukyas)

  • Origins: Began their rule in North Karnataka.
  • Pulakesin I (543-566 CE): Founder of the Chalukya dynasty, fortified Badami, and expanded territories.
  • Pulakesin II:

·         Defeated Harsha of Kanauj and secured a major victory.

·         Assumed the title “Parameshvara” (Supreme Lord).

  • End of Badami Chalukyas (750 CE): Rashtrakuta feudatory Dantidurga defeated Kirtivarman II, bringing an end to the dynasty.

Chalukyas of Kalyana (Later Chalukyas/Western Chalukyas)

  • Descended from: The Chalukyas of Badami.
  • Time Period: 973-1180 AD.
  • Founder: Taila II (973-997 AD), who rose to power under the Rashtrakutas.
  • Capital: Kalyani (modern Bidar district, Karnataka).
  • Expansion and Conquests:
  • Defeated Rajaraja Chola (992 CE), as well as the Latas, Gurjaras, Chedis, and Paramaras.
  • Subjugated the Gangas of Mysore, Chalukyas of Gujarat, and Kalachuris of Chedi.

Conflicts and Rivalries

  • Chalukya-Chola Rivalry:
  • Prolonged conflicts with the Eastern Chalukyas and Cholas for control over Vengi, a fertile region.
  • Tungabhadra River was tacitly accepted as the border between the two kingdoms.

 

Notable Rulers and Their Contributions

Vikramaditya VI (1076-1126 AD)

  • Political Reforms: Established the Chalukya-Vikram era in place of the Saka era.
  • Patron of Scholars:
  • Supported eminent scholars such as Bilhana (composer of Vikramanankadevacharita).
  • Patronized Vijnaneshvara, the author of Mitakshara (a commentary on Yajnavalkya Smriti).
  • Cultural and Literary Patronage:
  • Encouraged Kannada and Sanskrit literature.
  • Notable Kannada literary figures included Pampa, Ranna, Durgasimha, and Nagavarma.

Art and Architecture of the Kalyana Chalukyas

  • Architectural Contributions:
  • Developed a transitional architectural style, influencing later dynasties such as the Hoysalas.
  • Major Temples:
      • Kasi Vishveshvara Temple at Lakkundi.
      • Mallikarjuna Temple at Kuruvatii.
  • Stepped Wells (Pushkarni): Intricate water structures used for ritual bathing.

Religious Influence

  • Dominant Sects: Saivism sects, including Pashupata, Lakulisa, and Kalamukha.
  • Religious Movements: Led by Basavanna, emphasizing spiritual and social reforms.

Decline and Fall of the Western Chalukyas

  • Peak and Internal Struggles:
  • The empire reached its zenith under Vikramaditya VI but later faced internal strife.
  • Conflicts with Feudatories:
  • Struggled with succession disputes and powerful feudatories like the Hoysalas and Seunas.
  • Capital Shift and Final Defeat:
  • Bijjala II of the Kalachuri dynasty invaded Kalyani, forcing the Chalukyas to shift their capital to Annigeri.
  • Final collapse: The Seunas (Yadavas of Devagiri) ultimately ended the Chalukya rule.

Legacy and Aftermath

  • Continued Warfare in the Deccan:
  • Post-Chalukya, the region saw conflicts between Seunas, Hoysalas, and Kalachuris.
  • Rise of New Dynasties:
  • The power vacuum led to the rise of the Kakatiyas of Warangal, Hoysalas of Dwarasamudra, and Yadavas of Devagiri.
  • Integration into the Chola Empire:
  • The Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi were gradually absorbed into the Chola Empire under Koluttunga.

 

Conclusion

The discovery of the three Kalyana Chalukya inscriptions in Telangana provides valuable historical insights into the dynasty’s temple-building activities and land grants. The Chalukyas of Kalyana played a crucial role in shaping political, cultural, and religious developments in South India. Their architectural innovations, literary patronage, and military conquests left an enduring impact on the Deccan, influencing subsequent dynasties such as the Hoysalas, Kakatiyas, and Seunas.

 

Source : https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/900-yr-old-inscriptions-found-in-vikarabad-dist/articleshow/118309860.cms