Chalukyas
 

850: The Chalukyas gained Importance

The Chalukyas rose to power in the Deccan
from the fifth to eighth century and again from the tenth to twelfth
century. They ruled over the area between the Vindhyan mountain and the
river Krishna. The Chalukyas were sworn enemies of the Pallavas and rose to
power in Karnataka. The first great ruler of the Chalukya dynasty was
Pulakesin I. He founded Vatapi (modern Badami in Bijapur district) and made
it his capital. He is said to have performed Ashwamedha Yagna (horse
sacrifice). The kingdom was further extended by his sons Kirtivarman and
Mangalesa by waging many successful wars against the neighbours including
Mauryans of the Konkans.

608-642: Reign of Pulakesin II

 
Pulakesin II was the son of Kirtivarman. He was the the greatest ruler of
the Chalukya dynasty. He ruled for almost 34 years. In this long reign, he
consolidated his authority in Maharashtra and conquered large parts of the
Deccan from the banks of the Nerbudda to the reign beyond the Kaveri. His
greatest achievement was his victory in the defensive war against
Harshvardhan in 620. In 641, the Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang, visited the
kingdom and said that the king was served by his nobles with perfect
loyalty. However the last days of the king were not
happy. Pulakesin was defeated and killed by the Pallav king Narasimhavarman
in 642. His capital Vatapi was completely destroyed.

End of Chalukya Dynasty

Pulakestin was succeeded by his son
Vikramaditya who was also as great a ruler as his father. He renewed the
struggle against his southern enemies. He recovered the former glory of the
Chalukyas to a great extent. Even his great grandson Vikramaditya II was
also a great warrior. He actually entered the Pallava capital. In 753,
Vikramaditya and his son were overthrown by a chief named Dantidurga who
laid the foundation of the next great empire of Karnataka and Maharashtra,
that of Rashtrakutas.