850: The Chalukyas gained Importance
[600-1200]
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.