The Chalukya dynasty ruled Southern and Deccan India from 6th century A.D. to Twelfth century A.D. The reign of the Chalukya dynasty is considered to be the golden age of Karnataka and it marked an important milestone in South Indian history. The Chalukya dynasty founder was Pulakesin I and was established in 543 A.D. He made Vatapi as its capital city. Efficient administration was established under their reign.

This article elaborates more on NCERT Notes on the Chalukya Dynasty which is useful for the upcoming UPSC exams.

Chalukya Dynasty (UPSC Ancient History) NCERT Notes: Download PDF here

Chalukya Dynasty – Background 

• There were three Chalukya dynasties that were related yet distinct.
• The Chalukya kingdom was established in the beginning of the sixth century A.D.

Chalukyas of Badami

• With the death of Pulakesin II, the Chalukya dynasty of Badami began to fall and eventually declined.
• Pulakesin II is considered to be the well known emperor of the Badami dynasty.
• Their empire consisted of the entire Karnataka and most of Andhra Pradesh.
• They ruled from Badami (Vatapi)
• They were the earliest Chalukyas and the dynasty was established by Pulakesin I in 543 A.D

Chalukyas of Kalyani

• Western Chalukya empire is known as the Chalukyas of Kalyani
• They were the descendants of Chalukyas of Badami and emerged in the late 10th century.
• They ruled from Kalyani which is the present day Basavakalyan.
• They ruled for about 200 years and they had constant conflict with the contemporary Cholas.
• Vikramaditya VI was the most notable ruler of this dynasty.

Chalukyas of Vengi

• They are the Eastern Chalukyas who emerged after the death of Pulakesin II.
• Their capital was Vengi.
• Until the 11th century, they ruled over the Eastern Deccan

Chalukya Dynasty – Important Rulers

Pulakesin I

• He was the founder of the Chalukya dynasty.
• He ruled from 543 A.D to 566 A.D
• He set up the kingdom with Vatapi as its capital city.

Pulakesin II

• He was the most important ruler of the Chalukya dynasty.
• He ruled from 608 A.D. to 642 A.D.
• Aihole inscription consist of the details of his reign
• He defeated the King Harshavardhana and stalled the expansion of Harsha’s empire in the South.
• He was defeated by the Pallava king, Narasimhavarman I and the capital was captured and destroyed.

Vikramaditya

• He was the successor of Pulakesin II
• He avenged his father’s defeat by plundering the Pallava capital, Kanchi
• He consolidated the Chalukya kingdom once again.

Kirtivarman II

• He was the last ruler of Chalukya dynasty
• Dantidurga, the founder of Rashtrakuta dynasty defeated him.

Chalukya Dynasty – Administration

• The administration of the Chalukya dynasty was highly centralized.
• Village autonomy was absent
• Vedic rites and rituals were given priority. Asvamedha sacrifice was done by Pulakesin I
• They had great maritime power.
• The reign of the Chalukya dynasty saw the decline of Buddhism and growth of Jainism.
• Several temples were constructed for Lord Shiva and Vishnu.

Check out the NCERT notes on Buddhist Councils and Important Texts here.

Chalukya Dynasty – Art and Architecture

• The Vesara style of architecture was developed by them.
• They were also known for their cave temple architecture and are found in Ajanta, Ellora and Nasik.
• The structural temples constructed during the chalukya reign are present in Aihole, Badami and Pattadakal. They are classified into two stages.

First stage

• These are the temples found in Aihole and Badami.
• There are 70 temples in Aihole. Important temples are
  1. Lad Khan temple
  2. Durga temple
  3. Jain temple at Meguti
  4. Huchimalligudi temple
• Important temples at Badami are
  1. Muktheeswarar temple
  2. Melagutti Sivalaya

Second stage

• It represents the temples at Pattadakal.
• It consists of 10 temples out of which 4 are in northern style and 6 are in Dravidian style
• The Papanatha temple is the famous Northern style temple
• The Sangamesvara and the Virupaksha temple are famous Dravidian-style temples.

You may also be interested to read the NCERT notes on King Harshavardhana

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