A 900-year-old Kannada inscription from the Kalyana Chalukya dynasty was discovered neglected at Gangapuram, a temple town in Jadcherla mandal, Mahabubnagar, Telangana.
Origin and Expansion:
- The Chalukyas arose as a powerful dynasty in the sixth century CE, with their capital in Badami, present-day Karnataka.
- The dynasty’s founder, Pulakeshin I, arrived to the throne in 543 CE and expanded the empire by defeating the Kadambas, Mauryas, and other neighbouring kingdoms.
- Pulakeshin II, one of the Chalukyan Empire’s most distinguished monarchs, took the throne in 610 CE and considerably extended its area through military victories and diplomatic partnerships.
- Pulakeshin II led the empire to its pinnacle, extending its power over most of Southern and Central India, including modern-day Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh.
Dynastic Divisions:
The Chalukyan Empire saw the rise of several dynastic branches, including the Badami Chalukyas, Western Chalukyas (also known as the Later Chalukyas), and Eastern Chalukyas.
- Badami Chalukyas governed from their capital, Badami, and were renowned for their contributions to art, architecture, and literature.
- Western Chalukyas, located in Kalyani (present-day Basavakalyan), continued their predecessors’ legacy and achieved power over sections of modern-day Karnataka and Maharashtra.
- Eastern Chalukyas, centred in Vengi (present-day Andhra Pradesh), established their own kingdom and played an important part in South India’s political landscape.
Religion and Faith:
- The Chalukyas were supporters of art, literature, and architecture, creating a thriving cultural milieu within their empire.
- They supported Hinduism as the main religion and helped build many temples dedicated to Hindu deities, notably the well-known Virupaksha Temple at Pattadakal.
- The Chalukyas also supported Jainism and Buddhism, resulting in the construction of Jain caves and monasteries in areas under their rule.
Decline and Legacy:
- The Chalukyan Empire declined gradually from the 12th century due to internal disputes, dynastic rivalry, and external invasions, leaving a legacy.
- The Western Chalukya dynasty ended with the defeat of Vikramaditya VI by the Cholas in the 12th century, while the Eastern Chalukyas ruled Vengi until the 13th century.
Administration:
- The empire was divided into administrative units called ‘Rashtras or Mandalas’, each led by a ‘Mandaleshwara’ (local administrative officer).
- At the highest levels of governance, regional governors known as ‘Rashtrakutas’ were appointed to supervise various mandalas and report directly to the king.
- Revenue administration was critical to the empire’s survival, with land revenue serving as its principal source of income. To secure a consistent cash stream, the empire maintained a comprehensive land measurement and taxation system.
Arts and Culture:
- Sculpture thrived under the patronage of the Chalukya monarchs, with fine stone carvings decorating temple complexes and royal monuments.
- The magnificent Nataraja sculpture in Pattadakal, depicting Lord Shiva in a cosmic dance position, is a masterwork of Chalukyan art.
- Pampa, a Chalukyan court poet, wrote the Kannada epic poem “Vikramarjuna Vijaya” (also known as “Pampa Bharata” or “Pampa Ramayana”), which tells the story of the Mahabharata from Arjuna’s point of view.
- Classical dance traditions such as Bharatanatyam emerged during the Chalukyan era, as demonstrated by sculptures found in temples such as the Mallikarjuna Temple in Pattadakal.
- Ranna, a notable Kannada poet of the Chalukyan period, wrote the “Ajita Tirthankara Purana,” an epic poem commemorating the lives of the Jain Tirthankaras.
Architecture:
- The ‘Gadag Style’, which combines Dravidian and Nagara styles, distinguishes Chalukyan temple architecture.
- The Virupaksha Temple at Pattadakal, erected by the Chalukyan monarch Vikramaditya II in the eighth century, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its intricate sculptures and towering gopurams (entry gates).
- Similarly, the Durga Temple at Aihole, built in the seventh century, exemplifies Chalukyan architecture with intricate pillars and sculpted panels showing Hindu deities and mythological themes.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/900-year-old-chalukyan-inscription-discovered-in-state-of-utter-neglect-at-gangapuram/article67987200.ece#:~:text=A%20900%2Dyear%2Dold%20Kannada,in%20Jadcherla%20mandal%2C%20Mahabubnagar%20district.