Badami Chalukyas - Medieval India History Notes

With the decline of the Gupta dynasty and their immediate successors in northern India in the 6th century, dramatic changes began to occur in the Deccan and southern areas of Vindhyas. In this region, the era of minor kingdoms had given way to the era of huge empires. Pulakeshin I established the Chalukya dynasty in 543 AD. He conquered Vatapi (modern Badami in Karnataka's Bagalkot district) and proclaimed it his capital. "Chalukyas of Badami" refers to Pulakeshin I and his descendants. They ruled over Deccan. In this article, we will discuss the Badami Chalukyas which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

Badami Chalukyas - Background

• Between the 6th and 12th centuries, the Chalukya dynasty ruled vast areas of southern and central India.
• They governed as three separate but related dynasties during this time.
• The "Badami Chalukyas" the first dynasty, ruled from Vatapi (modern Badami) from the middle of the sixth century.
• The Eastern Chalukyas founded an independent state in the eastern Deccan after Pulakeshin II death. They ruled Vengi until the 11th century.
• In the western Deccan, the decline of the Rashtrakutas in the middle of the 10th century led to the emergence of Western Chalukyas. They ruled till the 12th century.
• Badami Chalukyas emerged with the decline of the Kadamba kingdom of Banavasi. They asserted their independence and rose to prominence under Pulakeshin II's reign.
• Jayasimha was the first ruler of the Chalukya dynasty. But the real founder of the Chalukyan dynasty was Pulakesin I (543–566 CE).
• After him, Pulakeshin II ruled over the whole Deccan and was the Badami dynasty's most well-known ruler. He is regarded as one of India's most notable kings.
• By conquering Harsha on the banks of the Narmada, Pulakeshin II pushed the Chalukya Empire up to the northern borders of the Pallava kingdom
• Following the death of Pulakeshin II, the Badami Chalukya dynasty had a brief period of decline due to internal feuds.
• In this period, Badami was invaded by the Pallavas for thirteen years.
• During the reign of Vikramaditya I, who succeeded in driving the Pallavas out of Badami and restoring order to the empire. He took the title "Rajamalla" (Sovereign of the Mallas/ Pallavas).
• After him, Vijayaditya became the new ruler and his thirty-seven-year reign (696–733 AD) was affluent, and he is remembered for his temple-building spree.
• The next ruler was Vikramaditya II (733–744 AD) and the kingdom reached its pinnacle under his reign.
• He was known for his numerous invasions and victories over Pallava Nandivarman II.
• He is also remembered for his compassion towards people and monuments of Kanchipuram, the Pallava capital.
• He avenged the Pallavas' prior humiliation of the Chalukyas by engraving a Kannada inscription on the Kailasanatha Temple's victory pillar.
• Vikramaditya II later conquered the three traditional kingdoms of Tamil land i.e. the Pandyas, Cholas, and Cheras.
• In 753 AD, the Rashtrakuta Ruler Dantidurga deposed the last Chalukya king, Kirtivarman II.
• The Chalukyas governed a huge empire that stretched from the Kaveri in the south to the Narmada in the north at their peak.

Important Rulers of Badami Chalukyas

Pulakesin I (543 – 566 AD)

• Jayasimha was Pulakesin’s grandfather and Ranaraga was his father.
• His forefathers were vassal monarchs, most likely from the Kadambas or Rashtrakutas.
• Jayasimha was the first ruler of the Pulakesin dynasty.
• But the real founder of the Chalukyan dynasty was Pulakesin I (543–566 AD).
• He established a strong fortification at Vapati (modern Badami) in Karnataka's Bijapur district and declared independence by sacrificing a horse.

Kirtivarman I (566 – 597 AD)

• After his father, Pulakesin I, died in 566 AD, Kirtivarman I seized the throne.
• Kirtivarman inherited a small empire based on Vatapi, which he greatly expanded.
• His empire stretched from the Konkan coast of modern-day Maharashtra in the north to Karnataka's Shimoga region in the south.
• And from the Arabian Sea in the west to Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool and Guntur districts in the east.
• According to the Pulakesin II Aihole inscription, Kirtivarman was "the night of doom" for the Nalas, Mauryas, and Kadambas.

Pulakesin II (609 - 642 AD)

• Pulakesin-II was the most powerful ruler of the Badami Chalukyas.
• He was the first king to issue gold coins in South India.
• He was too young when his father died, that's why his paternal uncle Mangalesa was elevated to the throne (regent king).
• Pulakesin II ascended the throne after defeating Mangalesha in the Bana territory at Elpattu-Simbhige.
• He is famous for defeating King Harsha on the banks of the Narmada.
• He took the titles of Parmeshwara, Prithivivallabha, and Satyashraya and established himself as the supreme power in modern Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat.
• He defeated Pallava king Mahendravarman I but was defeated and killed by Mahendravarman's son and successor, Narasimhavarman I.

Vikramaditya I (655 - 680 AD)

• Vikramaditya was the third son of Pulakesin II.
• He set himself the task of repelling the Pallava invasion and restoring the unity of his father's kingdom with the assistance of his maternal grandfather Bhuvikarma or Durvineet of the Western Ganga Dynasty.
• He was able to put an end to Pallava's thirteen-year occupation and capture Vatapi.
• He defeated Mahendravarman II (Pallava king) in 668 AD and continued his capture of Kanchi for about five to six years.
• During this time, he plundered the Chola, Pandya, and Kerala kingdoms but did not annex any territory (his army remained in Thiruchirapalli).

Kirtivarman II (746 - 753 AD)

• Kirtivarman was the son of Vikramaditya II.
• When he succeeded to the throne, Chalukyas seemed to be at their best because the Pallavas were defeated, the Deccan was taken over by the Chalukyas, and the seemingly invincible Muslims were repulsed.
• However, within a decade, Kirtivarman had lost his glory, as the rising power of Rashtrakutas and Pandyas caused trouble for the Chalukya king.
• The Chalukyas of Badami's rule came to an end with Kirtivarman II, who was deposed in 753 AD by Dantidurga.

Military of Badami Chalukyas

• Badami Chalukyas's defence strength was made up of infantry, cavalry, elephant corps, and a powerful navy.
• Pulakeshin II's success outside of the Vindyas was due to his army's well-organized nature.
• According to the Chinese explorer Hiuen-Tsiang, the Chalukyan army had hundreds of intoxicated elephants prior to battle.
• Badami Chalukyas captured Revatidvipa (Goa) and Puri on India's east coast using their navy.
• The mighty Chalukya forces are referred to as Karnatabala in Rashtrakuta inscriptions.

Administration of Badami Chalukyas

• At higher levels of Badami Chalukyas, the government was modelled after the administrative systems of Magadha and Satavahana.
• Maharashtrakas (provinces) were divided into smaller Rashtrakas (Mandala), and Rashtrakas (Mandala) into Vishaya (district), and then in Bhoga (group of ten villages).
• Inscriptions during Vikramaditya I also mention a territorial unit called Dasagrama.
• There were independent districts ruled by feudatories, such as the Alupas, Gangas, Banas, and Sendrakas, in addition to imperial provinces.
• Local assemblies and guilds were in charge of dealing with local issues.
• Agraharas (seat of higher learning) were looked after by groups of mahajanas (learned brahmins), such as those at Badami (served by 2000 mahajans) and Aihole (served by 500 mahajanas).
• Different taxes were levied by Badami Chalukyas.
• The Herjunka – a tax on loads, the Kirukula – a tax on retail goods in transit, the Bilkode – a sales tax, the Pannaya – a betel tax, and the Siddaya – a land tax were all levied.

Religion of Badami Chalukyas

• The Badami rulers were Vedic Hindus who built temples in Aihole, Pattadakal and Mahakuta which were dedicated to popular Hindu deities.
• During their period, both Shaivism and Vaishnavism prospered, albeit it appears that the former was more popular.
• Vedic sacrifices, sacred vows, and gift-giving were all significant.
• Sculptures of Hindu gods such as Vishnu, Shiva, Kartikeya, Ganapathi, Shakti, Surya, and Sapta Matrikas (seven mothers) attest to their popularity.
• The Ashwamedha (horse sacrifice) was also performed by the Badami rulers.
• During this time, Jainism was also a popular religion.
• The dynasty's kings were secular and also promoted Jainism. The Jain faith is honoured in one of the Badami Cave temples.
• In the Aihole complex, Jain temples were also built.
• At Badami, Queen Vinayavati dedicated a temple to the Trimurti ("Hindu trinity"). The Trimurti, Harihara (half Vishnu, half Shiva), and Ardhanarishwara (half Shiva, half-woman) sculptures all show a great deal of tolerance.
• After making inroads throughout Southeast Asia, Buddhism was on the decline. This fact was supported by Hiuen-Tsiang's works.
• The primary educational centres of Badami Chalukyas were Badami, Aihole, Kurtukoti, and Puligere.

Architecture of Badami Chalukya

• Under the Badami Chalukya dynasty, architecture emerged in the Malaprabha river basin, in present-day Bagalkot district of Karnataka state of India, between the 5th and 8th century AD.
• This style is known as the Vesara or Chalukya style, which encompasses the much later Western Chalukya architecture of the 11th and 12th centuries.
• The first Badami Chalukya temples were built at Aihole around 450 A.D. when the Badami Chalukyas were vassals of the Banavasi Kadambas.
• There are two types of monuments in their style: rock-cut halls, sometimes known as "cave temples," and others are "structural temples”, which are built above ground.
• The Early Chalukya style was developed in Aihole around 450 CE and perfected in Badami and Pattadakal in Karnataka.
• Pattadakal is home to some of the most beautiful architectural temples.
• Pattadakkal has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are 10 temples here, four of which are in the Nagar style and six of which are in the Dravida style.
• Aihole’s famous temples are Ladh Khan temple (Surya temple), Durga temple, Huchimalligudi temple, and Ravikirti's Jain temple. It is home to 70 temples.

Conclusion

The Chalukyas' reign was a landmark moment in the history of South India, as well as a golden age in the history of Karnataka. With the triumph of the Badami Chalukyas, the political landscape in South India transitioned from minor kingdoms to massive empires. Between the Kaveri and the Narmada rivers, a kingdom headquartered in Southern India acquired control of the entire region. The establishment of this empire witnessed the emergence of efficient administration, international trade, and the development of a new architectural style known as "Chalukyan architecture."

FAQs

MCQs

1. Who was the founder of the Badami Chalukya dynasty?

A. Pulakeshin I
B. Pulakeshin II
C. Kirtivarman I
D. Harsha

2. Which of the following rulers expanded the Chalukya Empire to its greatest extent?

A. Mangalesha
B. Vikramaditya I
C. Pulakeshin II
D. Kirttivarman II

3. The famous rock-cut temples of Badami are examples of which architectural style?

A. Nagara
B. Dravidian
C. Vesara
D. Indo-Islamic

4. Which Chalukya king defeated the Pallava ruler Mahendravarman I?

A. Kirtivarman I
B. Vikramaditya I
C. Pulakeshin II
D. Vinayaditya

5. The Pattadakal temples are famous for their fusion of which architectural styles?

A. Nagara and Indo-Islamic
B. Dravidian and Vesara
C. Nagara and Dravidian
D. Mughal and Hindu

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

1. Discuss the significance of Pulakeshin II’s reign in the expansion and consolidation of the Badami Chalukya Empire.

Answer: The reign of Pulakeshin II (609–642 CE) was a period of expansion and consolidation for the Badami Chalukya Empire. Pulakeshin II's military prowess allowed him to defeat regional powers such as the Kadambas, Gangas, and Pallavas, extending the Chalukya territory across much of the Deccan Plateau.
His most significant victory came against the Pallava king Mahendravarman I, marking the beginning of a long-standing rivalry between the Chalukyas and Pallavas. Pulakeshin II also engaged in diplomacy, as evidenced by his relations with Harsha of North India, which helped establish the Chalukyas as a dominant power. The reign of Pulakeshin II not only brought territorial expansion but also cultural and architectural growth, as seen in the Badami cave temples and the Pattadakal group of monuments.

2. Analyze the contributions of the Badami Chalukyas to Indian art and architecture.

Answer: The Badami Chalukyas made significant contributions to Indian art and architecture, particularly through their development of rock-cut and structural temples. The rock-cut temples of Badami are renowned for their intricate carvings, representing both Hindu and Jain deities. The Pattadakal group of monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases a blend of Nagara and Dravidian architectural styles, demonstrating the Chalukya’s unique contribution to Indian temple architecture.
The temples at Pattadakal, such as the Virupaksha Temple, also highlight the Chalukyas' patronage of religious and artistic endeavors. Their architectural innovations laid the foundation for later temple-building traditions in South India, influencing dynasties such as the Rashtrakutas and the Hoysalas.

3. Evaluate the administrative system of the Badami Chalukyas and its role in the effective governance of their empire.

Answer: The Badami Chalukyas had an effective administrative system that played a crucial role in governing their vast empire. The kingdom was divided into provinces known as Vishayas, each governed by a Vishayapati. These local administrators were responsible for maintaining law and order, collecting taxes, and ensuring smooth governance.
The Chalukyas followed a decentralized system of administration, allowing local chiefs considerable autonomy, which helped in integrating diverse regions into their empire. Inscriptions and grants issued during their reign provide insights into their governance, including land grants to temples and the promotion of trade. This system of governance allowed the Chalukyas to maintain control over a large and diverse empire, contributing to their political stability.

Previous Year Questions on Badami Chalukyas

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2019

Question: The rock-cut architecture of Badami is associated with which dynasty?
A. Pallavas
B. Cholas
C. Badami Chalukyas
D. Satavahanas

Answer: C

Explanation: The rock-cut temples of Badami are associated with the Badami Chalukyas, who ruled over large parts of South India during the 6th to 8th centuries CE.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2018 (GS Paper 1)

Question: Discuss the architectural significance of the Pattadakal temple complex and its reflection of the cultural confluence during the Chalukyan period.

Answer: The Pattadakal temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an excellent example of cultural confluence during the Chalukyan period. The temples showcase a harmonious blend of Nagara (North Indian) and Dravidian (South Indian) architectural styles. This architectural fusion reflects the Chalukyas' connections with various regions of India, indicating cultural exchange and artistic innovation.
The Virupaksha Temple, commissioned by Queen Lokamahadevi, is a prime example of Chalukyan architecture and represents the high point of temple construction in India. The presence of both Hindu and Jain temples within the complex also highlights the religious tolerance practiced by the Chalukyas.