Chalukya

The Chalukya dynasty refers to a group of medieval Indian rulers who controlled large parts of the western Deccan, including present-day Karnataka, Maharashtra, and parts of Andhra Pradesh, from around the 6th to the 12th centuries. The lineage is commonly described as comprising three major branches: the Badami Chalukyas (Vatapi Chalukyas) based at Badami, the Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi in the eastern Deccan, and the Western Chalukyas (Kalyani Chalukyas) centered at Kalyani. The Chalukyas played a key role in early south Indian political and cultural developments and influenced temple architecture and literature.

The Badami Chalukyas established their capital at Badami in present-day Karnataka. Under Pulakeshin II, they built a substantial regional empire and promoted distinctive architectural forms. The era is noted for the Badami cave temples and the early temple complexes at Aihole and Pattadakal, which together helped shape later South Indian temple design. The Aihole inscription of Ravikirti commemorates Pulakeshin II’s campaigns and reign, underscoring the dynasty’s regional power before the rise of rival northern and eastern dynasties.

The Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi ruled in the eastern Deccan, in what is now Andhra Pradesh. They began as vassals of the Badami Chalukyas and gradually asserted independence, maintaining close ties with the Tamil Chola realm. Their lineage contributed to the political and cultural fabric of the Vengi region and remained influential until around the 11th century.

The Western Chalukyas, or Kalyani Chalukyas, revived Deccan power from the 10th to the 12th centuries with a capital at Kalyani (modern Basavakalyana). They fostered a distinctive vesara architectural style, exemplified by monuments at Pattadakal and nearby Aihole, and engaged in rivalries with the Pallavas, Rashtrakutas, and Cholas. The dynasty declined under rising Hoysalas and other powers, but left a lasting artistic and linguistic legacy, influencing Kannada and Telugu literary traditions and regional temple architecture.