Chalukyan

Chalukyan refers to the medieval Indian dynasties collectively known as the Chalukyas, which ruled parts of the western and central Deccan from roughly the 6th to the 12th centuries. The term is used to describe three main branches: the Badami Chalukyas of Badami, the Western Chalukyas of Kalyani (also called the Chalukyas of Kalyani), and the Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi in present-day Andhra Pradesh. Together, these lines influenced politics, culture, and art across a broad stretch of the Deccan.

Geography and governance varied by branch. The Badami Chalukyas centered around Badami and Aihole in present-day Karnataka, expanding their realm under rulers such as Pulakeshin I and Pulakeshin II. The Western Chalukyas, with their capital at Kalyani (modern Basavakalyana), later pursued a revival under rulers including Tailapa II and Vikramaditya VI, shaping the political and architectural landscape of the region. The Eastern Chalukyas ruled the Vengi region, fostering interaction with northern powers and forming strategic alliances with neighboring dynasties.

Architecture and culture are enduring legacies of the Chalukyans. They produced significant stone temples and cave complexes, notably at Badami and the Pattadakal group, which illustrate an early Vesara architectural style blending northern and southern elements. Inscriptions in Kannada and Sanskrit document royal grants and governance, reflecting an administrative culture that supported literature, religion, and temple-building across Kannada- and Telugu-speaking areas.

Legacy and influence extend to subsequent Deccan powers, including the Rashtrakutas and Hoysalas, with the Chalukyan era shaping regional identity, religious practice, and artistic traditions in southern India.