Chalukyas

The Chalukyas were a prominent Indian royal dynasty that controlled parts of the western Deccan and eastern coast from the 6th to the 12th centuries. Originating in Vatapi (Badami) in present-day Karnataka, they left a lasting impact on temple architecture, administration, and culture. The term typically covers three principal lines: the Badami (Early) Chalukyas, the Western Chalukyas of Kalyani, and the Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi.

The Badami Chalukyas began in the mid-6th century with Pulakeshin I. Their capital was Badami; their most famous ruler, Pulakeshin II, expanded the realm and is noted for resisting northern power and extending influence into central and southern India. They fostered a distinctive Deccan temple style, evidenced by early cave temples at Aihole and the temple complex at Pattadakal, which later became a UNESCO World Heritage site. Inscriptions in Kannada and Sanskrit document their administration and culture.

The Western Chalukyas arose in the 10th century after the decline of Badami power, with the capital at Manyakheta. They maintained Deccan influence for nearly two centuries, supporting temple architecture that advanced the Vesara style, a blend of northern and southern architectural elements, and patronizing literature and learning.

The Eastern Chalukyas ruled Vengi in the eastern Deccan from about the 7th to the 11th centuries. They maintained independent rule but sustained close ties with the Chola dynasty, including marriage alliances that helped shape South Indian politics. The Chalukya tradition influenced later regimes, including the Rashtrakutas and the Chola–Eastern Chalukya alliance, leaving a lasting architectural and cultural imprint in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.