Chalukya Dynasty: Badami, Western & Eastern Chalukyas — Complete History for UPSC

The Chalukyas were a powerful dynasty that ruled large parts of southern and central India between the 6th and 12th centuries CE. Divided into three related lineages — the Badami Chalukyas (Chalukyas of Vatapi), the Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi, and the Western Chalukyas of Kalyani — they shaped the political and cultural landscape of the Deccan. Their contributions to temple architecture, Sanskrit literature, and administration make them a central topic in UPSC Ancient Indian History.

The Three Chalukya Lineages

1. Badami Chalukyas (c. 543-753 CE)

The Chalukyas of Badami were the founders of Chalukya power. They established their capital at Vatapi (Badami) and built a vast empire across the Deccan.

Key Rulers

Pulakeshin II: The Greatest Chalukya

Pulakeshin II (reign 609-642 CE) was the most celebrated Chalukya ruler.

Aihole Inscription (634 CE)

The Aihole Inscription was composed by the court poet Ravikirti in Sanskrit in the Kavya style at the Meguti Jain temple, Aihole.

2. Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi (c. 624-1070 CE)

After the conquest of Vengi (coastal Andhra Pradesh) by Pulakeshin II, he appointed his brother Kubja Vishnuvardhana as the viceroy. This branch eventually became an independent dynasty.

3. Western Chalukyas of Kalyani (c. 973-1189 CE)

After a two-century gap following the Rashtrakuta overthrow, Chalukya power was revived by Tailapa II, who defeated Rashtrakuta ruler Karka II in 973 CE.

Contributions of Vikramaditya VI

• Initiated the Chalukya-Vikrama Era (1076 CE)
• Patronised Kashmiri poet Bilhana, author of Vikramankadevacharita
• Supported the great jurist Vijnaneshwara, whose Mitakshara became one of the two main schools of Hindu law
• Extended Chalukya territory significantly

Art and Architecture

The Chalukyas are renowned for their contributions to temple architecture. They pioneered the Vesara style, which blends the Nagara (North Indian) and Dravida (South Indian) styles.

Badami Cave Temples

Carved into sandstone cliffs at Badami (Karnataka), these rock-cut temples are among India's finest.

Aihole

Known as the "Cradle of Indian Temple Architecture", Aihole has over 125 temples representing early experimental styles.

Pattadakal — UNESCO World Heritage Site

Pattadakal was the ceremonial coronation centre of the Chalukyas. It has 10 major temples and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (inscribed 1987).

Pattadakal thus exhibits both Nagara and Dravida styles side by side, with the emerging Vesara style as a synthesis.

Administration

Literature and Religion

• Sanskrit was the court language under Badami Chalukyas
• Kannada flourished under Western Chalukyas; early Kannada inscriptions
• Telugu literature emerged under Eastern Chalukyas (Nannaya's Andhra Mahabharatam)
• Mitakshara by Vijnaneshwara (Western Chalukya court) — seminal text of Hindu law
• Religious tolerance: Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism all received patronage
• Pulakeshin II was a Shaiva; Mangalesha was a Vaishnava; Jain poets like Ravikirti received patronage

Decline of the Chalukyas

UPSC Relevance

Key terms to remember: Badami Chalukyas, Pulakeshin II, Aihole inscription, Ravikirti, Pattadakal, Virupaksha Temple, Vesara style, Vikramaditya VI, Mitakshara, Manasollasa, Chalukya-Vikrama Era, Kubja Vishnuvardhana.

The Chalukyas represent a pivotal chapter in early medieval Indian history, bridging the ancient and medieval periods and creating a cultural-architectural legacy that continues to define the Deccan's historical identity.

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