The Chalukya dynasty was a Classical Indian dynasty that ruled large parts of southern and central India between the 6th and the 12th centuries. During this period, they ruled as three related yet individual dynasties. The earliest dynasty, known as the "Badami Chalukyas", ruled from Vatapi (modern Badami) from the middle of the 6th century. The Badami Chalukyas began to assert their independence at the decline of the Kadamba kingdom of Banavasi and rapidly rose to prominence during the reign of Pulakeshin II. After the death of Pulakeshin II, the Eastern Chalukyas became an independent kingdom in the eastern Deccan. The rule of the Chalukya dynasty is an important milestone in the history of South India and marks the golden age in the history of Karnataka. The political atmosphere of South India has shifted from a small kingdom to a great empire with the rise of the Badami Chalukya dynasty. A kingdom based in southern India took control and integrated the entire region between the Kaveri and Narmada rivers. With the rise of this empire, efficient administration, foreign trade and commerce were born, and a new style of architecture called "Chalukya Architecture" was developed. Kannada literature, which enjoyed royal support in the 9th-century Rashtrakuta court, found enthusiastic support for the Jain and Veerashaiva traditions of the western Chalukya dynasty. In the 11th century, Telugu literature was sponsored during the Eastern Chalukya Rule. (Credit: Info + Image Chalukya_dynasty , Wikipedia) [Image : 1. Vaishnava Cave Temple, Badami, 578 CE 2. Bhutanatha temple complex, at Badami 3. Virupaksha temple in Dravidian style at Pattadakal, built 740 CE 4. Aihole – Durga Temple ]
Indian History
