Chalukya Dynasty

The Chalukyas were dominant power in the Deccan in 6th to 8 century AD. And again during the 10th century AD, they regained their power and ruled till 12 century. The Chalukyas who ruled from Badami were the Western Chalukyas. Those who ruled from Kalyani is listed as later Western Chalukyas and the Chalukyas of Vengi is known by historians as the Eastern Chalukyas. The legendary story Chalukyas doing their origin very controversial.

They claimed descent from Pulakesin I (reigned 543-566), who established himself at Badami (in Bijapur) and claimed their independence at the decline of Satavahana empire and quickly became known during the reign Pulakesin II (King 609642). The Early Chalukyas power in northern Karnataka from the 6th century until 757, and were rivals to the Pallava. Vengi (in East Andhra Pradesh) became the center of the Eastern Chalukya dynasty, who reigned from 624 to 11th century, survives fall to early Chalukyas of Badami. The Late Chalukyas prevailed in the Deccan about 973, centered at Kalyani. The story of Kalyani Chalukya empire was largely one of war with the Chola and defense against incursions of Turks and Arabs, which was plundered northern India. Empire collapsed in the 1189th

EASTERN CHALUKYAS :

This dynasty was a branch of the Chalukyas of Badami. Pulakesin II, the famous ruler Chalukyas conquered Vengi (near Eluru) in AD624 and installed his brother Kubja Vishnuvardhana (AD624 - 641) as his regent. His dynasty, known as the Eastern Chalukyas ruled for almost four centuries. Vishnuvardhana extended his possessions up to Srikakulam in the north and Nellore in the south. He was succeeded by his son Jayasimha I (AD641 - 673). Between AD641 and AD705 some kings, except Jayasimha I and Mangi Yuvaraju, (AD681 - 705) ruled for short duration. Then followed a period of turmoil marked by family feuds and weak rulers. Meanwhile, deposed Rashtrakutas dairy Chalukyas of Badami. The weak rulers Vengi had to face the challenge of the Rashtrakutas who exceeded their kingdom more than once. There was no Eastern Chalukya ruler who could control them until Gunaga Vijayaditya came to power in AD848. He also failed to clear the Rashtrakutas and then Rashtrakuta ruler Amoghavarsha treated him as his allies. After Amoghavarsha death Vijayaditya proclaimed independence. He started a campaign against the South and achieved some notable success. He reigned for 44 years and passed away in A.D.892. He was succeeded by his brother's son, Chalukya Bhima (AD892 - 921). Rashtrakutas again attacked Vengi kingdom during this period, but were repulsed effectively by Vengi and came to an understanding with Rashtrakutas and treated them as his allies. They were able to maintain their independence until the Chalukyas of Kalyani in AD973 overthrew Rashtrakutas. Simultaneous with the Eastern Chalukyas were the Eastern Ganga in the north and south of Pallava.

Among the minor Chalukya families that ruled parts of Andhra, the Vemulavada (presently in Karimnagar district) are the most important. Their rule extended over today Karimnagar and Nizamabad districts. As subordinate rulers loyal to Rashtrakutas, they ruled with semi-independent status for about two centuries (AD755 - 968). The rule Vemulavada Chalukyas coincided with that of the Rashtrakutas.