Unit I: Dynasties of Deccan

1. Chalukyas

The Chalukyas were a prominent dynasty that ruled large parts of southern and central India between the 6th and the 12th centuries. This unit focuses on the Chalukyas of Badami (or Vatapi), the earliest branch, who rose to power in the Deccan.

1.a) Political achievements - Pulakesin II

Pulakesin II (c. 610–642 CE) was the most celebrated ruler of the Chalukya dynasty. His reign is a high point in the history of the Deccan.

• Primary Source: Our main source of information for his reign is the Aihole Inscription, a Sanskrit eulogy composed by his court poet, Ravikirti.
• Consolidation of Power: He ascended the throne after a civil war, defeating his uncle Mangalesha. He quickly consolidated his control over the Chalukyan heartland.
• Victory over Harsha: His most famous achievement was the defeat of Harshavardhana of Kanauj, the dominant ruler of North India. Pulakesin II stopped Harsha's southward expansion on the banks of the Narmada River. This victory established the Narmada as the boundary between the northern and southern empires and earned him the title Parameshwara ("Supreme Lord").
• Other Conquests: He subdued the Kadambas of Banavasi, the Gangas of Mysore, and the Alupas of South Canara. His empire stretched from coast to coast.
• Conflict with Pallavas: He waged a long war against the Pallavas of Kanchi. He successfully defeated the Pallava king Mahendravarman I.
• His Defeat: However, the Pallavas, under Narasimhavarman I (son of Mahendravarman I), regrouped. Narasimhavarman I invaded the Chalukya kingdom, defeated Pulakesin II, and captured the capital, Badami, in c. 642 CE. Pulakesin II was likely killed in this conflict.

1.b) Cultural Achievements

The Chalukyas of Badami are most famous for their contributions to art and architecture. They were pioneers of a new style of temple architecture.

• Temple Architecture: They are credited with developing the Chalukyan or Vesara style of architecture, which skillfully combines elements from the northern Nagara style and the southern Dravida style.
• Cradle of Indian Architecture: The Chalukyan capital cities served as experimental grounds for temple building.
  • Aihole: Known as the "Cradle of Indian Temple Architecture," it has over 100 temples. Key examples include the Lad Khan Temple, Durga Temple (with its unique apsidal plan), and Huchimalli Gudi.
  • Badami (Vatapi): Famous for its four magnificent rock-cut cave temples. Three are dedicated to Hindu gods (Shiva and Vishnu) and one is a Jain temple. These caves are known for their beautiful sculptures, including the Nataraja (dancing Shiva).
  • Pattadakal: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is where the Chalukyan style reached its zenith. It features temples in *both* Nagara and Dravida styles, built side-by-side. The Virupaksha Temple (Dravida style) and the Papanatha Temple (Nagara style) are the most important.
• Painting: Fragments of beautiful murals can be found in the Badami cave temples, showing the advancement of painting during this period.
• Religion: The Chalukyas were patrons of Hinduism (both Shaivism and Vaishnavism) but were tolerant towards Jainism and Buddhism. Ravikirti, the court poet of Pulakesin II, was a Jain.

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2. Rashtrakutas

The Rashtrakutas (c. 753–982 CE) succeeded the Chalukyas of Badami as the dominant power in the Deccan. They established their capital at Manyakheta (modern Malkhed). They were one of the "three powers" involved in the Tripartite Struggle.

2.a) Political history

• Dantidurga: The founder of the dynasty. He was a feudatory of the Chalukyas who overthrew his Chalukyan overlord, Kirtivarman II. He performed the Hiranya-garbha ("golden womb") ceremony to legitimize his status as a Kshatriya ruler.
• Krishna I: Succeeded Dantidurga. He is most famous for commissioning the Kailasa Temple at Ellora, a monolithic marvel.
• Dhruva: A great military general. He was the first Rashtrakuta king to intervene in North Indian politics, defeating both the Pratiharas and the Palas, thus beginning the Tripartite Struggle for Kanauj.
• Amoghavarsha I: Reigned for 64 years, one of the longest in Indian history. He was more a patron of arts and literature than a military conqueror. He himself was an author, credited with writing 'Kavirajamarga', the earliest known Kannada work on poetics. He also built the capital city of Manyakheta.
• Indra III & Krishna III: Later powerful rulers who revived the empire's military glory. Krishna III was the last great Rashtrakuta ruler.

2.b) Cultural Contribution

The Rashtrakutas were great patrons of art, architecture, and literature.

• Architecture & Sculpture (Ellora): Their greatest contribution is the rock-cut caves at Ellora (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
  • Kailasa Temple (Cave 16): This is the crowning achievement. It is a massive temple dedicated to Shiva, carved from a single, solid rock (monolithic). It was built by Krishna I and is considered one of the wonders of the ancient world.
• Elephanta Caves: The magnificent rock-cut caves at Elephanta, near Mumbai, are also attributed to the Rashtrakuta period. The Trimurti (three-faced Shiva) sculpture is world-famous.
• Literature: They patronized Sanskrit, Prakrit, and especially Kannada. As mentioned, Amoghavarsha I's Kavirajamarga was a milestone for Kannada literature.
• Religious Tolerance: The Rashtrakuta rulers were remarkably tolerant. While they were personally Hindus (mostly Shaivites), they equally patronized Jainism and Buddhism. Many Jain scholars and temples flourished under their rule.

2.c) Administration

The Rashtrakuta administration was based on the models of the Guptas and Chalukyas, but with its own distinct features.

• Central Administration: The king was the supreme head, assisted by a council of ministers.
• Provincial Administration: The empire was divided into provinces called 'Rashtras' (hence the name Rashtrakuta, meaning "head of the Rashtra"). These were governed by officials called 'Rashtrapatis', who were often from the royal family.
• Further Divisions: Rashtras were divided into 'Vishayas' (districts) under Vishayapatis, and further into 'Bhuktis' (smaller units).
• Village Administration: The lowest unit was the village, headed by a 'Gramapati' or Prabhu. He was assisted by a village assembly (grama-mahasabha) which played a significant role in local governance.
• Feudal Structure: The system was semi-feudal. Many feudatory chiefs (Samantas) ruled parts of the empire, paid tribute to the king, and provided military support.