The Kalyani Chalukya

Source: TT

Context: Archaeologists have discovered 900-year-old Kannada inscriptions from the Kalyani Chalukya era in Kankal village, Vikarabad district, Telangana.

• These inscriptions, dating back to 1129-1132 CE, detail temple construction and land donations during the reign of Emperor Someswara III Bhulokamalladeva.

About Kalyani Chalukyas (Western Chalukyas):

• Period & Dynastic Lineage:

• Ruled Western Deccan between the 10th and 12th centuries CE. One of the three Chalukyan dynasties: Chalukyas of Badami (6th-8th century CE). Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi (7th-12th century CE). Western Chalukyas (Kalyani Chalukyas) (10th-12th century CE).

• Ruled Western Deccan between the 10th and 12th centuries CE.

• One of the three Chalukyan dynasties: Chalukyas of Badami (6th-8th century CE). Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi (7th-12th century CE). Western Chalukyas (Kalyani Chalukyas) (10th-12th century CE).

• Chalukyas of Badami (6th-8th century CE).

• Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi (7th-12th century CE).

• Western Chalukyas (Kalyani Chalukyas) (10th-12th century CE).

• Founder: Founded by Tailapa II after defeating the Rashtrakutas.

• Capital: Kalyani (modern-day Bidar, Karnataka). Controlled Deccan Plateau, including present-day Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.

• Controlled Deccan Plateau, including present-day Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.

• Significant Kings: Vikramaditya VI (1076-1126 CE): Most powerful ruler, known for the Chalukya Vikrama era. Someswara I & Someswara III: Expanded territory and cultural influence. Jayasimha II: Stabilized the empire post-Rashtrakuta downfall.

• Vikramaditya VI (1076-1126 CE): Most powerful ruler, known for the Chalukya Vikrama era.

• Someswara I & Someswara III: Expanded territory and cultural influence.

• Jayasimha II: Stabilized the empire post-Rashtrakuta downfall.

• Religious Policy: Patronized Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Jainism.

• Contributions to Art & Architecture: Developed the Western Chalukya (Kalyani Chalukya) style of architecture. Known for Vesara or Karnata-Dravida temple architecture.

• Developed the Western Chalukya (Kalyani Chalukya) style of architecture.

• Known for Vesara or Karnata-Dravida temple architecture.

• Introduced intricate carvings, stepped wells, and ornate sculptures. Their style influenced later Vijayanagara and Hoysala architecture.

• Introduced intricate carvings, stepped wells, and ornate sculptures.

• Their style influenced later Vijayanagara and Hoysala architecture.

• Major temples include:

• Mahadeva Temple (Itagi, Koppal): Finest example of their craftsmanship and known as “Emperor among temples” Kasivisvesvara Temple (Lakkundi, Gadag): Ornate carvings and symmetrical designs. Sarasvati Temple (Gadag) & Dodda Basappa Temple (Dambal, Gadag).

• Mahadeva Temple (Itagi, Koppal): Finest example of their craftsmanship and known as “Emperor among temples”

• Kasivisvesvara Temple (Lakkundi, Gadag): Ornate carvings and symmetrical designs.

• Sarasvati Temple (Gadag) & Dodda Basappa Temple (Dambal, Gadag).