Western Chalukya Empire

Virgal (hero stone) in Praneshvara temple at Talagunda

Old Kannada inscription (c.1057) in Kalleshvara temple at Hire Hadagali

Itagi Mahadeva temple

Western Chalukyas of Kalyana King Somesvara I Trailokyamalla 1043-1068

Mallikarjuna group of temples at Badami

Open mantapa (hall) in Kalleshvara temple at Bagali 1

Western Chalukya Empire was a prominent Indian dynasty that ruled most of the western Deccan, South India, between the 10th and 12th centuries. This period is noted for its unique contributions to architecture, literature, and art, often referred to as the Golden Age of Karnataka. The empire is sometimes called the Kalyani Chalukya after its regal capital at Kalyani, today's Basavakalyan, and also as the Later Chalukya from the fact that it was essentially a revival of the earlier Chalukya dynasty of Vatapi.

History

The foundation of the Western Chalukya Empire is often attributed to Pulakeshin II, the great-grandson of the first Chalukya king, Pulakeshin I. Pulakeshin II conquered vast territories in the Deccan, defeating the Pallavas of Kanchi and other smaller kingdoms. However, the actual revival of the Chalukya power under the Western Chalukya banner was initiated by Tailapa II in the mid-10th century, who overthrew the Rashtrakutas and established his rule.

The empire saw a series of competent rulers who expanded its boundaries and influence. Notable among them were Somesvara I (also known as Ahavamalla), Vikramaditya VI, who introduced the Chalukya-Vikrama era, and Somesvara III, known for his scholarly work, Manasollasa.

Culture

The Western Chalukya period was marked by significant developments in art and architecture, leading to the birth of the Karnataka Dravida architectural style. This period saw the construction of numerous temples, including the famous Kasivisvesvara Temple at Lakkundi, the Mahadeva Temple at Itagi, and the Jain temples at Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

In literature, this era contributed significantly to the growth of Kannada and Sanskrit literature. Court poets and scholars like Bilhana, Vijnaneshwara, and Somadeva wrote seminal works on poetry, law, and ethics.

Economy

The Western Chalukya Empire had a thriving economy that was largely based on agriculture, with significant advancements in irrigation and water management. Trade also flourished, with the empire having extensive trade links with the Arab and Persian regions through the ports of the Konkan coast.

Decline

The empire began to decline in the late 12th century due to internal strife and the rise of the Hoysala Empire and the Kalachuri Dynasty. The last Chalukya ruler, Somesvara IV, faced invasions from the Kakatiya Dynasty, leading to the eventual fall of the empire.

Legacy

The Western Chalukya Empire left a lasting legacy in the form of its unique architectural style, which influenced later South Indian temple architecture. The empire's contributions to literature, particularly in Kannada and Sanskrit, have been invaluable in shaping the literary tradition of Karnataka.

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