The Western Chalukya Empire or Chalukyas of Kalyani ruled Telangana from 973 CE - 1151 CE was a prominent South Indian power that re-emerged in the late 10th century, marking a revival of the earlier Badami Chalukya lineage. Founded by Tailapa II after overthrowing the Rashtrakutas in 973 AD, they ruled for over two centuries from their capitals at Manyakheta and later Kalyani (modern Basavakalyan, Karnataka). Their era was defined by epic struggles for hegemony with the Chola Empire to the south and conflicts with other regional powers. Despite constant warfare, this period is celebrated as a golden age of Kannada and Sanskrit literature, temple architecture, and legal scholarship, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of the Deccan.
Predecessors: The Rashtrakuta Empire (8th to 10th century CE), whom they overthrew. They claimed descent from the earlier Chalukyas of Badami (6th to 8th century CE), positioning themselves as the restorers of their ancestral glory.
Capitals:
Manyakheta (modern Malkhed, Karnataka): The initial capital, taken over from the Rashtrakutas.
Kalyani (modern Basavakalyan, Bidar District, Karnataka): Established as the new capital by King Somesvara I (Ahavamalla) around c. 1050 CE, symbolizing the dawn of a new era for the dynasty.
Important Rulers:
Tailapa II (973-997 CE): The founder who revived the dynasty.
Satyasraya (997-1008 CE): Faced the first major invasions from Rajaraja Chola I.
Jayasimha II (1015-1042 CE): Stabilized the kingdom and recaptured lost territories.
Somesvara I (1042-1068 CE): Moved the capital to Kalyani. His reign was marked by continuous, epic warfare with the Cholas.
Vikramaditya VI (1076-1126 CE): The most powerful ruler. His coronation began the Chalukya-Vikrama era. His reign was a golden age of culture, law, and administration.
Somesvara III (1126-1138 CE): A scholarly king, known for authoring the Sanskrit encyclopedia Manasollasa.
Geographical Extent:
At its peak under Vikramaditya VI, the empire covered a vast area of the Deccan plateau, encompassing:
Most of the modern Indian state of Karnataka.
Large parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Western parts of Tamil Nadu (up to the Tungabhadra-Krishna river doab).
Southern regions of Maharashtra.
Parts of Goa.
Their core territory was known as Karnata-desa or Kuntala-desa.
Languages:
Kannada: The primary language of administration and literature. The period saw an unprecedented flowering of Kannada literature.
Sanskrit: Used for scholarly works, inscriptions, and courtly documentation. Major legal and literary texts were composed in Sanskrit.
Religion:
Hinduism: Particularly Shaivism (worship of Shiva) and Vaishnavism (worship of Vishnu). Most kings were devout Hindus and built major temples.
Jainism: Enjoyed significant patronage, especially in the early period. Important Jain centers like Koppal and Shravanabelagola were supported. Kings like Jayasimha II initially patronized Jainism before converting to Shaivism.
The 12th century saw the rise of the Vira Shaiva (Lingayat) movement within the empire, a socio-religious reform movement.
Coinage:
The Western Chalukyas issued a variety of high-quality gold, silver, and copper coins, which were a continuation of the coinage standards of their predecessors.
Gold Coins: Called Gadyana or Pagoda, they were the standard gold currency. They typically featured symbols like the Boar (Varaha, an avatar of Vishnu), the Goddess of Prosperity (Lakshmi), and floral designs. Inscriptions were usually in Kannada or Nagari script.
Fractional Currency: Also issued fanams (small gold coins) and kasu (copper coins) for smaller transactions.
Their coinage reflects a sophisticated economy and extensive trade networks.
Successors:
The empire fragmented due to the rebellion of its own powerful feudatories (Mahamandaleshvaras):
The Kalachuris of Kalyani: Briefly usurped the throne under Bijjala II (c. 1162-1164 CE).
The Seuna (Yadava) Dynasty of Devagiri: Took control of the northern territories (Maharashtra).
The Hoysala Empire of Dwarasamudra: Annexed the southern territories (Karnataka).
The Kakatiya Dynasty of Warangal: Declared independence in the eastern territories (Telangana and coastal Andhra).
1. Origins and Rise
Background: The Chalukyas were former feudatories of the Rashtrakuta Empire.Founding Act (973 AD): Tailapa II, a scion of the old Chalukya stock, killed the last Rashtrakuta ruler, Karka II (Kakka II), and seized the capital Manyakheta, declaring independence and re-establishing Chalukya sovereignty.
Early Consolidation: Tailapa II spent his reign consolidating the core territories of the former Chalukya domain, successfully fending off challenges, most notably from the Paramara king Munja of Malwa, whom he defeated and captured around 995 AD.
2. Rulers
Tailapa II (973 - 997 CE)
The founder. Restored Chalukya glory. Patronized the famous Kannada poet Ranna.
Satyasraya (997 - 1008 CE)
Faced the first major Chola invasion under Rajaraja Chola I, who inflicted significant damage on the empire.
Jayasimha II (Jagadhekamalla I) (1015 - 1042 CE)
Recaptured the strategic Kollipaka region from the Cholas. Also fought and defeated Paramara Bhoja. Shifted his religious patronage to Shaivism in 1034 AD after initially supporting Jainism.
Somesvara I (Ahavamalla) (1042 - 1068 CE)
Moved the capital to Kalyani. His reign was a period of intense warfare with the Cholas. Though he faced defeats, his forces also killed the Chola king Rajadhiraja I at the Battle of Koppam (1054 AD). He granted the Hanumakonda region to the loyal Kakatiya chief, Prola I, for his service in these wars.
Somesvara II : 1068 - 1076 CE
His reign was marked by a civil war against his ambitious younger brother, Vikramaditya VI, who ultimately deposed him.
Vikramaditya VI : 1076 - 1126 CE
The greatest ruler of the dynasty. His coronation in 1076 AD began the new Chalukya-Vikrama era, used in numerous inscriptions. His long and prosperous reign saw the empire reach its zenith in power and cultural achievement. He was the patron of the famous scholar Vijñāneśvara, who wrote the legal treatise Mitākṣarā, and the poet Bilhana, who composed the Vikramānkadevacarita.
Somesvara III (Bhulokamalla) : 1126 - 1138 CE
A scholarly king, known for authoring the Sanskrit encyclopedic work Manasollasa.
Jagadekamalla II : 1138 - 1151 CE
His reign saw the beginning of the empire's disintegration. Feudatories like the Kalachuris, Kakatiyas, and Seunas (Yadavas) grew increasingly powerful and autonomous.
Tailapa III : 1151 CE - 1162 CE
Succeeded his brother Jagadhekamalla II to the Western Chalukya throne. Tailapa III never directly ruled modern Telangana.
His influence there was weak or nonexistent, and local chiefs continued allegiance to Jagadekamalla II or acted autonomously. His rule saw the beginning of the end of the Chalukya empire.Kakatiya dynasty's Prola II warred with him, defeated and took the Chalukya king captive.
His influence there was weak or nonexistent, and local chiefs continued allegiance to Jagadekamalla II or acted autonomously. His rule saw the beginning of the end of the Chalukya empire.Kakatiya dynasty's Prola II warred with him, defeated and took the Chalukya king captive.
powerful subordinates like the Kalachuri chief Bijjala II, captured the regal capital Kalyani in 1157 when Tailapa III had to flee to Annigeri (Dharwad district). Finally Tailapa III was killed by Hoysala Vira Narasimha in 1162
Jagadhekamalla III : 1162 CE - 1184 CE
Somesvara IV : 1184 - 1200 CE
The last nominal ruler who tried to revive the empire but was ultimately defeated by the successors: the Yadavas of Devagiri annexed the northern parts, and the Hoysalas of Dwarasamudra annexed the southern territories.
3. Administration
The empire was highly centralized under the emperor (Maharajadhiraja), but due to its vast size, it relied on a feudal structure.Feudatories: The realm was divided into provinces (Rashtras or Mandalas) governed by powerful feudatory chiefs (Mahamandaleshvaras) like the Kakatiyas, Hoysalas, Seunas, and Kalachuris. These chiefs owed allegiance, provided troops, and paid tribute but enjoyed significant autonomy.
Officials: A well-organized bureaucracy included ministers (Pradhans), commanders (Dandanayakas), and record-keepers.
Land Revenue: Was the primary source of income. Inscriptions meticulously record land grants (Agraharas) to Brahmins, temples, and Jain basadis.
4. Economy and Trade
Agriculture: The economy was primarily agrarian, with sophisticated irrigation systems including tanks and canals.Trade & Guilds: Thriving internal and external trade was managed by powerful guilds (Nakaras, Munnurvaru). Inscriptions mention guilds of merchants, oil-millers, and weavers making grants. Vent(modern Gokarna, Karnataka) was an important port.
Coinage: Issued gold coins (called Gadyana or Pagoda), and fanams, which facilitated trade.
5. Society
Religion: Both Jainism and Hinduism (Shaivism and Vaishnavism) flourished and received royal patronage. Kings like Jayasimha II transitioned from Jainism to Shaivism. Temple building and grants to religious institutions were common.Structure: Society was structured along traditional varna lines but was dynamic. The rise of the Vira Shaiva (Lingayat) movement in the 12th century, led by Basavanna (who was a minister under Bijjala II), challenged social hierarchies.
Language: Kannada emerged as the primary administrative and literary language, alongside Sanskrit.
6. Art and Culture
This period is considered a golden age in Kannada history.Literature:
Kannada: The "Three Gems of Kannada Literature" – Ranna (patronized by Tailapa II), Adikavi Pampa, and Sri Ponna – were associated with the early court. Later, great works like Vikramānkadevacarita (by Bilhana) were produced.
Sanskrit: Notable works include Mitākṣarā (on law by Vijñāneśvara) and Manasollasa (an encyclopedia by Somesvara III).
Architecture: Developed a distinct style, a bridge between the early Chalukyas of Badami and the later Hoysalas. Characteristics include ornate pillars with intricate carvings, star-shaped plans, and finely chiseled soapstone sculptures. Famous examples include the temples at Lakkundi, Dambal, Itagi, and Gadag.
7. Foreign Relations
The empire's history was dominated by its foreign relations, primarily:Cholas: A near-constant state of war for control over the fertile region of Vengi and supremacy in the Deccan and Tamil country. This conflict spanned the reigns of nearly every major ruler from Satyasraya to Vikramaditya VI.
Paramaras of Malwa: Frequent conflicts in the north, notably Tailapa II's defeat of Munja and Jayasimha II's wars with Bhoja.
Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi: A complex relationship involving both conflict and marriage alliances, as the Vengi kingdom was often a pawn in the larger Chola-Chalukya struggle.
8. Achievements and Legacy
Political: Revived Chalukya power and established a major Deccan empire that checked Chola expansion for over 200 years.Cultural: Patronized a unique synthesis of Kannada and Sanskrit culture, leading to an unparalleled literary and architectural boom.
Legal: The Mitākṣarā became one of the most influential legal texts in Hindu law across most of India.
Architectural: Their temple architecture style significantly influenced the subsequent Hoysala school.
9. Chronology, Dating and Inscriptions
Eras Used: Initially used the Saka era. The coronation of Vikramaditya VI in 1076 AD marked the beginning of the Chalukya-Vikrama-varsha, which became the standard dating system in his and his successors' inscriptions.Inscriptions: Thousands of inscriptions, primarily in Kannada, provide a detailed history. They record grants of land, villages, and taxes for temples, brahmins, and Jain institutions, offering insights into administration, society, and economy. The examples you provided (e.g., Koraprolu 973 AD, Ummeda 1017 AD, Bichkunda 1031 AD) are typical of these detailed epigraphic records.
10. Western Chalukya Rule in Modern Telangana
The region of modern Telangana was a significant and strategically important part of the Western Chalukya Empire, serving as a crucial frontier zone in their perpetual conflicts with the Cholas and the Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi.1. Nature of Rule: Indirect Control through Vassals
The Chalukyas of Kalyani did not rule Telangana through a tightly centralized administration. Instead, they governed it through a system of feudatory chiefs (Mahamandaleshvaras or Samanthas). The emperor in Kalyani was the supreme sovereign, but day-to-day governance, revenue collection, and military defense were delegated to these loyal, local families.Evidence from Inscriptions: The numerous inscriptions found across Telangana (like those at Ujjili (Mahabubnagar), Koraprolu (Medak), Ummeda (Nizamabad)) typically begin by eulogizing the reigning Chalukya emperor, confirming his sovereignty. The actual order, however, is issued by a local feudatory or his official, demonstrating the decentralized power structure.
2. Key Historical Events in Telangana
973 AD - Immediate Inclusion: The Koraprolu inscription (Medak district) from April 10, 973 AD, is one of the earliest records of Tailapa II's reign, proving that the Telangana region was incorporated into the new empire immediately after its founding.Consolidation under Somesvara I: The Chalukya emperor Somesvara I (1042-1068) rewarded his Kakatiya vassal, Prola I, for his military service in the wars against the Cholas. The grant of the Hanumakonda region (modern Warangal) around 1060 CE was a pivotal event that established the Kakatiyas as the primary power in central Telangana, setting the stage for their future rise.
Chola Incursions: The strategic Kollipake-7000 province (around modern Alampur-Kollapur) was a constant bone of contention. It was briefly captured by Rajendra Chola I in 1015 AD (who killed the ruler Ayyana) but was later recaptured by Jayasimha II. This region witnessed multiple military campaigns.
Cultural Patronage: The period saw significant temple construction and grants to religious institutions. For example, the Ujjili inscription (966 AD, before official founding) records a grant to a Jain temple, indicating active religious and economic activity encouraged by the ruling structure.
3. Major Vassal Dynasties in Telangana
Several feudatory families ruled parts of Telangana under Chalukya suzerainty. The most important were:a) The Kakatiyas (The Most Significant Vassals)
Initial Vassalage: They began as Chalukya feudatories, initially based in the Koravi region (around Mahabubnagar/Wanaparthy).
Rise to Prominence:
Beta I (c. 996-1052): Fought alongside Somesvara I in the Chola wars.
Prola I (c. 1052-1076): Cruially assisted Somesvara I in his campaigns and was rewarded with the Hanumakonda region, making it their new capital.
Prola II (c. 1116-1157): Defeated and captured the rebellious Chalukya prince Tailapa III around 1149-50, but released him out of loyalty to the emperor, Jagadekamalla II. This act demonstrated their power and their formal allegiance.
Legacy: Their tenure as Chalukya vassals allowed them to consolidate power, resources, and military experience, which they used to declare independence and found their own great empire in the late 12th century.
b) The Mudigonda Chalukyas
Based in the Kollipake-7000 region (Nalgonda/Western Khammam).
They were a branch of the Chalukya family itself, ruling as local governors.
They were often in conflict with other local powers, like the Veligandula chiefs. Tailapa II supported them against the Kakatiyas, leading to the death of Kakatiya Gunda IV in 995 AD.
c) The Velanati Chodas
Ruled over parts of Gonka-3000 (modern Nalgonda, Suryapet districts).
Inscriptions, like the one at Vadaparthi (Nalgonda, 1156 AD) by king Kanduri Udayanachoda, show them issuing orders in the name of the Chalukya emperor (Jagadekamalla II), confirming their status as feudatories.
d) Other Chiefs:
The Cheravas: Ruled in the Panagallu region (modern Jangaon district).
The Malyalas: Chiefs in the Malyala country (possibly Narayanpet/Makthal area).
The Mandalakas: Feudatories in the Medak region.
Summary of Rule in Telangana
Capital (Regional) No single capital. Key administrative centers included Hanumakonda (Kakatiyas), Kollipaka, and Panagallu.Nature of Rule Indirect, Feudal. Controlled through loyal vassal families (Samanthas) who owed troops, tribute, and allegiance.
Primary Vassals Kakatiyas of Hanumakonda, Mudigonda Chalukyas, Velanati Chodas.
Key Economic Activity Agriculture, temple grants, and trade (evidenced by guild donations in inscriptions).
Cultural Impact Proliferation of Kannada inscriptions, construction of Shiva and Jain temples in a transitional Chalukyan architectural style.
Legacy The Chalukya period was the crucial incubation phase for the Kakatiyas. The stability, military experience, and administrative framework provided by the Chalukyas allowed these local families to grow powerful enough to eventually establish independent kingdoms that defined Telangana's later history.
11. Successor States/Vassals
The empire fragmented as its feudatories declared independence:Kakatiyas of Warangal (in Telangana): Initially feudatories, declared independence under Prolla II and Rudra.
Hoysalas of Dwarasamudra (in Karnataka): Overthrew Chalukya suzerainty under Veera Ballala II and annexed the southern territories.
Seunas (Yadavas) of Devagiri (in Maharashtra): Took control of the northern parts of the empire.
Kalachuris of Kalyani: Briefly usurped the throne under Bijjala II before themselves fragmenting.
http://nmma.nic.in/nmma/nmma_doc/Indian%20Archaeology%20Review/Indian%20Archaeology%201961-62%20A%20Review.pdf
https://www.gktoday.in/topic/chalukyas-of-kalyani/
https://telanganatoday.com/new-inscription-of-chalukyan-emperor-someswara-iii-found-in-telangana
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/historical-discovery/article7593178.ece
https://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/south_indian_inscriptions/volume_9/chalukyas_of_kalyani.html
https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/2021/oct/01/medieval-inscription-slab-found-in-telanganas-nalgonda-district-2366217.html
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