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[[Image:Chalukya_territories_lg.png|thumb|right|220px|Chalukya Territories during [[Pulakesin II]] c. 640 C.E.]]
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'''Pulakesi II''' ([[Kannada]]: ಇಮ್ಮಡಿ ಪುಲಿಕೇಶಿ) (610 - 642 C.E.) is the most famous ruler of the [[Chalukya dynasty]]. In his reign the [[Chalukyas]] of Badami saw their kingdom extend over most of the [[Deccan]].  
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[[Image:Aihole inscription of Ravi Kirti.jpg|thumb|right|220px|The Aihole Inscription of Ravi Kirti at the Meguti temple, a minister and poet in the court of Badami Chalukya King en:Pulakesi II, dated to 634 C.E., is in Sanskrit language and old Kannada script. It is considered one of the finest pieces of extant poetry in the Sanskrit language and is a eulogy of King Pulakesi II and his conquests.]]
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'''Pulakesi II''' ([[Kannada]]: ಇಮ್ಮಡಿ ಪುಲಿಕೇಶಿ) (r. 610 - 642 C.E.) reigned over the [[Chalukyas]] of [[Badami]] an Indian royal dynasty that ruled large parts of southern and central India between the sixth and the twelfth centuries during an era that saw their kingdom extend over most of the [[Deccan]]. He defeated his uncle, [[Mangalesa]], who had usurped the throne following the death of his father, [[Pulakesi I]]. Pulakesi II invested most of his kingdom's [[wealth]] and [[resources]] expanding the Chalukyas of Badami domain. He fought one  successful campaign after another during much of his rule. At first, he invested himself in quelling rebellion from provinces that sought to take advantage of the turmoil caused by civil war with his uncle, Mangalesa, including [[Appayika]] and [[Govinda]].
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After quelling the rebellions, Paulakesi II embarked upon a campaign to expand his kingdom throughout most of the [[Deccan]]. His court poet, [[Ravikirti]], left accounts of his campaigns that are considered superlative examples of Indian [[literature]]. He built impressive cities and became the first Indian ruler to mint gold coins, becoming the wealthiest of the [[Chalukyas]] rulers. The influence of the Chalukyas of [[Badami]] waned after Pulakesi II's death, leaving his five sons to fight over the right to ascend the throne. However, the glory of his rule lived on to inspire the people of India through the writings of his court poet, Ravikirti.
  
 
==Early life and accession==
 
==Early life and accession==
Ereya, who assumed the name Pulakesi on his coronation, had been the son of the Chalukya king [[Kirtivarman I]]. When Kirtivarman died in 597, Ereya was still a young boy and Kirtivarman's brother [[Mangalesa]] governed the kingdom as regent until Ereya came of age. Mangalesa was a capable ruler and continued expanding the kingdom. When Ereya came of age, desire for power drove Mangalesa to deny prince Ereya his rightful place on the Chalukya throne He sought to perpetuate his own line by making his son heir apparent.
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Ereya, who assumed the name Pulakesi on his coronation, had been the son of the Chalukya king [[Kirtivarman I]].<ref>Ramkrishna Gopal Bhandarkar, ''Early History of the Dekkan Down to the Mahomedan Conquest'' (Bombay: Printed at the government central press, 1895), 49.</ref> When Kirtivarman died in 597, Ereya was still a young boy and Kirtivarman's brother [[Mangalesa]] governed the kingdom as regent until Ereya came of age. Mangalesa was a capable ruler and continued expanding the kingdom. When Ereya came of age, desire for power drove Mangalesa to deny prince Ereya his rightful place on the Chalukya throne He sought to perpetuate his own line by making his son heir apparent.
  
Ereya took shelter in the Bana territory ([[Kolar]]), organized an army with the help of his associates and declared war on his uncle. According to an Peddavadagur inscription, Mangalesa was defeated and killed in the battle of Elapattu Simbige. Ereya ascended the Chalukya throne as '''Pulakesi II''' and assumed the title ''Parameshwara''.
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Ereya took shelter in the Bana territory ([[Kolar]]), organized an army with the help of his allies and declared war on his uncle. According to an Peddavadagur inscription, Mangalesa was defeated and killed in the battle of Elapattu Simbige. Ereya ascended the Chalukya throne as Pulakesi II and assumed the title ''Parameshwara''.
  
 
==Emperor Parameshwara==
 
==Emperor Parameshwara==
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[[Image:Chalukya_territories_lg.png|thumb|right|250px|Chalukya Territories during Pulakesin II c. 640 C.E.]]
 
===Consolidation of the Chalukya dynasty===
 
===Consolidation of the Chalukya dynasty===
Pulakesi had to face several obstacles soon after his coronation. The civil war had given fresh hope to feudatories and adventurers; some of them were emboldened to throw off their allegiance to the Chalukyas. The [[Aihole]] inscription of 634 found in an Aihole Jainlaya says, "the whole world was enveloped in the darkness that was enemies." Pulakesi had to face the challenge of Appayika and Govinda, perhaps loyal adherents of the defeated Mangalesa. It is even possible that at least one of them, if not both, was Mangalesa's son. Pulakesi confronted their army on the banks of the river Bhima. Appayika ran away from the battlefield, while Govinda surrendered.  
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Pulakesi had to face several obstacles soon after his coronation.<ref>Robert Sewell,''Lists of Inscriptions, and Sketch of the Dynasties of Southern India'' (Madras: Printed by E. Keys at the Government Press, 1884), 212.</ref> The civil war had given fresh hope to feudatories and adventurers; some of them felt emboldened to throw off their allegiance to the Chalukyas. The [[Aihole]] inscription of 634 found in an Aihole Jainlaya conveys the mood of rebellion.<ref>Dineschandra Sircar, ''Indian Epigraphy'' (Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1965), 18. </ref> Pulakesi had to face the challenge of Appayika and Govinda, perhaps loyal adherents of the defeated Mangalesa. One, or possibly both, had been Mangalesa's son. Pulakesi confronted their army on the banks of the river Bhima. Appayika fled from the battlefield, while Govinda surrendered.  
  
 
===Expansion===
 
===Expansion===
After consolidating his position, Pulakesi II organized and enlarged his fighting forces. He then embarked upon a series of conquests to expand his dominions. The accounts of Pulakesi's campaigns are provided in the Aihole inscription dated 634. It was composed by his court poet Ravikirti. The inscription is one of the finest pieces of poetry. Written in Sanskrit language and ''Hale'' Kannada script, it is the most important source of information regarding the rule of Pulakesi II.
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After consolidating his position, Pulakesi II organized and enlarged his army. He then embarked upon a series of conquests to expand his dominions. The Aihole inscription dated 634, composed by Pulakesi's  court poet Ravikirti, provide accounts of campaigns. The inscription constitutes one of the finest pieces of poetry in Indian literature. Written in Sanskrit language and ''Hale'' Kannada script, it is the most important source of information regarding the rule of Pulakesi II.<ref>Siegfried Lienhard, ''A History of Classical Poetry, Sanskrit, Pali, Prakrit'' (Wiesbaden: Harrassowitz, 1984), 184.</ref>
  
 
====Conquests in the West====
 
====Conquests in the West====
He subjugated the [[Kadambas]] of Banavasi, the [[Gangas]] of Talakad and the [[Alupas]] of South Kanara. He defeated the Mauryas of the [[Konkan]], and the port of Puri (modern [[Elephanta Island]]) was captured after a naval battle. It was followed by victory over the Latas, the Gurjaras and the Malawas, resulting in the annexation of the Gujarat area. These victories have been confirmed by historians Dr. R.C. Majumdar and Dr. Sircar.
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He subjugated the [[Kadambas]] of Banavasi, the [[Gangas]] of Talakad and the [[Alupas]] of South Kanara. He defeated the Mauryas of the [[Konkan]], and the port of Puri (modern [[Elephanta Island]]) fell after a naval battle. Victories over the Latas, the Gurjaras and the Malawas followed, resulting in the annexation of the Gujarat area. Those victories have been researched by historians R.C. Majumdar<ref>Ramesh Chandra Majumdar, Hemchandra Raychaudhuri, and Kalikinkar Datta, ''An Advanced History of India'' (London: Macmillan, 1967). </ref> and Sircar. The Ganga ruler Durvinita gave one of his daughters in marriage to Pulakesi, and she became the mother of [[Vikramaditya I]].
 
 
The Ganga ruler Durvinita gave one of his daughters in marriage to Pulakesi, and she became the mother of [[Vikramaditya I]].
 
  
 
====Eastern Deccan====
 
====Eastern Deccan====
Pulakesi then overran [[Kosala]], ruled by the Panduvamsis. It was followed by victory over the Eastern Gangas of [[Kalinga (India)|Kalinga]] and the capture of the fort of Pishtapura (Pithapuram). He subjugated the [[Vishnukundins]] and captured the Kunala area in the Vengi region. He appointed his brother [[Kubja Vishnuvardhana]] (also called Bittarasa) as viceroy of his Eastern territories (631). Vishnuvardhana eventually founded the dynasty of [[Eastern Chalukyas]].
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Pulakesi next swept over the Panduvamsis in [[Kosala]], followed by victory over the Eastern Gangas of [[Kalinga (India)|Kalinga]] and the capture of the fort of Pishtapura (Pithapuram). He subjugated the [[Vishnukundins]] and captured the Kunala area in the Vengi region, appointing his brother [[Kubja Vishnuvardhana]] (also called Bittarasa) as viceroy of his Eastern territories. Vishnuvardhana eventually founded the [[Eastern Chalukyas]] dynasty.
  
 
====Southern Expedition====
 
====Southern Expedition====
Moving further south, Pulakesi II routed the [[Pallava]] king [[Mahendravarman I]] in the battle of Pullalur, only 25 KM north of the Pallava capital. There a pitched battle was fought, and although Mahendravarman saved his capital, he lost the northern provinces to Pulakesi. The Chalukya king was aided by [[Durvinita]] of the Gangas dynasty from the West and the Pandyan king [[Jayantavarman]] from the South. The Chalukya army laid siege to the Pallava capital at [[Kanchipuram]], but could not capture the kingdom, so had to return home.
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Moving further south, Pulakesi II routed the [[Pallava]] king [[Mahendravarman I]] in the battle of Pullalur, only twenty five kilometers north of the Pallava capital. A pitched battle followed and, although Mahendravarman saved his capital, he lost the northern provinces to Pulakesi. [[Durvinita]] of the Gangas dynasty from the West and the Pandyan king [[Jayantavarman]] from the South aided the Chalukya king. The Chalukya army laid siege to the Pallava capital at [[Kanchipuram]], but failed to conquer the kingdom, returning home thwarted. The Chalukya victory over Mahendravarman I initiated an enduring line of conflict in South India.<ref>Ramesh Chandra Majumdar, Hemchandra Raychaudhuri, and Kalikinkar Datta, ''An Advanced History of India'' (London: Macmillan, 1967).</ref>
  
The Chalukya victory over Mahendravarman I was, according to Prof. Nilakanta Sastri, "the first move initiating what developed into one of the persistent lines of conflict in South Indian history."
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====Battle with Harsha====
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When Pulakesi II advanced to Narmada, he encountered [[Harsha]]vardhana of [[Kanauj]], known by the title ''Uttarapatheshvara'' (Lord of the North). In a decisive battle fought on the banks of the river [[Narmada River|Narmada]], Harsha lost a major part of his elephant force and retreated. The Aihole inscription describes how the mighty Harsha lost his harsha (joy) when he suffered the ignominy of defeat. Pulakesi entered into a treaty with Harsha, designating the Narmada River as the border between the Chalukya Empire and the Harshavardhana Empire.
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[[Image:Xuanzang Da Yan Ta statue.jpg|thumb|right|220px|The statue of Xuanzang at the Great Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an, which was built to house the texts he brought back from India.]]
  
====Battle with Harsha===
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The Chinese traveler Hieun-tsang describes the event thus: "Siladityaraja (i.e., Harsha), filled with confidence, himself marched at the head of his troops to contend with this prince (i.e., Pulakesi); but he was unable to prevail upon or subjugate him."<ref>Indian Research Institute, ''Indian Culture: Journal of the Indian Research Institute'' (Indian Research Institute) v.6 1939-1940 Jul-Apr.</ref>
When Pulakesi II pushed forth up to the Narmada, he came face to face with [[Harsha]]vardhana of [[Kanauj]] who already had the title ''Uttarapatheshvara'' (Lord of the North). In a decisive battle fought on the banks of the river [[Narmada River|Narmada]], Harsha lost a major part of his elephant force and had to retreat. The Aihole inscription describes how the mighty Harsha lost his harsha (joy) when he suffered the ignominy of defeat. Pulakesi entered into a treaty with Harsha, with the Narmada River designated as the border between the Chalukya Empire and that of Harshavardhana.  
 
  
The Chinese traveller Hieun-tsang describes the event thus:
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A great victory for the Chalukya monarch, he assumed the titles of ''Parameswara'' (Paramount Overlord), ''Satyashraya,'' ''Prithvivallabha''. With that victory, Pulakesi's control extended completely over Southern India, including [[Maharashtra]] and parts of [[Madhya Pradesh]] and [[Gujarat]]. He took the title ''Dakshinapatheshvara'' (Lord of the South) at the same time. As the Lohner plates of Pulakesi II (630) make no mention of his northern victory, those victories most likely happened between 630 and 634.
:"Siladityaraja (i.e., Harsha), filled with confidence, himself marched at the head of his troops to contend with this prince (i.e., Pulakesi); but he was unable to prevail upon or subjugate him."
 
 
 
It was indeed a great victory for the Chalukya monarch, who assumed the proud titles of ''Parameswara'' (Paramount Overlord), ''Satyashraya'', ''Prithvivallabha''. With this conquest, Pulakesi's control extended completely over Southern India, including [[Maharashtra]] and parts of [[Madhya Pradesh]] and [[Gujarat]]. He received the title ''Dakshinapatheshvara'' (Lord of the South) at around the same time. These victories happened between 630 and 634. Since the Lohner plates of Pulakesi II (630) do not speak of his northern victory.
 
Pulakesi II married a princess of the Alupas of [[South Canara]].
 
  
 
===Reversals===
 
===Reversals===
The last days of Pulakesi II witnessed several reversals to his earlier successes. Pulakesi's ambition prompted him to undertake another expedition against the Pallavas in the hope of achieving more decisive results. However, war had depleted the treasury sufficiently enough to prevent Pulakesi to mount an effective campaign.  
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Pulakesi II experienced several reversals during the last days of his reign. Pulakesi undertook another expedition against the Pallavas in the hope of achieving more decisive results. Pulakesi's extensive campaigns had depleted the treasury, hampering his ability to mount a successful campaign.  
  
The Pallavas had overcome their defeat and [[Narasimhavarman I]] had succeeded Mahendravarman I. Pulakesi began his campaign by an attack on the Banas, vassals of the Pallavas. After overrunning them, Pulakesi invaded the Pallava kingdom proper and once more threatened the Pallava Capital. However the Pallava forces under Narasimhavarman defeated the Chalukyas in several battles including one at Manimangalam, east of Kanchipuram. In these battles the Pallava army was assisted by the Sinhalese king Manavarma. Pulakesi's expedition ended in failure. The Pallavas, encouraged by their success, invaded deep into Chalukya territory. The Pallava ruler captured and sacked Vatapi ([[Badami]]). Narasimhavarman assumed the title of ''Vatapikonda'' (the conqueror of Vatapi). [[Vatapi]] remained in Pallava control for twelve years.
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[[Narasimhavarman I]] succeeded Mahendravarman I, leading the Pallavas into recovery. Pulakesi began his campaign by attacking the Banas, vassals of the Pallavas. After overrunning them, Pulakesi invaded the Pallava kingdom proper and once more threatened the Pallava Capital. The Pallava forces under Narasimhavarman defeated the Chalukyas in several battles including one at Manimangalam, east of Kanchipuram. In those battles, the Sinhalese king Manavarma assisted the Pallava army. Pulakesi's expedition ended in failure. The Pallavas, encouraged by their success, invaded deep into Chalukya territory capturing and sacking Vatapi ([[Badami]]). As a result of his military success, the ruler of the Pallavas, Narasimhavarman I, assumed the title of ''Vatapikonda'' ("the conqueror of Vatapi"). [[Vatapi]] remained under Pallava control for twelve years.
  
==Pulakesi's death and legacy==
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==Pulakesi's legacy==
It is possible that Pulakesi II lost his life in one of these encounters against the Pallavas. The thirteen years that followed saw the eclipse of Chalukya power, while Badami remained in the hands of the Pallavas.
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The thirteen years that followed, Chalukya power diminished.<ref>Narendra Krishna Sinha, and Anil Chandra Banerjee, ''History of India'' (Calcutta: A. Mukherjee, 1963), 199.</ref> Pulakesi exchanged ambassadors with the Shah of [[Persian Empire|Persia]] [[Khosrau II]], his reception of the Persian ambassador depicted in one of the paintings in the [[Ajanta]] caves. The Chinese traveler [[Xuanzang|Hsuan Tsang]], who visited India in the seventh century, wrote admiringly of Pulakesi and his Empire.
[[Image:Xuanzang Da Yan Ta statue.jpg|thumb|right|220px|The statue of Xuanzang at the Great Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an, which was built to house the texts he brought back from India.]]
 
  
Pulakesi exchanged ambassadors with the Shah of [[Persian Empire|Persia]] [[Khosrau II]]. His reception of the Persian ambassador is depicted in one of the paintings in the [[Ajanta]] caves. The Chinese traveller [[Xuanzang|Hsuan Tsang]], who visited India in the seventh century, wrote admiringly of Pulakesi and his Empire.
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Pulakesi was the first ruler in South India to issue gold coinage. Broad and circular in shape, the punch-marked coins had various punches at the edge, and a central punch depicting a [[Varaha]] or Boar. The Boar was the royal emblem of the Chalukyas. Contemporary literature cites the gold coins of south India as Varahas. Pulakesi had five sons, Chandraditya, Adityavarma, Vikramaditya, Jayasimha and Ambera who fought among themselves after his death, dividing the kingdom into territories. Pulakesi's third son, Vikramaditya I, became the Chalukya king in 642 C.E., attempting to re-unite the kingdom after defeating his brothers.
 
 
Pulakesi was the first ruler in South India to issue gold coinage. Broad and circular in shape, the punch-marked coins had various punches at the edge, and a central punch depicting a [[Varaha]] or Boar. The Boar was the royal emblem of the Chalukyas. Contemporary literature cites the gold coins of south India as Varahas.
 
 
 
Pulakesi had five sons, Chandraditya, Adityavarma, Vikramaditya, Jayasimha and Ambera. They fought among themselves after his demise, trying to divide the kingdom into territories for each of themselves. Pulakesi's third son Vikramaditya I became the Chalukya king 642 and attempted to re-unite the kingdom after defeating his brothers.
 
  
 
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* [[Karnataka]]
 
* [[Karnataka]]
 
* [[Badami]]
 
* [[Badami]]
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* [[Chalukya dynasty]]
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* [[Political history of medieval Karnataka]]
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* [[Western Chalukya Empire]]
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* [[Hoysala architecture]]
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* [[Raja Raja Chola I]]
  
 
==Notes==
 
==Notes==
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== References ==
 
== References ==
* Nilakanta Sastri, K. A. 1990. A history of South India from prehistoric times to the fall of Vijayanagar. Oxford India paperbacks. Bombay: Oxford University Press. OCLC 35690171.
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* Bhandarkar, Ramkrishna Gopal. 1895. ''Early History of the Dekkan Down to the Mahomedan Conquest.'' Bombay: Printed at the government central press. OCLC 5578619.
* Kāmat, Sūryanātha. 1980. A concise history of Karnataka: from pre-historic times to the present. Bangalore: Archana Prakashana. OCLC 7796041.
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* Indian Research Institute. ''Indian Culture: Journal of the Indian Research Institute (Indian Research Institute)'' v.6 1939-1940 Jul-Apr.
 
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* Kāmat, Sūryanātha. 1980. ''A Concise History of Karnataka: From Pre-Historic Times to the Present.'' Bangalore: Archana Prakashana. OCLC 7796041.
 
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* Lienhard, Siegfried. 1984. ''A History of Classical Poetry, Sanskrit, Pali, Prakrit.'' Wiesbaden: Harrassowitz. ISBN 9783447024259.
==External Links==
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* Majumdar, Ramesh Chandra, Hemchandra Raychaudhuri, and Kalikinkar Datta. 1967. ''An Advanced History of India.'' London: Macmillan. OCLC 611354.
* [http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions South Indian Inscriptions]. Retrieved September 4, 2008.
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* Nilakanta Sastri, K. A. 1990. ''A History of South India From Prehistoric Times to the Fall of Vijayanagar.'' Bombay: Oxford University Press. OCLC 35690171.
* [http://www.ourkarnataka.com/history.htm History of Karnataka, Mr.Arthikaje]. Retrieved September 4, 2008.
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* Sewell, Robert. 1884. ''Lists of Inscriptions, and Sketch of the Dynasties of Southern India.'' Madras: Printed by E. Keys at the Government Press. OCLC 5166328.
 
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* Sinha, Narendra Krishna, and Anil Chandra Banerjee. 1963. ''History of India.'' Calcutta: A. Mukherjee. OCLC 10977138.
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* Sircar, Dineschandra. 1965. ''Indian Epigraphy.'' Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass. OCLC 1052978.
  
[[Category:]]
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==External links==
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All links retrieved December 2, 2022.
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* [http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions South Indian Inscriptions].
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* [http://gloriousindia.com/history/chalukya_dynasty.html Chalukya Dynasty].
  
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[[Category:History]]
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[[Category: History of India]]
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[[Category:Biography]]
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[[Category:Politicians and reformers]]
  
 
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Latest revision as of 23:43, 2 December 2022

The Aihole Inscription of Ravi Kirti at the Meguti temple, a minister and poet in the court of Badami Chalukya King en:Pulakesi II, dated to 634 C.E., is in Sanskrit language and old Kannada script. It is considered one of the finest pieces of extant poetry in the Sanskrit language and is a eulogy of King Pulakesi II and his conquests.

Pulakesi II (Kannada: ಇಮ್ಮಡಿ ಪುಲಿಕೇಶಿ) (r. 610 - 642 C.E.) reigned over the Chalukyas of Badami an Indian royal dynasty that ruled large parts of southern and central India between the sixth and the twelfth centuries during an era that saw their kingdom extend over most of the Deccan. He defeated his uncle, Mangalesa, who had usurped the throne following the death of his father, Pulakesi I. Pulakesi II invested most of his kingdom's wealth and resources expanding the Chalukyas of Badami domain. He fought one successful campaign after another during much of his rule. At first, he invested himself in quelling rebellion from provinces that sought to take advantage of the turmoil caused by civil war with his uncle, Mangalesa, including Appayika and Govinda.

After quelling the rebellions, Paulakesi II embarked upon a campaign to expand his kingdom throughout most of the Deccan. His court poet, Ravikirti, left accounts of his campaigns that are considered superlative examples of Indian literature. He built impressive cities and became the first Indian ruler to mint gold coins, becoming the wealthiest of the Chalukyas rulers. The influence of the Chalukyas of Badami waned after Pulakesi II's death, leaving his five sons to fight over the right to ascend the throne. However, the glory of his rule lived on to inspire the people of India through the writings of his court poet, Ravikirti.

Early life and accession

Ereya, who assumed the name Pulakesi on his coronation, had been the son of the Chalukya king Kirtivarman I.[1] When Kirtivarman died in 597, Ereya was still a young boy and Kirtivarman's brother Mangalesa governed the kingdom as regent until Ereya came of age. Mangalesa was a capable ruler and continued expanding the kingdom. When Ereya came of age, desire for power drove Mangalesa to deny prince Ereya his rightful place on the Chalukya throne He sought to perpetuate his own line by making his son heir apparent.

Ereya took shelter in the Bana territory (Kolar), organized an army with the help of his allies and declared war on his uncle. According to an Peddavadagur inscription, Mangalesa was defeated and killed in the battle of Elapattu Simbige. Ereya ascended the Chalukya throne as Pulakesi II and assumed the title Parameshwara.

Emperor Parameshwara

Chalukya Territories during Pulakesin II c. 640 C.E.

Consolidation of the Chalukya dynasty

Pulakesi had to face several obstacles soon after his coronation.[2] The civil war had given fresh hope to feudatories and adventurers; some of them felt emboldened to throw off their allegiance to the Chalukyas. The Aihole inscription of 634 found in an Aihole Jainlaya conveys the mood of rebellion.[3] Pulakesi had to face the challenge of Appayika and Govinda, perhaps loyal adherents of the defeated Mangalesa. One, or possibly both, had been Mangalesa's son. Pulakesi confronted their army on the banks of the river Bhima. Appayika fled from the battlefield, while Govinda surrendered.

Expansion

After consolidating his position, Pulakesi II organized and enlarged his army. He then embarked upon a series of conquests to expand his dominions. The Aihole inscription dated 634, composed by Pulakesi's court poet Ravikirti, provide accounts of campaigns. The inscription constitutes one of the finest pieces of poetry in Indian literature. Written in Sanskrit language and Hale Kannada script, it is the most important source of information regarding the rule of Pulakesi II.[4]

Conquests in the West

He subjugated the Kadambas of Banavasi, the Gangas of Talakad and the Alupas of South Kanara. He defeated the Mauryas of the Konkan, and the port of Puri (modern Elephanta Island) fell after a naval battle. Victories over the Latas, the Gurjaras and the Malawas followed, resulting in the annexation of the Gujarat area. Those victories have been researched by historians R.C. Majumdar[5] and Sircar. The Ganga ruler Durvinita gave one of his daughters in marriage to Pulakesi, and she became the mother of Vikramaditya I.

Eastern Deccan

Pulakesi next swept over the Panduvamsis in Kosala, followed by victory over the Eastern Gangas of Kalinga and the capture of the fort of Pishtapura (Pithapuram). He subjugated the Vishnukundins and captured the Kunala area in the Vengi region, appointing his brother Kubja Vishnuvardhana (also called Bittarasa) as viceroy of his Eastern territories. Vishnuvardhana eventually founded the Eastern Chalukyas dynasty.

Southern Expedition

Moving further south, Pulakesi II routed the Pallava king Mahendravarman I in the battle of Pullalur, only twenty five kilometers north of the Pallava capital. A pitched battle followed and, although Mahendravarman saved his capital, he lost the northern provinces to Pulakesi. Durvinita of the Gangas dynasty from the West and the Pandyan king Jayantavarman from the South aided the Chalukya king. The Chalukya army laid siege to the Pallava capital at Kanchipuram, but failed to conquer the kingdom, returning home thwarted. The Chalukya victory over Mahendravarman I initiated an enduring line of conflict in South India.[6]

Battle with Harsha

When Pulakesi II advanced to Narmada, he encountered Harshavardhana of Kanauj, known by the title Uttarapatheshvara (Lord of the North). In a decisive battle fought on the banks of the river Narmada, Harsha lost a major part of his elephant force and retreated. The Aihole inscription describes how the mighty Harsha lost his harsha (joy) when he suffered the ignominy of defeat. Pulakesi entered into a treaty with Harsha, designating the Narmada River as the border between the Chalukya Empire and the Harshavardhana Empire.

The statue of Xuanzang at the Great Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an, which was built to house the texts he brought back from India.

The Chinese traveler Hieun-tsang describes the event thus: "Siladityaraja (i.e., Harsha), filled with confidence, himself marched at the head of his troops to contend with this prince (i.e., Pulakesi); but he was unable to prevail upon or subjugate him."[7]

A great victory for the Chalukya monarch, he assumed the titles of Parameswara (Paramount Overlord), Satyashraya, Prithvivallabha. With that victory, Pulakesi's control extended completely over Southern India, including Maharashtra and parts of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. He took the title Dakshinapatheshvara (Lord of the South) at the same time. As the Lohner plates of Pulakesi II (630) make no mention of his northern victory, those victories most likely happened between 630 and 634.

Reversals

Pulakesi II experienced several reversals during the last days of his reign. Pulakesi undertook another expedition against the Pallavas in the hope of achieving more decisive results. Pulakesi's extensive campaigns had depleted the treasury, hampering his ability to mount a successful campaign.

Narasimhavarman I succeeded Mahendravarman I, leading the Pallavas into recovery. Pulakesi began his campaign by attacking the Banas, vassals of the Pallavas. After overrunning them, Pulakesi invaded the Pallava kingdom proper and once more threatened the Pallava Capital. The Pallava forces under Narasimhavarman defeated the Chalukyas in several battles including one at Manimangalam, east of Kanchipuram. In those battles, the Sinhalese king Manavarma assisted the Pallava army. Pulakesi's expedition ended in failure. The Pallavas, encouraged by their success, invaded deep into Chalukya territory capturing and sacking Vatapi (Badami). As a result of his military success, the ruler of the Pallavas, Narasimhavarman I, assumed the title of Vatapikonda ("the conqueror of Vatapi"). Vatapi remained under Pallava control for twelve years.

Pulakesi's legacy

The thirteen years that followed, Chalukya power diminished.[8] Pulakesi exchanged ambassadors with the Shah of Persia Khosrau II, his reception of the Persian ambassador depicted in one of the paintings in the Ajanta caves. The Chinese traveler Hsuan Tsang, who visited India in the seventh century, wrote admiringly of Pulakesi and his Empire.

Pulakesi was the first ruler in South India to issue gold coinage. Broad and circular in shape, the punch-marked coins had various punches at the edge, and a central punch depicting a Varaha or Boar. The Boar was the royal emblem of the Chalukyas. Contemporary literature cites the gold coins of south India as Varahas. Pulakesi had five sons, Chandraditya, Adityavarma, Vikramaditya, Jayasimha and Ambera who fought among themselves after his death, dividing the kingdom into territories. Pulakesi's third son, Vikramaditya I, became the Chalukya king in 642 C.E., attempting to re-unite the kingdom after defeating his brothers.

Preceded by:
Mangalesa
Chalukyas
610 –642
Succeeded by:
Vikramaditya I

See also

Notes

  1. Ramkrishna Gopal Bhandarkar, Early History of the Dekkan Down to the Mahomedan Conquest (Bombay: Printed at the government central press, 1895), 49.
  2. Robert Sewell,Lists of Inscriptions, and Sketch of the Dynasties of Southern India (Madras: Printed by E. Keys at the Government Press, 1884), 212.
  3. Dineschandra Sircar, Indian Epigraphy (Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1965), 18.
  4. Siegfried Lienhard, A History of Classical Poetry, Sanskrit, Pali, Prakrit (Wiesbaden: Harrassowitz, 1984), 184.
  5. Ramesh Chandra Majumdar, Hemchandra Raychaudhuri, and Kalikinkar Datta, An Advanced History of India (London: Macmillan, 1967).
  6. Ramesh Chandra Majumdar, Hemchandra Raychaudhuri, and Kalikinkar Datta, An Advanced History of India (London: Macmillan, 1967).
  7. Indian Research Institute, Indian Culture: Journal of the Indian Research Institute (Indian Research Institute) v.6 1939-1940 Jul-Apr.
  8. Narendra Krishna Sinha, and Anil Chandra Banerjee, History of India (Calcutta: A. Mukherjee, 1963), 199.

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Bhandarkar, Ramkrishna Gopal. 1895. Early History of the Dekkan Down to the Mahomedan Conquest. Bombay: Printed at the government central press. OCLC 5578619.
  • Indian Research Institute. Indian Culture: Journal of the Indian Research Institute (Indian Research Institute) v.6 1939-1940 Jul-Apr.
  • Kāmat, Sūryanātha. 1980. A Concise History of Karnataka: From Pre-Historic Times to the Present. Bangalore: Archana Prakashana. OCLC 7796041.
  • Lienhard, Siegfried. 1984. A History of Classical Poetry, Sanskrit, Pali, Prakrit. Wiesbaden: Harrassowitz. ISBN 9783447024259.
  • Majumdar, Ramesh Chandra, Hemchandra Raychaudhuri, and Kalikinkar Datta. 1967. An Advanced History of India. London: Macmillan. OCLC 611354.
  • Nilakanta Sastri, K. A. 1990. A History of South India From Prehistoric Times to the Fall of Vijayanagar. Bombay: Oxford University Press. OCLC 35690171.
  • Sewell, Robert. 1884. Lists of Inscriptions, and Sketch of the Dynasties of Southern India. Madras: Printed by E. Keys at the Government Press. OCLC 5166328.
  • Sinha, Narendra Krishna, and Anil Chandra Banerjee. 1963. History of India. Calcutta: A. Mukherjee. OCLC 10977138.
  • Sircar, Dineschandra. 1965. Indian Epigraphy. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass. OCLC 1052978.

External links

All links retrieved December 2, 2022.

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