The Chalukyas
The Chalukya Dynasty can be divided into three different periods, namely
- The Chalukyas of Badami
- The Chalukyas of Kalani century
- The Chalukyas of Vengi
With Vatapi in Bijapur as his stronghold, Pulakesin I (543-566) was the first autonomous monarch of Badami.
Kirthivarma I (566–596) took up the throne in his place. Because Prince Pulakesin II, the heir apparent, was still a newborn when he passed away, the king’s brother Mangalesha (597–610) assumed the role of caretaker ruler.
The most well-known Chalukyan ruler was Pulakesin II (610–642), the son of Pulakesin I, who lived during Harshavardhana’s time.
Kubja Vishnuvardana, the brother of Pulakeshin II, established the eastern Chalukyan dynasty following the conquest of the Kosalas and the Kalingas.
The Chalukyan kingdom stretched from sea to sea by 631.
Nonetheless, in 642, Pulkeshin II was vanquished and most likely slain by the Pallavas, commanded by Narsimhavarma I, who attacked and took control of the Chalukyan capital at Badami.
Under the leadership of Vikramaditya I (655–681), the Chalukyas gained power once more. He overthrew the Pandya, Pallava and Chola, to establish the dominant Chalukyan empire in the area.
Major Dynasties (750 – 1200 AD)
Three major dynasties dominated this historical period. The Upper Gangetic plains and western India were governed by the Gurjara-Pratihara until the middle of the tenth century. The Pala people had supremacy over eastern India until the mid-9th century.
The fight between the three aforementioned kingdoms is known as the “tripartite struggle” because they were constantly at odds with one another and attempted to dominate the Gangetic area of north India.