Kalyani Chalukyas – History, Political Struggle, Rulers, FAQs

Kalyani chalukyas are also known as western chalukyas. Kalyani Chalukyas were established by Tailapa-II or Taila-II, a feudatory of rashtrakuta. In 973 AD Taila-II restored the family of his ancestors by killing the ruler of rashtrakuta Kakka-II restored his empire. He ruled the kingdom for 24 years. Kalyani Chalukyas ruled for more than 200 years. He had a special interest in the Kannada language. Kalyani Chalukyas have made greater contributions to the Kannada and Sanskrit literature. He also patronized Kannada poet Ranna who is called one of the three gems of Kannada literature.

Both Chalukyas of Kalyani and Chalukyas of Vengi are the descendants of Chalukyas of Badami. The Chalukyas ruled during the period of the 6th to 12th centuries. Dantidurga destroyed Chalukyas of Badami in 753. Once again Taila-II restored the Chalukya dynasty by the name of Chalukyas of Kalyani nearly after two centuries in 973. Chalukya of Kalyani has the same genealogy as those of previous Chalukyas of Badami. For a period of 2 centuries, they had some conflicts with the Cholas and Chalukyas of Vengi.

Kalyani Chalukyas Map

Chalukyas Dynasty

Chalukyas of Vengi

Chalukyas of Vengi came into existence in 620 AD. Kubja Vishnu Vardhana was appointed as viceroy of Vengi. Chalukyas of Vengi created an independent Kingdom and were under the shades of rashtrakuta and then cholas. They have contributed to the Telugu literature.

Struggle and Political History of Chalukyas Kalyani

Before the Chalukyas of Kalyani, the places ruled by them were under the control of the Rashtrakutas. Kakka II was the last ruler of rashtrakutas who was killed by the first king of Chalukyas, Thaila II in the year of 973 AD. Taila II is the descendant of the Chalukyas of Badami. Then followed by the year the Chalukyas of Kalyani ruled for around 200 years. Throughout their ruling period, they were having fights with the Cholas of Vengi and Cholas. Western Chalukyas have contributed a lot to the literature of modern Kannada. The reign of Chalukyas of Kalyani came in the 12th century. The Chalukyas of Kalyani were destroyed by the Hoysala kings.

Rulers of Kalyani Chalukya’s Dynasty

The rulers of Kalyani Chalukyas are as follows:

Thailapa II

Thailapa II or Thaila II was one of the feudatories of rashtrakutas. He with his political power tried to restore the glory of his ancestors. By killing Kakka II, the last ruler of rashtrakutas he established the Chalukyas empire once again. Thaila ruled asking for 24 years and was able to recover almost every territory of his ancestors except the Gujarat region. These details are found in the records of Gadag. Ranna among Ranna, Aadi Kavi pampa, and Sri Ranna who are considered three gems of Kannada literature was in his court and he patronized Ranna. He was in a constant fight with Munja, a Paramara Dynasty king. Finally, he won a battle and captured Munja. It is assumed that Munja was killed in that captivity in the year 995 AD. Thaila died in the year 997 AD and his son Satyasraya became the new king.

Satyasraya

Satyasraya rule ruled for a period of 11 years ( from 997 to 1008). Like his father he also virgin conflicts with cholas and Chalukyas of Vengi. Chola King Rajaraja I ended the reign of Satyasraya in the war. The war was followed by a great loss to the Chalukyas Dynasty of the loot carried by the Cholas. Chalukya Dynasty faced large destruction after the war because of Rajaraja I Chalukyas of Kalyani. A large number of men, women, and children work killed after the war. The ruling was continued by Vikramaditya V and followed by Jayasimha II. After Jayasimha II, Someshwara I was crowned king.

Someshwara I

King someshwara 1 ruled from 1042 AD to 1068 AD. Soon after becoming the king, he made Kalyani the capital of Chalukyas. In the same year that is 1042 AD, the king of cholas, Rajadhiraja Chola I was crowned as king of Cholas during the same period. On becoming King Rajadhiraja Chola I attacked Kalyani and demolished most of the forts and left few memories of office victory. As a counter-attack Someshwara, I attached Kanchipuram, Cholas capital but he couldn’t stay there for longer. He killed cholas King Rajadhiraja I in the battle of Koppam. He caught a fever and he was left uncured. He ended his life by drowning in the river Tungabhadra due to fever. His successor was his elder son Someshwara II who was replaced by Someshwara II’s brother Vikramaditya VI.

Vikramaditya VI

He has crowned in the year 1076 AD. He ruled for the longest period of 50 years. Historians have found many inscriptions about Vikramaditya in Kannada. He fought with Hoysala king Vishnu. All his works are found which are titled Mitaksara.

Related Links

1. Major Dynasties of South India – I
2. Major Dynasties of South India- II
3. Practice Set For Major Kingdom of South India

FAQs on Kalyani Chalukyas

Who is the founder of Kalyani Chalukyas?

The founder of Kalyani Chalukyas is Tailapa- II, who was a tributary king of Rashtrakutas and defeated the Rashtrakuta king, Karka-II.

Where is Kalyani located Chalukya?

The Kalyani dynasty is also known as the Kannadiga dynasty, situated at present-day Basavakalyan in the modern Bidar District of Karnataka state.

Name and explain the king of Kalyani Chalukyas who ruled for the longest period.

Vikramaditya VI was crowned in the year 1076 AD. He ruled for the longest period of 50 years. Historians have found many inscription about Vikramaditya in Kannada. He fought with Hoysala king Vishnu. All his works are found which is titled as Mitaksara.

Briefly explain the history of Kalyani Chalukyas.

Kalyani chalukyas are also known as western chalukyas. Kalyani chalukyas were established by Tailapa-II or Taila-II, a feudatories of rashtrakuta. In 973 AD Taila-II restored the family of his ancestors by killing the ruler of rashtrakuta Kakka-II does restoring his empire. He ruled the kingdom for 24 years. Kalyani chalukya ruled for more than 200 years.