Explore the Eastern Chalukyas' role in South Indian history, their administrative strategies, and architectural marvels in Andhra Pradesh.

The Fascinating Origin Story of the Eastern Chalukyas: From Badami to Vengi

The Eastern Chalukyas, also known as the Chalukyas of Vengi, trace their lineage to the illustrious Chalukya family of Badami. As the empire of Pulakesin II fragmented, he entrusted his brother, Kubja Vishnuvardhana, with the rule of Kalinga and Vengi for his military valor. This marked the birth of the Eastern Chalukya dynasty. Further strengthening their legacy, 11th-century inscriptions link them to the divine Lunar dynasty, tracing descent from the legendary Pandavas and the moon. Through conquests and enduring governance, the Eastern Chalukyas established dominance over the coastal Andhra region, ruling for nearly four centuries and leaving an indelible mark on South Indian history.

Eastern Chalukyas History and Cultural Legacy in South India

• Introduction to Eastern Chalukyas Rule in Andhra Pradesh and South India

  The Eastern Chalukyas, also known as the Chalukyas of Vengi, ruled parts of South India from the 7th to 12th centuries. Initially governors under the Chalukyas of Badami in the Deccan region, they later became sovereign rulers of the Vengi region in present-day Andhra Pradesh until around 1001 CE. They subsequently served as feudatories of the Medieval Cholas until 1189 CE.

  Their early capitals included Pishtapura (modern-day Pitapuram), followed by Vengi (now Pedavegi, near Eluru), and later Rajamahendravaram (modern-day Rajahmundry). The strategic location of Vengi resulted in frequent wars between the Cholas and Western Chalukyas. Despite these conflicts, the Eastern Chalukya rule brought about significant growth in Telugu culture, literature, poetry, and art. They also maintained alliances with the Cholas through marriage.



• Eastern Chalukyas Origin and Dynastic Legacy in Ancient India

  The Eastern Chalukyas originated from the Chalukyas of Badami. After the Vengi region was conquered by the Badami ruler Pulakeshin II (_610–642 CE_), his brother Kubja Vishnuvardhana was appointed as governor in 624 CE. Following Pulakeshin's death in the Battle of Vatapi against the Pallavas, Kubja Vishnuvardhana gradually established his independent rule.

  According to the Timmapuram plates, the Eastern Chalukyas belonged to the Manavya Gotra and were called Haritputras (sons of Hariti), like the Kadambas and Western Chalukyas. From the 11th century onward, they began to claim descent from the legendary Lunar dynasty, linking their heritage to the Moon, Budha, Pururava, the Pandavas, and Udayana. A notable legend narrates how Vijayaditya, a descendant of this lineage, was killed in battle by Trilochana Pallava. His pregnant widow, sheltered by sage Vishnubhatta Somayaji in Mudivemu, gave birth to Vishnuvardhana, who later established the Eastern Chalukya rule.

• Early History and Rise of Eastern Chalukyas in Andhra Pradesh

  From 641 CE to 705 CE, the Eastern Chalukyas experienced instability, with rulers like Jayasimha I and Mangi Yuvaraja emerging as exceptions. During this period, the Rashtrakutas of Malkhed overthrew the Western Chalukyas. With weak leadership in Vengi, the Rashtrakutas repeatedly invaded the region until the ascension of Gunaga Vijayaditya III in 848 CE. After the death of Amoghavarsha, Vijayaditya III declared independence and established stability in Vengi.

• Decline of Eastern Chalukyas and the Rise of the Kakatiya Dynasty

  With the decline of Rashtrakuta power, the Kakatiyas, former vassals of the Western Chalukyas, asserted their dominance. They successfully suppressed other Chalukya subordinates in the Telangana region, marking the end of Eastern Chalukya rule. By the end of the 12th century, the Eastern Chalukyas had lost their political authority, paving the way for the Kakatiyas to emerge as a major regional power.

Administration of the Eastern Chalukyas: Governance and Political Structure

The Eastern Chalukya court initially functioned as an extension of the Badami Chalukyas, but over time, local factors gained prominence, leading to a distinct Vengi monarchy. While external influences from the Pallavas, Rashtrakutas, Cholas, and Kalyani Chalukyas persisted, the Eastern Chalukyas established a unique administrative identity.

• Type of Government in the Eastern Chalukya Dynasty

  The Eastern Chalukyan government was a Hindu monarchy. Inscriptions mention the traditional seven components of the state (Saptanga) and eighteen administrative offices (Tirthas), including:

  • Mantri (Minister)
  • Purohita (Chaplain)
  • Senapati (Commander)
  • Yuvaraja (Heir-apparent)
  • Dauvarika (Doorkeeper)
  • Pradhana (Chief)
  • Adhyaksha (Department Head)

• Administrative Divisions and Local Governance in Eastern Chalukya Rule

  Regions were divided into Vishayas and Kottams, with Karmarashtra and Boya-Kottams as notable examples. Land grants, referred to as Manneyas, were issued to administrative officials and nobles. However, frequent conflicts and external invasions destabilized the land, leading to fragmented rule under numerous principalities and noble families like the Kona Haihayas, Kalachuris, and Parichedas.

Society Under the Eastern Chalukyas: Caste System and Social Life

The society of the Vengi region was diverse, with prominent influences from Hindu traditions. The hereditary caste system dominated the social hierarchy, and even the Buddhist and Jain communities followed caste divisions.

• Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras in Eastern Chalukya Society

  • Brahmins: Held prominent positions as scholars, priests, ministers, and military officials. They were recipients of land grants and monetary gifts.
  • Kshatriyas: Formed the ruling and warrior class. Their internal conflicts and ambitions often led to prolonged civil wars.
  • Vaishyas: Represented by the wealthy Komati trading community, organized into the powerful Nakaram guild, headquartered in Penugonda.
  • Shudras: Composed the majority of the population, working as farmers, artisans, and soldiers. Some rose to positions like Samanta Raju and Mandalika.

Religious Beliefs and Practices in the Eastern Chalukya Kingdom

Hinduism dominated the religious landscape, with Shaivism enjoying greater popularity than Vaishnavism. Temples became cultural hubs, supporting musicians, dancers, and artists.

• Hinduism, Shaivism, and Temple Patronage

  Rulers like Vijayaditya II, Yuddhamalla I, and Bhima I built numerous temples. The Mahasena temple at Chebrolu was a significant Shaiva pilgrimage site. Several monarchs declared themselves Parama Maheswaras (devotees of Shiva).

• Buddhism and Jainism During the Eastern Chalukya Rule

  Buddhism declined significantly, but a few monasteries persisted. Jainism received royal patronage, evident in the construction of Jain temples and grants of land by rulers like Kubja Vishnuvardhana and Vimaladitya. Centers such as Vijayawada and Penugonda became notable Jain settlements.

List of Eastern Chalukya Rulers: Monarchs of the Vengi Kingdom

The Eastern Chalukyas ruled Vengi for over five centuries. Here is a chronological list of notable rulers:

• Kubja Vishnuvardhana I (624 – 641 AD)
• Jayasimha I (641 – 673 AD)
• Vishnuvardhana III (719 – 755 AD)
• Vijayaditya I Bhattaraka (755 – 772 AD)
• Gunaga Vijayaditya III (849 – 892 AD)
• Bhima I Dronarjuna (892 – 921 AD)
• Vimaladitya (1011–1018 AD)
• Rajaraja Narendra I (1018–1061 AD)

The Eastern Chalukya legacy remains deeply embedded in the cultural and historical heritage of South India.

Additional Information on Chalukyas Dynasty

The Eastern Chalukyas: Origins, Legends, and Historical Significance

• Introduction

  The Eastern Chalukyas, also known as the Chalukyas of Vengi, ruled for nearly four centuries. They entered the region as conquerors and established dominance. Originating from the illustrious Chalukya family of Badami, they were appointed to govern Vengi on behalf of the dynasty. Their origins are entwined with myths and legends, enhancing their royal prestige. These stories are broadly divided into two traditions: the Northern and the Southern traditions.

• Northern Tradition

  According to the northern tradition, recorded in a 1051 AD Gujarat Chalukya inscription, the family’s progenitor was born from the Chuluka (the hollow in the palm) of the god Brahma. A variation of this legend appears in Bilhana's Vikramankadevacarita, which narrates how Indra requested Brahma to create a warrior from his palm to destroy evil forces.

• Southern Tradition

  The southern tradition, prevalent in Kannada literature and 11th-century inscriptions, provides an alternative narrative. The renowned poet Ranna, in his work Gadayuddha, mentions a ruler named Satyashraya, lord of Ayodhyapura. His descendant Jayasimha, also known as Vishnuvardhana, defeated the Rashtrakutas and established the Chalukya dynasty in the Deccan. The Kauthem grant of Vikramaditya V further embellishes this story, suggesting that the Chalukyas ruled Ayodhya for generations before migrating south. After a setback against the Rashtrakutas, Jayasimhavallabha revived the dynasty by defeating King Indra, the son of Krishna.

• Mythological and Historical Elements

  11th-century inscriptions of the Eastern Chalukyas trace their lineage to the Lunar dynasty, connecting them to the Pandavas, Pururava, and the moon. The legend states that fifty-nine kings ruled Ayodhya before Vijayaditya moved southward. He was killed by Trilochana Pallava, but his pregnant queen was sheltered by a Brahmin named Vishnubhatta Somayajin. Her son Vishnuvardhana reclaimed power and established Chalukya rule in the Deccan.

• Debate on Origins

  Although these legends suggest a northern origin, they only emerged in the 11th century AD. Some scholars argue that the Chalukyas were native to the south. Early inscriptions reference their name as Chalitki, Calki, Saluki, or Salki, which are considered Dravidian terms. A notable mention in an Ikshvaku Prakrit inscription describes a military commander named Khandachalitki-Remmanaka, supporting a southern connection.

• Caste and Status

  The caste identity of the Chalukyas has been debated. Some believe they were not initially Kshatriyas but were elevated to that status upon attaining power. However, inscriptions as early as the 7th century AD confirm their Kshatriya status. Pulakesin I, in his Badami fort inscription dated 543-544 AD, describes himself as a performer of Vedic sacrifices like the Ashvamedha, Agnistoma, and Vajapeya, exclusive to Brahmins and Kshatriyas. The Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang, who visited India in the 7th century AD, also identified Pulakesin II as a Kshatriya.

The Early History of the Chalukyas of Badami and the Conquests of Pulakesin II

• Founding of the Chalukyas

  The authentic history of the Chalukyas begins with Jayasingha Vallabha, the founder of the family that established itself at Badami in the Bijapur district of the Bombay Presidency. Little is known about him or his son, Ranaraga. The dynasty gained prominence under Pulakesin I, the son of Ranaraga, who performed the Ashvamedha sacrifice, conquered the hill of Vatapi in Saka 465 (_543-544 AD_), and fortified it. His military campaigns extended his authority over neighboring chiefs, establishing the Chalukyas as a major power in the Western Deccan.

• Reign of Kirtivarman I

  The reign of Kirtivarman I, the eldest son of Pulakesin I, is known from the inscriptions of his successors. The Mahakuta pillar inscription of his brother and successor, Mangalesha, states that Kirtivarman I defeated the rulers of Vanga, Anga, Vanura, Magadha, Madraka, Kerala, Ganga, Mushka, Pandya, Dramita, Chola, Aluka, and Vaijayanti. However, the Aihole inscription of his son, Pulakesin II, limits these conquests to the Nalas, Mauryas, and the Kadambas. This suggests that while Kirtivarman I achieved many battlefield victories, only a few resulted in permanent territorial acquisitions.

• Reign of Mangalesha

  After Kirtivarman I's death in Saka 500 (_578-579 AD_), his brother Mangalesha ascended the throne, as Kirtivarman's sons were too young to rule. Mangalesha expanded the Chalukya kingdom by defeating the Kalachuryas and ruling effectively for over thirty years. His reign, however, ended tragically when his nephew Pulakesin II rebelled, defeated him in battle, and put him to death. The civil war caused temporary disarray, allowing subdued chiefs to reassert independence.

• Accession and Conquests of Pulakesin II

  Upon defeating Mangalesha, Pulakesin II restored order and celebrated his coronation in Saka 531 (_609-610 AD_). His reign marked a transformative period in Deccan history. Initially confined to Karnataka and southern Maharashtra, the Chalukyas extended their influence across the Deccan. The conquests of Pulakesin II are documented in the Aihole inscription dated Saka 556 (_634-635 AD_). He repelled an invasion from northern chiefs Appayika and Govinda, subdued the Kadambas at Vanavasi, and defeated the Gangas and Alupas. His control over the coastal region was further strengthened by capturing Puri from the Mauryas.

  Despite territorial losses during the civil war, Pulakesin II's campaigns reinstated Chalukya authority. He gained recognition as a formidable leader, with the Latas, Malavas, and Gurjaras seeking his protection against Harsha. In a decisive battle along the Reva River, Pulakesin II defeated Harsha, halting his southern expansion.

• Southern Campaigns

  After consolidating power in the north, Pulakesin II turned his focus to the southern regions. His campaigns brought the territories of Kosala and Kalinga under Chalukya control. He defeated the Pallava monarch, driving him back to Kanchi. While Pulakesin II could not establish complete dominance over the southern kingdoms, his influence from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal established him as the undisputed ruler of the Deccan.

• Administrative Legacy and the Foundation of New Dynasties

  Pulakesin II's reign concluded with the fragmentation of his empire, as he distributed territories among his brothers. Buddhavarsa was granted Aparanta, and Dharashraya Jayasimha received lands around Nasik. The most prominent brother, Kubja Vishnuvardhana, was rewarded with the hereditary rule over Kalinga and Vengi for his military contributions. This marked the beginning of the Eastern Chalukya dynasty, which ruled the coastal Andhra region for four centuries and played a significant role in South Indian history.