Learn about the power struggle between the Pallavas and Chalukyas, their legendary battles, and their lasting influence on Indian history and architecture.

The Struggle for Supremacy: Pallavas and Chalukyas in South India

The political history of peninsular India from the 6th to 8th century was dominated by the fierce struggle between the Pallavas of Kanchi and the Chalukyas of Badami. Amidst this clash, the Pandyas of Madurai and Tirunelveli entered as a lesser contender.

Causes of Conflict: Territorial Ambitions and Religious Patronage

Both the Pallavas and the Chalukyas were staunch supporters of Brahmanism. They:

• Performed Vedic sacrifices
• Made generous grants to the Brahmanas

However, their conflict was fueled by:

• Plunder – seeking wealth and resources
• Prestige – striving for dominance
• Territorial expansion – especially over the Krishna-Tungabhadra doab

This same region became a contested zone in later medieval times between the Vijayanagar and Bahmani kingdoms.

Early Battles and Pulakeshin II: The Rise of a Chalukya King

The first significant encounter took place during the reign of Pulakeshin II (AD 609-642), the most renowned Chalukya king. He is celebrated in an eulogy by his court poet Ravikirti in the famous Aihole inscription.

Pulakeshin II's achievements included:

• Defeating the Kadambas of Banavasi
• Subjugating the Gangas of Mysore
• Stopping Harsha's army on the Narmada
• Expanding into Vengi, forming the Eastern Chalukya dynasty

However, his second invasion of Pallava territory failed, and the Pallava king Narasimhavarman I (AD 630-668) retaliated fiercely.

The Triumph of Narasimhavarman I: Capturing Vatapi and Defeating Rivals

In AD 642, Narasimhavarman I led a powerful counterattack and captured the Chalukya capital, Vatapi. This earned him the title of Vatapikonda (Conqueror of Vatapi).

He also defeated:

• The Cholas
• The Cheras
• The Pandyas
• The Kalabhras

Renewed Conflicts and Vikramaditya II: Chalukya Resurgence and Temporary Victory

The war paused for some time but resumed in the 8th century. Vikramaditya II (AD 733-745) led the Chalukyas in multiple invasions of Kanchi, and in AD 740, he defeated the Pallavas completely.

However, the Chalukyas’ victory was short-lived. By AD 757, the Rashtrakutas overthrew them, ending their dominance.

The Role of Religion: Vedic Sacrifices and the Rise of Bhakti Movements

Beyond warfare, this era saw a rise in religious fervor. While Vedic sacrifices continued, new religious movements gained popularity:

• The Alvars – devotees of Vishnu
• The Nayanars – devotees of Shiva

These movements laid the foundation for the Bhakti movement in South India.

Architectural Marvels: Temple Construction by Pallavas and Chalukyas

The Pallavas and Chalukyas contributed significantly to temple architecture:

• Pallavas:
  • Built the famous Ratha temples at Mahabalipuram (7th century)
  • Constructed the magnificent Kailashanath Temple in Kanchi (8th century)
  • Developed structural temples such as the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram
• Chalukyas:
  • Built numerous rock-cut temples in Aihole (over 70 temples, starting AD 610)

Economic and Social Developments

The ruling dynasties extracted resources from the peasantry to support wars, religion, and administration. The burdens included:

• Land tax and additional levies on produce, gold, and natural resources.
• Compulsory services like providing bullocks, charcoal, and lodging for officials.
• Forced labor (vishti).

Expansion of rural settlements was crucial for state formation. Brahmanas received land grants, which helped spread agricultural knowledge. This period saw the emergence of three types of villages:

• Ur: Peasant villages where land was communally held.
• Sabha: Brahmadeya or Agrahara villages controlled by Brahmanas.
• Nagaram: Merchant-dominated settlements.

Social Structure and Brahmanization

Society was dominated by princes and priests. Many rulers claimed Brahmana or Kshatriya status through fabricated genealogies. Below them were the peasantry, often labeled as Shudras in the Brahmanical system. The king’s role included maintaining social order and supporting Brahmanical norms.

The dharma-maharaja title was adopted by rulers like the Vakatakas, Pallavas, Kadambas, and Western Gangas, emphasizing their role in upholding dharma. The Pallava king Simhavarman is credited with suppressing the Kalabhras, a peasant group that disrupted the social order.

Architectural Marvels: Temple Construction by Pallavas and Chalukyas

The Pallavas and Chalukyas contributed significantly to temple architecture:

• Pallavas:
  • Built the famous Seven Ratha Temples at Mahabalipuram (7th century).
  • Constructed the Kailashanath Temple in Kanchi (8th century).
  • Developed structural temples such as the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram.
• Chalukyas:
  • Built numerous rock-cut temples in Aihole, Badami, and Pattadakal.
  • The Papanatha Temple (c. AD 680) showcased northern-style architecture.
  • The Virupaksha Temple (c. AD 740) at Pattadakal was a fully southern-style temple, featuring intricate carvings from the Ramayana.

The Final Phases of the Conflict: Geographical Influence and Dynastic Decline

The Chalukya-Pallava war continued through six phases:

1. First phase: Pallavas defeated by Pulakeshin II.
2. Second phase: Pallavas, with Ceylonese support, recaptured their lost territories.
3. Third phase: Chalukyas reorganized and took back their lands.
4. Fourth phase: The Pallavas exploited a Chalukyan internal conflict and attacked Badami.
5. Fifth phase: The Chalukyas allied with the Gangas and killed the reigning Pallava king.
6. Final phase: The Pandyas entered the war, and ultimately, both dynasties declined.

The Chalukya-Pallava conflict was largely shaped by geography. Even after their decline, the Rashtrakutas and the Cholas continued similar struggles. The Chalukya-Pallava conflict played a significant role in shaping medieval South Indian history. Eventually, the Chalukyas fell to the Rashtrakutas in AD 757, while the Pallavas declined after continued conflicts with the Chalukyas and Pandyas.

The last of the Pallavas met a tragic end, assassinated by the son of a feudatory.