Immadi Pulakesin 2 - The Greatest Of Chalukya Kings

The empire was at its peak and ruled not only Karnataka but the neighbouring states too ruling Southern and Central India between the 6th and 12th century. Chalukyas ruled from the Raichur Doab situated between the rivers of Krishna and Tungabadra.

Aihole - The first Capital of the Chalukyas

Aihole was the first capital of the Chalukyas the city with a rich history, a cradle of temple architecture with 125 temples around it. AIhole was the “Centre Of Trade” which later developed into religious centre having the number of temples around. The capital of Chalukyas was later moved to Badami during Pulikeshi 1.

Aihole was also known as the City Of Temples.

The Chalukya Empire and The three distinct

1. Badami Chalukyas - Capital was Badami also known as Vatapi in Karnataka, was ruled from 6th century CE and later after the death King Pulikeshi 2 it declined.
2. Eastern Chalukyas - emerged after the death of King Pulikeshi 2, Capital was Vengi and ruled till 11th century.
3. Western Chalukyas - descendants of Badami Chalukyas in 10th century their capital was Kalyani.

Now coming to the question - The best king of the Chalukya Dynasty.

The Chalukya dynasty had the great founder and successors, but he was the best amongst the successors and predecessors

Immadi Pulakesin 2 - 609–642 AD, The Greatest of Chalukya Kings

Born to Kirtivarman 1, Ereya was his birth name and later assumed the name Pulikeshin on his coronation, Pulikeshnin 2 restored peace and also granted pardon to all those who opposed his succession. His biggest aim was to expand his kingdom as big as possible and he was successful in achieving this.

What makes Pulikeshin 2 the great?

• During his reign, the Chalukya dynasty reached its peak.
• A staunch Hindu who was also tolerant towards Jainism and Buddhism
• Pulakesin 2 overthrew the Kadambas, the gangs of Mysore, the Mauravas of North Konkan, the latas of Gujarath, the Mallavas and the Gujjars.
• The Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang who visited the court of Harshavardhana of the Mauryan empire also visited Pulikeshin 2 between 641–642 CE, he observed the administration system of Pulikeshin 2 and raised him for his power and for his benevolent activities.
• When Harshavardhana wanted to expand his empire to the south, Pulakesin 2 heard the news along with his large army Pulikeshin 2 faced the mighty Hrasha’s army. With this great force of Pulikeshin’s army, King Harshavardhana gave up the thought of conquering the South Indian Kingdoms, This has been corroborated by the Chinese traveller Xuanzang.
• Pulakesin 2 occupied entire South Indian territories and dominated all the princes with his high commendable nature. No one dares him to disturb or not put a glimpse on Pulakesin II kingdoms.
• He maintained diplomatic relations with the King Of Persia, Khusru 2 and this has been depicted in an Ajantha Cave Painting.
• He had defeated the Pallava king Mahendravarman I but was defeated and killed by Mahendravarman’s son and successor Narasimhavarman I in a series of battles he had with the Pallavas.
• His army crossed river Kaveri and compelled the rulers of Chola, Kerala and Pandya compelled them to accept his friendly diplomatic supremacy.

Envoy Of Persian King Khusru 2 in the court of Pulakesin 2

• Pulikeshi 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 the 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.

This is the history of Greatest King of Chalukya Dynasty - Pulakesin 2.

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