Chalukya Dynasty

INTRODUCTION
• The Chalukyas ruled parts of Southern and Central India between
the 6th century and the 12th century.
• The Three Chalukyas
• There were three distinct but related Chalukya dynasties.
• Badami Chalukyas: The earliest Chalukyas with their capital at
Badami (Vatapi) in Karnataka. They ruled from mid-6th They
declined after the death of their greatest king, Pulakesin II in 642
AD.
• Eastern Chalukyas: Emerged after the death of Pulakesin II in
Eastern Deccan with capital at Vengi. They ruled till the 11th century.
• Western Chalukyas: Descendants of the Badami Chalukyas, they
emerged in the late 10th century and ruled from Kalyani (modern-
day Basavakanlyan).
 Extent of the Chalukya dynasty
•The Chalukya dynasty reached its
peak during the reign of Pulakesin II.
•His grandfather Pulakesin I had
created an empire around Vatapi.
•Pulakesin II subjugated the
Kadambas, the Gangas of Mysore, the
Mauravas of North Konkan, the Latas
of Gujarat, the Malavas and the
Gurjars.
•He also succeeded in getting a
submission from the Chola, Chera and
Pandya kings.
•He had also defeated King Harsha of
Kannauj and the Pallava king
Mahendravarman.
 Chalukya Rulers
• Jayasimha was the first ruler of the Chalukyas.
• Pulakesin I (Reign: 543 AD – 566 AD)
• Founded the empire with his capital at Vatapi.
• Performed Ashwamedha.
• Kirtivarman I (Reign: 566 AD – 597 AD)
• Son of Pulakesin I.
• Conquered Konkan and northern Kerala.
• Mangalesha (Reign: 597 AD – 609 AD)
• Brother of Kirtivarman I.
• Conquered the Kadambas and the Gangas.
• Was killed by his nephew and son of Kirtivarman,
Pulakesin II.
• Pulakesin II (609 AD – 642 AD)
• The greatest of the Chalukya kings.
• Extended the Chalukya rule to most parts of the Deccan.
• His birth name was Eraya. Information about him is obtained from the Aihole
inscription dated 634. This poetic inscription was written by his court poet
Ravikirti in Sanskrit language using the Kannada script.
• Xuanzang visited his kingdom. He has praised Pulakesin II as a good and
authoritative king.
• Though a Hindu, he was tolerant of Buddhism and Jainism.
• He conquered almost entire south-central India.
• He is famous for stopping Northern king Harsha in his tracks while he was trying
to conquer southern parts of the country.
• 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.
• For the next 13 years, Badami remained under Pallava control.
• Pulakesin II received a Persian mission as depicted in an Ajanta cave painting. He
maintained diplomatic relations with the King of Persia Khusru II.
• His death saw a lapse in Chalukya power.
• Vikramaditya I (655 AD – 680 AD)
• Son of Pulakesin II who plundered Kanchi, the
capital of the Pallavas.
• Kirtivarman II (746 AD – 753 AD)
• Great-great-grandson of Vikramaditya I.
• Last of the Chalukya rulers. Was defeated by
the Rashtrakuta king, Dantidurga.
 Administration and Society
• The Chalukyas had great maritime power.
• They also had a well-organised army.
• Though the Chalukya kings were Hindus, they
were tolerant of Buddhism and Jainism.
• Saw great developments in Kannada and
Telugu literature. Sanskrit along with the local
languages thrived.
• An inscription dated 7th century mentions
Sanskrit as the language of the elite whereas
Kannada was the language of the masses.
 Art and Architecture
• They built cave temples depicting both religious and secular themes.
• The temples had beautiful mural paintings also.
• The temples under the Chalukyas are a good example of the Vesara
style of architecture. This is also called the Deccan style or Karnataka
Dravida or Chalukyan style. It is a combination of Dravida and Nagara
styles.
• Aihole temples: Ladh Khan temple (Surya Temple), Durga temple,
Huchimalligudi temple, Jain temple at Meguti by Ravikirti. There are
70 temples in Aihole.
• Badami temples
• Pattadakkal: is a UNESCO World Heritage site. There are ten temples
here – 4 in Nagar style and 6 in Dravida style. Virupaksha temple and
Sangameshwara Temple are in Dravida style. Papanatha temple is in
Nagara style.
 Chalukyan Architecture
• Indian Art And Culture - The graves of Chalukyan rulers have been
found in a village near Huligemmanakolla in Pattadakal of
Karnataka’s district.
• The discovery was made by explorer Manjunath Sullolli who says
that the place has graves of the family members of Chalukyan
rulers.
• About Chalukyas architecture:
• Chalukyan kings were famous for building gigantic temples with
intricate architecture.
• Chalukyan king established temples at Places such as Aihole,
Badami, and Pattadakal in Bagalkot district.
• Built between the 6th and 8th centuries, these monuments are
examples of the best of the architecture of that era in entire South
India.
• About the life of Chalukyan kings
• There are no clear details available about the
places where they lived.
• No documents or evidence of their graves
therefore, explorers are still searching for their
graves.
• Important Characteristic Features of Chalukyan
Architecture:
• Small base design
• Horseshoe base
• Square Garbhagriha
• Inner pradakshinapatha
• Aihole temples of the Chalukya Dynasty: Ladh
Khan temple (Surya Temple)
• Durga temple resembling a Buddhist Chaitya.
• Huchimalligudi temple
• Jain temple/ Jinendra at Meguti by Ravikirti.
• Badami temples of the Chalukya Dynasty:
Muktheeswara temple and
• Melagulti Sivalaya.
 Pattadakal temples of the Chalukya
Dynasty:
• There are a total of 10 temples in Pattadakal.
1. Virupaksha Temple
2. Sangameswarar Temple
3. Mallikarjuna Temple
4. Galganatha Temple
5. Kadasiddeshvara Temple
6. Jambulinga Temple
7. Papanatha Temple
8. Museum of the Plains and Sculpture gallery
9. Naganatha Temple
10.Chandrashekara
11.Mahakuteshwara Temple
• Vesara style
• The Vesara style also called the Chalukyan type possessed the
Dravidian vimana and the Nagara- type faceted walls.
• Influence of Nagara tradition
• The plan of shrine, subsidiary shrine, panchayatan style bears
similarity to Nagara school.
• The plan of vestibule joining the sanctum to mantapa bears
resemblance to orissan temples.
• The most of the temple pillars in Karnataka region bears
similarity to sekhari and bhumija type of pillars in northern
india.
• The stepped diamond plan that is a plan of design arrangement
as seen in Chalukya temples is from northern region.
• The most of the temples in kalyani portrays Nagara articulation
projecting stepped diamond or stellate plan.
• Influence of Dravida tradition
• The Dravida influence is mainly visible in vimana of
the Chalukya temples in first part of the Chalukya
rule.
• Combination of Nagara and Dravida style
1. Vesara sikhar or kadamba sikhara: It is a shikhara
of Chalukya temple showing northern shikhara
shikhara and southern vimana features.
2. Ornamentation: Miniature decorative towers and
ornamentation of walls in Chalukya temples show
combination of both Nagara and Dravida style.
• Special departure from Nagara and Dravida tradition
• In case of entrance hall to shrine Chalukya temple bears special
uniqueness. It has two or more than two entrances while
• There is a small closed mantapa to the shrine in Nagara temples.
• There is an enlarged, open and closed mantapa in Dravida
temples.
• Own distinctive features
• Ornamentation : In case of ornamentation of temple walls and
pillars, Chalukya temple shows indigenous quality.
• Transformation of Dravida tower : The Chalukya builders
modified the Dravida towers by minimizing the height of each
storey and arranging them in descending order of height from
base to top with much ornamentation in each storey.
• Transformation of Nagara tower : Instead of inclined storey
here modification is seen in the vertical shape of the tower.
• Two special features of Chalukya temples –
Mandapa and Pillars : 
• Mantapa : The mantapa has two types of roof
– domical ceilings (the dome like ceilings
standing on four pillars are very attractive) or
 Square ceilings (these are vigorously
ornamented with mythological pictures).
• Pillars : As mentioned earlier, the miniature
decorative pillars of Chalukya temples stands
with its own artistic value.
Characteristics of temple architecture of Chalukya

• The pillars of Chalukya temple are monolithic shaft whose

height determines the height of mantapa and temples.
• Chalukya architects did not use mortar. It allows ventilation of
light to the innermost part of the temples.
• The vestibules were ornamented with artificial lights which
eliminated darkness as well as added some kind of mystic
feelings.
• The doorway panels of Chalukya temples are highly
decorated that consist of pilaster, moulded lintel, cornice top.
• Arabesque is a muslim art design bearing linear artistic
decoration with pattern of flower, leaves, branches or twisted
branches. This design is seen in triangular spaces of domicile
ceilings.
• Chhajja, a double curved projective eave, is
generally seen in Chalukyan temples. Muktesvara
temple is an example of it.
• Cornice is used in Chalukya temple for downward
movement of rainwater or to save from scorching
heat.
• Use of soapstone for projection in walls carvings
is common feature in Chalukya temples.
• The Chalukya temples are mainly dedicated to
different hindu deities like durga, shiva, vishnu etc.
• Chalukya architecture has both cave temples
design and structured temple design.
• Chalukya architects used stellate plan or northern
stepped diamond plan for architectural design.
• The decorative pillars with its intricate design of
western Chalukya architecture is also known to
gadag style of architecture.
• The Karnata Dravida tradition of architecture
initiated by Chalukya of Badami get matured under
the hand of Hoysala.
• The broken ornamentation of walls with
projection and recesses was followed by Hoysala
artist.
• Chalukya architecture is also called the precursor
of Hoysala art.
 Aihole – A spiritual treat
• Aihole was once the capital of the Chalukya Dynasty,
and is a city with a rich and illustrious history.
• It has great cultural significance as the cradle of Hindu
temple architecture, and has more than 125 temples in
and around it.
• Aihole is an archaeologists’ delight with several temples
dating back to Chalukyan times.
• Excavation and investigation into the history of Aihole
continues and several thousand tourists seek out the
serene and spiritual ambiance of this city every year.
• A woman saw this and screamed ‘Ayyo Hole’ or ‘Oh No
Blood!’ in Kannada, hence the name Aihole
 The Aihole Inscription
• The Aihole Inscription, believed to have been
composed by the Jain poet Ravikeerthi, is a great
source for reconstructing the history of this period.
• It records the achievements of Pulakesi II,
especially his victory against Harshavardhana, the
ruler of Northern India.
• The famous Chalukya King Pulakeshi II was
follower of Jainism. 
• Aihole inscription is dated 634 CE, in Sanskrit
language and old Kannada script.
Sightseeing options in and around Aihole

• Aihole was once a center of architectural

experiments by several gifted artisans, and the
city is blessed with several beautifully crafted
places of worship.
• Some of the chief attractions are listed below.
Aihole temples of the Chalukya Dynasty:
Ladh Khan temple (Surya Temple)
Kannada Inscriptions at Lad Khan Temple,
Aihole.
• Actually, the Lad Khan Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Here you can see a Shiva Linga in the inner sanctum with a
Nandi facing the shrine.
• It is said that earlier it was dedicated to Lord Vishnu but now it
is a Shaivite temple.
• This edifice was built by the Chalukyas and is named after a
Muslim prince who converted it into his residence.
• This monument is evidence of the experimental nature of
Chalukyan temple architecture.
• The temple was built in the Panchayat hall style with two
sanctums.
• The main sanctum contains a Shiva Linga and a Nandi, whereas
the second sanctum has intricate carvings on the outer wall.
• Both devotees and art lovers flock to this temple throughout
the year.
The architecture of Lad Khan Temple:-
• The outer walls and interior walls have carvings
depicting the Hindu mythologies.
• The pillars and carvings also have interesting motifs
on them.
• One of the interesting features of the Lad Khan
Temple is that it doesn’t have a Shikhara (gopura).
• This indicates that it follows a cave-temple style of
architecture.
• Therefore, Lad Khan Temple is simple yet exotic.
• It seems that there has been a lot of
experimentation in constructing this temple.
• No doubt, Lad Khan Temple is one of the beautiful
temples in Aihole.
Durga Temple
•  It was built sometime between the 7th and 8th century by the
Chalukya Dynasty. 
• Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple is the most elaborately
decorated monument in Aihole.
• It owes its name due to its proximity to a fort or ‘Durg’ and not to
Goddess Durga, which is a common misconception.
• The temple dates back to Chalukyan times and the elements of Dravida
style in its architecture with exquisite carvings adorning the columns at
the entrance attract several art enthusiasts every year.
•  It does feature a Durga sculpture but is dedicated mainly to both Lord
Vishnu and Lord Shiva , equal representatives of the holy trinity of
Hinduism, along with Lord Brahma .
• Numerous images of Shiva and Vishnu can be found in the temple and
it is a brilliant tribute to the religious and spiritual life of Karnataka. 
 Significance of the temple
• This magnificent temple is famous for many
prominent features and forms a quadrilateral
shape.
• The distinctive shape of the shrine is in Gajaprasta
style, indicating it was built in the contours of the
rear portion of an elephant.
• Numerous pillar reliefs are a hallmark of the
structure and it also depicts a Buddhist Chaitya
which features intricate carvings.
• The sculpture of Goddess Durga in the temple is a splendid
piece of work and speaks volumes of the brilliant
workmanship prevailing in those days.
• An exquisite sculpture of a seven headed serpent is carved
on the ceiling of the Durga temple and the walls are replete
with sculptures of various Hindu deities.
• One of the several rooms in the shrine is the Garba Griha
(Sanctum Sanctorum) where the spiritual essence of the
temple is palpable.
• The two main pillars along with an elevated plinth and the
high galleries form the other unique characteristics of the
shrine.
• Other notable features of this impressive temple are the
finely sculpted images of Lord Narasimha , Goddess
Chamundi and Lord Shiva .
 Architecture of the temple

• The Durga temple in Aihole is considered an

architectural marvel and the presence of
numerous pillar reliefs indicate the brilliance of the
Chalukyan era.
• Built in an oblong apsidal shape, the corridors
encompass the heart of the shrine.
• The construction of the temple is suggestive of
Indian traditional architecture in the Dravida and
Nagara styles, and its unusual shape is reminiscent
of the early Buddhist style of building.
 Hucchimalli Temple

• Built in the 7th century, this is believed to be

one of the earliest groups of temples in
Aihole.
• The architectural practice of constructing a
vestibule in front of the sanctum was
introduced for the first time here.
• This temple has shrines dedicated to Lord
Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
 Badami temples of the Chalukya Dynasty;
Muktheeswara temple and
Melagulti Sivalaya.

• Among the temples at Badami, the

Muktheeswara temple and the Melagutti
Sivalaya are notable for their architectural
beauty.
• A group of four rock-cut temples at Badami are
arked by high workmanship.
• The walls and pillared halls are adorned by
beautiful images of gods and human beings.
 Badami Caves

• 1 km, this group of 4 cave temples have been

carved out of the hill opposite Badami fort.
• The Chalukyan king, Mangalesa(598-
610)AD)was responsible for the completion of
these cave temples. Of the four, three are
Brahmanical, while the fourth is Jain.
• Nearly 2000 steps have to be climbed to reach
the cave
 Cave I
This is Shaivite cave. The important carvings in this cave are an 18-armed dancing Shiva, a two-
handed Ganesha, Mahishasura Mardini, Ardha Nareeshwara & Shankarnarayana. The ceiling is
adorned by a serpent motif & other carved figures.
 Cave II

This cave has Vaishnavite influence with panels of Trivikrama & Bhuvaraha. On
the ceilings are carvings of Anantasayana, Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva &other
Ashtadikpalas
 
Cave III
• Another flight of steps takes one to the third
cave which is the largest & the best of the lot.
• This cave has carvings pertaining to both
Shaivite & Vaishnavite themes.
• Panels of Trivikrama, Narasimha,
Shankaranarayana, Bhuvaraha, Anantasayana
& Harihara are engraved in a vigorous style.
• An inscription found here records the creation
of the shrine by Mangalesha in 578 AD.
• There are some fine bracket figures on the
pillars of this cave
 Cave IV
• Lying to the east of cave three, the fourth cave is
Jain.
• There is an image of Mahavira adorning the
sanctum.
• Other carvings here are of Padmavathi & other
Thirthankaras.
• Asteep climb up some steps cut in a crevice
between Cave II & III leads to the southern part
of Badami Fort & to an old gun placed there by
Tippu Sultan.
 Badami Fort
• 2 Kms. Strategically situated on top of the hill, the fort
encloses large granaries, a treasury impressive temples on top
of the northern end of the hill.
• Malegitti Shivalaya, perhaps the oldest temple of the lot, is
dedicated to the benign aspect of Shiva as the garland maker.
• Placed on the summit of a rocky hill, the temple is built of
stone, finely joined without mortar, & with Dravidian tower.
• The lower Shivalaya has a Dravidian tower of which only the
sanctum remains now.
• There are some more temples in Badami town & several of
them dotting the banks of a well-built tank locally called the
Agasthya Tirtha.
 Pattadakal temples of the Chalukya Dynasty:
Virupaksha Temple
• The Virupaksha Temple in Hampi is dedicated to
lord Shiva. 
• This temple was constructed in Lakkana
Dandesha’s assistance who was a commander
under King Deva Raya II.
• This temple was constructed in Lakkana
Dandesha’s assistance who was a commander
under King Deva Raya II.
•  It attracts large groups of people in the month of
December. 
IDOLS
• There are several inscriptions about Lord Shiva
which were engraved in the 9th century.
• It started off as a little shrine and later developed
into a huge complex during the Vijayanagara rule.
• There is evidence that indicates additions were
made to Virupaksha temple during the later years
of the Hoysala and Chalukyan sovereignty.
• Native art, craft, and culture flourished during the
fourteenth century during the reign of the dynasty.
• But these beautiful architectures and creations
were destroyed when the Vijayanagara rulers were
crushed by Muslim intruders.
 Virupaksha Temple Architecture

• The temple has a shrine or the holy place of

worship, a hall with a number of pillars and 3
antechambers.
• There are courtyards, a pillared monastery,
few small shrines; and entrance ways
surrounding the temple.
• Among all the gateways, the eastern gateway is the
greatest. It is nine-tiered and 50 meters in length.
• It is well built and has some previous structures.
• The framework is of brick and includes a gravel
base giving way to the court outside.
• This court contains various sub-sanctums.
• The inner eastern gopuram is graced with three
storeys while the northern gopuram has five
storeys.
• The Kanakagiri gopuram towards the north takes
the tourists to a little enclosure with
supplementary sanctums.
• A renowned Vijayanagara King, Krishnadevaraya was
a contributor of the temple.
• It is believed that the main pillared hall which is the
most adorned structure of this temple is his
addition.
• There is a stone slab beside the hall which has
inscriptions that explain his offerings for the temple.
• Surrounding the Virupaksha temple are plenty of
dilapidated mandapams.
• There was an ancient shopping centre interlined
with mandapams in front of this temple.
• The ruins of it stand today.
 Mallikarjuna Temple
• In 745, Mallikarjuna Temple was built by Trilokya
Mahadevi, who was the second queen of
Vikramaditya II.
• The purpose behind the erection of a temple
was to commemorate the victory of the
Chalukyas over the Pallavas.
• Mallikaarjuna Temple was modeled on the lines
of Virupaksha Temple.
• The temple is celebrated for its artistic
sculptures. 
 Jambulinga Temple
• Built in Nagara style, Jambulinga Temple is built
on the lines of Hucchimalli' Guddi at Aihole.
• The temple houses the image of Lord Shiva,
Goddess Parvati along with Nandi.
• Jambulinga Temple has a horseshoe-shaped
projection in its exteriors. 
Chalukya Sculpture:of Siva
• A rare sculpture of Lord Siva and Goddess Parvati dating back
to the 7th century was discovered at a Chalukyan temple in
Satyavolu village of Prakasam district in Andhra Pradesh.
• The red sandstone sculpture portrays Lord Siva as the
therapeutic physician (Rudra Bhaishajana) as described in
Rigveda.
• In the sculpture he holds a bowl in his left hand, which
contains medicine from herbs to revive the ailing horse lying
at his feet.
• Lord Siva is portrayed as a physician, who discovered
medicine for certain chronic ailments.
• He is the last member of the divine trinity and is considered
as the destroyer of the world.
 Chalukya music sculpture
• Caves 1 to 4 are in the escarpment of the hill in soft Badami
sandstone formation, to the south-east of the town.
• In Cave 1, among various sculptures of Hindu divinities and themes,
a prominent carving is of the Tandava-dancing Shiva as Nataraja.
• Cave 2 is mostly similar to Cave 1 in terms of its layout and
dimensions, featuring Hindu subjects of which the relief of Vishnu as
Trivikrama is the largest.
• The largest cave is Cave 3, featuring Vishnu-related mythology, and
it is also the most intricately carved cave in the complex.
• Cave 4 is dedicated to revered figures of Jainism.
• Around the lake, Badami has additional caves of which one may be a
Buddhist cave. Another cave was discovered in 2015, about 500
metres (1,600 ft) from the four main caves, with 27 Hindu carvings.
Shiva Parvati enjoying music at home
Celestials music (gandharva) playing a stick vina with a very
broad bridge. On his sides there are apsaras (female celestials
musicans and dancers) one holding a fruit platter, the other
symbols.
Princess lying on sofa enjoying music
Fashionable lady with ornate headdress and
rich attire playing a vina
 Ravana phadi cave temple in Aihole

• An amazing example of rock cut temple

architecture built by the Chalukyas datable to
550 A.D. is the Ravana Pahadi. 
Nataraja, Ravana Pahadi cave temple, 6th
century,Aihole,Karnataka.
Mahisasuramardini
Lord Vishnu,Durga temple,
Durga
Celestial couple,ceiling, Durga Temple