Western Chalukyas and Eastern Chalukyas

The Chalukyas were one of the most influential dynasties in early medieval India, known for their contributions to political unification, art, architecture, and culture in the Deccan region. The dynasty originally rose to prominence in the 6th century CE, and over time, it split into two major branches — the Western Chalukyas (of Badami and later Kalyani) and the Eastern Chalukyas (of Vengi). Though both shared a common ancestry and cultural legacy, their political trajectories and regional influences evolved differently.

Origin and Early History

The Chalukyas emerged after the decline of the Vakataka Empire, establishing control over much of the Deccan plateau. Their origin is believed to be from the Kannada-speaking region of modern Karnataka, although some historians trace their early links to the Andhra region.
The founder of the dynasty was Pulakeshin I (c. 543–566 CE), who established his capital at Vatapi (modern Badami) in northern Karnataka. His successors expanded the empire across central and southern India, marking the rise of the Chalukyan power that would later branch into two distinct lines — the Western Chalukyas of Badami (later Kalyani) and the Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi.

Western Chalukyas

Political History

The Western Chalukyas, also known as the Chalukyas of Badami and later the Chalukyas of Kalyani, ruled large parts of the western Deccan from the 6th to the 12th centuries CE.

• Pulakeshin II (609–642 CE) was the most celebrated ruler of the early Western Chalukya dynasty. Under his reign, the empire extended from the Narmada River in the north to the Kaveri River in the south. He famously defeated Harsha of Kanauj, as recorded in inscriptions and in the writings of the Chinese traveller Xuanzang, who visited his court.
• The Western Chalukyas were temporarily overthrown by the Rashtrakutas in the 8th century but later revived under Tailapa II (973 CE), who re-established their rule with Kalyani (modern Basavakalyan) as the capital. This phase is referred to as the Later Western Chalukya Empire.
• Vikramaditya VI (1076–1126 CE) was the most distinguished ruler of the later Western Chalukya period. His reign marked the zenith of power and cultural renaissance, and his regnal years were used as an epoch in inscriptions known as the Chalukya-Vikrama era.

The Western Chalukya Empire eventually declined by the late 12th century due to continuous wars with the Cholas, Hoysalas, and Kalachuris, paving the way for the rise of the Hoysalas and Yadavas of Devagiri.

Administration and Society

The Western Chalukyas followed a monarchical system with a well-organised administrative structure. Provinces were governed by local chieftains or feudatories known as Mahasamantas and Mandaleshvaras. Village administration enjoyed autonomy, reflecting a decentralised governance model.
Society was stratified but stable, and agriculture formed the economic base. Trade flourished through ports on the west coast, particularly with the Arab world, leading to cultural exchanges.

Religion and Culture

• The Western Chalukyas were Hindus, primarily worshipping Vishnu and Shiva, though they also supported Jainism and Buddhism.
• They were great patrons of art and literature in Kannada and Sanskrit.
• Pampa, Ranna, and Ponna, known as the “Three Gems” (Ratnatraya) of Kannada literature, flourished under their patronage.
• Architecturally, the Western Chalukyas contributed significantly to the evolution of the Vesara style, a harmonious blend of Nagara (northern) and Dravida (southern) forms.

Prominent examples include:

• Badami cave temples – Rock-cut temples dedicated to Hindu deities.
• Aihole and Pattadakal – Renowned for early experiments in temple architecture; Pattadakal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Kalyani Chalukya temples such as those at Lakkundi, Dambal, and Itagi demonstrate the later refinement of the Vesara style.

Eastern Chalukyas

Establishment and Political Development

The Eastern Chalukyas, also known as the Chalukyas of Vengi, were a branch of the Western Chalukyas who established an independent kingdom in the Vengi region (modern coastal Andhra Pradesh).

• The founder was Kubja Vishnuvardhana (c. 624–641 CE), the younger brother of Pulakeshin II.
• Initially subordinate to the main Chalukya line at Badami, the Vengi branch gained autonomy after the decline of Pulakeshin II.

The Eastern Chalukya kingdom lasted for nearly five centuries, ruling from capitals such as Vengi (Pedavegi) and Rajahmundry.
Over time, they became closely linked with the Cholas through political alliances and intermarriages, leading to the Chalukya-Chola lineage. Their rule came to an end when Kulottunga I of the Chola dynasty (a descendant of the Eastern Chalukyas through his mother) united the two realms around 1070 CE.

Administration and Economy

The Eastern Chalukyas maintained a similar administrative framework to their western counterparts, with the king at the centre, supported by ministers, feudatories, and village assemblies. The coastal location of Vengi enabled vibrant maritime trade with Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and China, promoting economic prosperity.
The agrarian economy was well developed, supported by irrigation systems built along the Godavari and Krishna rivers.

Religion and Culture

• The Eastern Chalukyas were patrons of Hinduism, especially the Shaiva and Vaishnava sects, while also supporting Jainism.
• They played a crucial role in promoting Telugu literature. The Andhra language evolved significantly during their reign, laying the foundation for classical Telugu literature.
• Poet Nannaya Bhattarakudu, who began the translation of the Mahabharata into Telugu, flourished under their patronage.
• Architecturally, they adopted the Dravidian style, influenced by both the Pallavas and the Western Chalukyas.

Prominent examples include:

• Pancharama Kshetras, such as Draksharamam and Amararama, representing Eastern Chalukyan temple art.
• Temples at Chebrolu, Biccavolu, and Rajahmundry, showcasing ornate sculpture and Dravidian features.

Comparison Between Western and Eastern Chalukyas

Legacy and Significance

The Chalukyas — both Western and Eastern — were instrumental in shaping the political, cultural, and artistic landscape of southern India. Their legacy can be summarised as follows:

• Political Influence: The Chalukyas acted as a bridge between northern and southern India, maintaining balance and cultural exchange across the Deccan.
• Cultural Flourishing: Their reign witnessed the rise of regional languages — Kannada under the Western Chalukyas and Telugu under the Eastern Chalukyas.
• Architectural Innovation: They pioneered the Vesara style, influencing later dynasties like the Hoysalas and Cholas.
• Literary Renaissance: Encouraged translation and literary works that shaped South Indian linguistic identity.