Book Description

The main purpose of the present thesis is to give an account of the political activities of the Western Chalukyas, who ruled at Badami and Kalyanl, based on the results of modern research. It has been also deemed proper to add a special chapter on their system of administration. Hence the title "History of the Western Chalukyas (political and administrative)." The thesis opens wlth a discussion of the various legends of Chalukya origin found in inscriptions, and the modern views on the subject. The second chapter describes the rise of the Chalukyas under Jayasimha, RanaSaga and Pulakesln I. The third traces the growth of the Chalukya kingdom under Kirtivarman I emd Mangalesa. Chapter four gives an account of the wide activities of Pulakesln II, who attained for his house the Imperial position in the South. Chapter five deals with the reigns of his successors till their sovereignty was extinguished by the Rashtrakutas. Chapter six tells about the fortune of the Chalukya race in the Testern Deccan during the period of the Rashtrakuta supretiaoy. Chapter seven recounts the story of the re-establishment of the Chalukya sovereignty by Taila II, and the beginnings of the conflict with the Paramaras and the Cholas which lasted through generations. The history of the Chalukyas under Jayasimha II, Somesvara I, Someavara II and Vikramiaditya VI forms the theme of chapters eight and nine. All these rulers, except Somesvara II, prored to be able, energetic vigorous; they not only successfully maintained their position against the repeated onslaughts of external enemies, but also succeeded in extending their influence in different directions. Chapter ten traces the gradual decline of the Chalukya power and its final disappearance under the last four kings of the race. The concluding chapter has been devoted to the elucidation of the important aspects of the Chalukyan administration.