Kalyana Chalukya Era Inscription

Three Kannada inscriptions from the Kalyana Chalukya era were discovered for the first time in Kankal village, Telangana.

About the Inscriptions

• These inscriptions are dated 1129 CE, 1130 CE, and 1132 CE, during the reign of Emperor Someswara-III Bhulokamalladeva of the Kalyana Chalukya dynasty.
• First Inscription: It mentions the construction of the Bijjeswara temple and  records the consecration of a Shivalinga.
  • Documents a donation of 100 martars (a historical land measure) of land by a local chief.
• Second Inscription: Records land and cash donations made to the Bijjeswara temple by a local individual.
• Third Inscription: Also documents donations to the Bijjeswara temple.

About Kalyana Chalukya (Later or Western Chalukya)

• Dynastic Background: One of the three Chalukyan dynasties:
  • Chalukyas of Badami (6th-8th century CE).
  • Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi (7th-12th century CE).
  • Western Chalukyas (Kalyana Chalukyas) (10th-12th century CE), considered descendants of the Chalukyas of Badami.
• Founder: Tailapa II, who established the dynasty by defeating Rashtrakuta ruler Kakka II (Karaka).
• Expansion: Notable Military Victories of Kalyana Chalukya
  • Defeated Rajaraja Chola (992 CE).
  • Conquered Latas, Gurjaras, Chedis, and Paramaras.
• Territorial Control: Ruled the Western Deccan region between the 10th and 12th centuries CE.
• Capital: Kalyan  which was located in  present-day Bidar district, Karnataka.
• Significant Kings:
  • Vikramaditya VI (1076-1126 CE): Most powerful ruler of the dynasty. He initiated the Chalukya Vikrama era.
  • Someswara I & Someswara III: Expanded the empire’s territory and cultural influence.
  • Jayasimha II: Stabilized the empire after the downfall of the Rashtrakutas.
• Decline of Kalyana Chalukya: After Vikramaditya VI’s death, continuous conflicts with the Cholas weakened the Western Chalukyas, leading to internal rebellions and rapid decline by Jagadhekamalla II’s reign

Contribution of Kalyana Chalukya to Art and Culture

Architecture

• Developed the Western Chalukya (Kalyani Chalukya) architectural style.
• Specialized in Vesara or Karnata-Dravida temple architecture.
• Introduced intricate carvings, stepped wells, and ornate sculptures.
  • Stepped Wells (Pushkarni) were used as ritual bathing places.
    • Example: Manikesvara Temple in Lakkundi.
• Their architectural style later influenced Vijayanagara and Hoysala temple architecture.

Major Temples

• Mahadeva Temple (Itagi, Koppal): Known as the “Emperor among temples”, representing the finest craftsmanship of the era.
• Kasivisvesvara Temple (Lakkundi, Gadag): It features ornate carvings and symmetrical designs.
• Sarasvati Temple (Gadag) and  Dodda Basappa Temple (Dambal, Gadag):  They are known for their artistic excellence and intricate sculptures.

Literature

• Sanskrit and Kannada literature flourished under their patronage.
• Notable Kannada literary figures:
• • Pampa : Early Kannada poet, known for “Adi Purana.”
  • Ranna : Court poet who authored “Sahasa Bhima Vijaya.”
    • Pampa, Ponna and Ranna’ are considered as the three gems of Kannada literature
    • Ponna was a noted Kannada poet in the court of Rashtrakuta Emperor Krishna III.
  • Durgasimha and  Nagavarma : Contributed significantly to classical Kannada literature.

Religious Influence

• Dominant Sects: Various sects of Shaivism flourished, including Pashupata, Lakulisa, and Kalamukha.
• Religious Reform: The period also witnessed the rise of a new social and religious movement led by Basavanna.

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