History of South India | Chalukyas | Rashtrakutas | Cholas

History of South India | Chalukyas | Rashtrakutas | Cholas

History of South India - Early Medieval Period

History of South India - Early Medieval Period

Here we will discuss about the most the important dynasties of South India. South India specially denotes the region that lies to the south of the two rivers, Krishna and Tungabhadra.

The Chalukyas of Badami [543-757 AD]

• Founder of the Chaluky dynasty - Jay Singh.
• Real founder of the Chalukya dynasty - Pulakesin I.
• The Chalukyas established their base at Badami (Vatapi) in Bijapur district of Karnataka.
• Capital of the Chalukya dynasty - Badami or Vatapi.
• Greatest ruler of the Chalukya dynasty - Pulakesin II. Aihole inscription is a eulogy written by his court poet Ravikirti. He was defeated by Harshavardhana at the battle of Narmada.
• Pallava ruler Narsimhavarman I invaded  the Chalukya kindom, killed Pulakesin II and captured the capital Badami.
• Vishnuvardhan, son of the Pulakesin II, founded the eastern branch of the Chalukyas with it's capital at Vengi.

The Rashtrakutas

• Founder of the Rashtrakut dynasty - Dantidurga.
• Dantidurga built the Dashavatra temple at Ellora.
• Capital of the Rasgtrakutas - Manyakhet (Malkhed).
• Greatest ruler of the Rashtrakut dynasty - Gabinda III.
• Amoghvarsha first transferred capital from Ellora to Manyakhet. He rulled for 68 years.
• Kavirajamarga was written by Amaghvarsga.
• Eliphanta cave architecture was flourished during this period.
• Krishna I built thr Kailasa temple at Ellora.
• The last ruler of the Rashtrakut dynasty Kakka II (Karaka) was killed by Taila II (Tailapa II).

The Cholas

• Founder of the Chola dynasty - Vijayalaya.
• Vijayalaya captured Tanjore in 850 A.D.
• Capital of the Chola dynasty - Tanjore.
• The Greatest rulers of the Chola dynasty - Raja Raja I and his son Rejendra Chola I.
• Raja Raja I (985-1014 A.D.) built a strong army and conquered Lakshadwip, Maldiv and Northern Sri Lanka.
• Title of Raja Raja I - Mamudi Chola.
• Rajendra Chola I assumed the title of Gangaikondachola and built a city named Gangaikondacholapuram.
• Rajendra Chola I conquered Java, Sumatra and Sri Lanka.
• The Bay of Bengal was transformed into a Chola Lake.
• Cholas were the followers of Saiba religion.
• The most significant feature of the Chola administration was the local self government.
• Cholas were famous for the bronze statue of Nataraja.
• The last ruler - Kulutung.
• Currency of the Chola dynasty - Kasu (Silver coin).
• Chola dynasty was abolished by the invasion of Malik Kafur in 1310 A.D.

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Administrative Units of Chola Dynasty

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Chola Name	Suggested to
Mandalam	Province
Kottam	Division
Nadu	District
Kurtam	Group of Villages