Source: TH
Context: Researchers at the Pune-based Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute in India have decoded copper plates revealing that the celebrated Sanskrit poetess Shilabhattarika was a daughter of the “Satyashraya” Chalukyan ruler Pulakeshin II.
- Previously, it was thought that she was the wife of the 8th-century Rashtrakuta ruler Dhruva
- The title of “Satyashraya” (patron of truth) was associated with Chalukyan Emperor, Pulakeshin II of Badami
Works of Shilabhattarika:
It adheres to the Panchali style that calls for a balance of words with its meaning. She inspired the Sanskrit poet-critic Rajashekhara (who lived in the 9th-10th century CE) and was the court poet of the Gurjara-Pratiharas and noted Marathi poetess, Shanta Shelke drawn inspiration from Shilabhattarika’s verse to compose one of her most iconic songs— toch chandrama nabhat (translated as ‘it is the same moon in the sky’).
What are Copper-plate charters?
They are ancient inscriptions on copper plates that were used as legal documents in India during the medieval period. These plates were used to record land grants, donations, and other royal decrees. This charter had five plates, held together by a copper ring bearing a beautiful Varaha (boar) seal (trademark of the Badami Chalukyas)
About Chalukya dynasty (6th to 12th Century; founder: Pulakeshin I):
It was a Classical Indian dynasty that ruled large parts of southern and central India as three related yet individual dynasties— “Badami Chalukyas”, ruled from Vatapi (modern Badami), Eastern Chalukyas (from Vengi) and Western Chalukyas (from Kalyani)
About Pulakeshin II
He ruled from 610-642 CE. He defeated Harshavardhan of Kanauj in a battle near the banks of the Narmada River in 618 CE.
