Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: TH
Context: A 900-year-old Kannada inscription from the Kalyana Chalukya dynasty was discovered in a neglected state at Gangapuram, Mahabubnagar district.
Archaeologists found it near Chowdamma temple during a heritage preservation campaign. The inscription, dated June 8, 1134 CE, records toll tax remission for a temple lamp.
About the dynasty:
| Topic | Details |
| About Chalukya Dynasty | Ruled the central Indian plateau of Deccan between 6th and 12th centuries. |
| Consisted of three closely related but distinct dynasties: 1. Chalukyas of Badami (6th–8th centuries); 2. Chalukyas of Kalyani (Western Chalukyas); 3. Chalukyas of Vengi (Eastern Chalukyas) | |
| About Chalukyas of Kalyani | The Western Chalukya Empire, also known as the Kalyani Chalukyas, ruled the western Deccan and South India from the 10th to 12th centuries |
| Primarily the Kannadiga dynasty, named after the capital city of Kalyani (modern-day Bidar, Karnataka). | |
| The empire was founded by Tailapa II during Rashtrakuta rule, governing Tardavadi in the Bijapur district. They defeated Rashtrakuta in 973. | |
| Reached peak under Vikramaditya VI (1076-1126 CE), considered the ‘Chalukya Vikrama era’ | |
| Expanded into Deccan and southern India, defeating Cholas and gaining vast territories from the Kaveri River to the Narmada River. | |
| Administration: Hereditary, power passed to a male heir or brother. Feudatories managed territories | |
| The Western Chalukya minted punch-marked gold coins called pagodas with Kannada legends. | |
| Art and Architecture: Contributed to Kannada and Telugu literature. Their architecture is a link between the Badami Chalukya architecture of the 8th century and the Hoysala architecture of the 13th century. Known for ‘Gadag style’ temples in Tungabhadra-Krishna doab region. | |
| Temples depict religious and secular themes. Notable temples include the Mallikarjuna temple of Bellary, Siddeshvara temple in Haveri, and Kallesvara temple in Davangere district. |
