The Chalukya dynasty was a Classical Indian dynasty that ruled large parts of southern and central India between the 6th and the 12th centuries. During this period, they ruled as three related yet individual dynasties. The earliest dynasty, known as the "Chalukyas of Badami" ruled from Vatapi (modern Badami in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka,) from the early 6th century to middle of the eighth century. The Badami Chalukyas rose to prominence during the reign of Pulakeshin II.[1] After the death of Pulakeshin II, the Eastern Chalukyas became an independent kingdom in the eastern Deccan. They ruled from Vengi (in modern-day Andhra Pradesh) until about the 11th century. In the western Deccan, the rise of the Rashtrakutas in the middle of the 8th century eclipsed the Chalukyas of Badami before being revived by their descendants, the Western Chalukyas, in the late 10th century. These Western Chalukyas ruled from Kalyani (modern Basavakalyan in Bidar District of Karnataka) until the end of the 12th century.[2]
The rule of the Chalukyas marks an important milestone in the history of South India and a golden age in the history of Karnataka. The political atmosphere in South India shifted from smaller kingdoms to large empires with the ascendancy of Badami Chalukyas. The Chaukyas at one point of time took control and consolidated the entire region between the Kaveri and the Narmada rivers. The rise of this kingdom saw the birth of efficient administration, overseas trade and commerce and the development of new style of architecture called "Chalukyan architecture".
The official records of branches of Chalukyas shed light on the polity and administration of the period. Government and political institutions of the Kingdom of Chalukyas were organised according to the doctrines and tenets laid down by the ancient law-givers in their treatises on political science. King was the highest authority in the state who worked for the welfare of the people. The chief queen of the king was called Tattamahish. The prince was appointed on the post of Yuvaraja. Kings used to seek the advice of other experienced persons in all matters of administration with Council of Ministers and other officers. A system of territorial administration was practised in addition to that of the central authority. Thus, the empire was divided into administrative units under the governors who themselves were assisted by the range of officials. One of the characteristic features of Chalukyan was the involvement of women in the matter of administration.
[1] P. B. Desai, Shrinivas Ritti and B. R. Gopal, A History Of Karnataka, Kannada Research
Institute, Karnataka University, Dharwar, 1970, pp. 89-109.
[2] K. A. Nilkanta Sastri, A History of South India (from Prehistoric Times to the Fall of
Vijayanagar), Oxford University Press, Bombay, 1966, pp.6-7.
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