Between 543 AD to 753 AD, the Chalukyas of Badami were a prominent ruling dynasty in Karnataka, with their capital at Vatapi, now known as Badami in the Bijapur district.
I was thinking about the connection between "Vatapi" in Sri Muthuswami Dikshitar's "Vatapi Ganapatim Bhaje" kirti and Vatapi (Badami). The song glorifies Lord Ganesha and might be making a reference to this historic place.
Did you know?
Lord Ganapati’s idol was believed to have been taken from Vatapi to the Tamil region by Paranjothi, a general in the army of the Pallava king during battles between Chalukya and Pallava armies in the 7th century CE. The icon was reinstalled in a small shrine in the Uthrapathisvaraswami temple complex in Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu, where Sri Dikshitar lived and composed the “Vatapi Ganapatim Bhaje" kriti centuries later.
Notable Ruler:
Immadi Pulakeshi II is a revered historical figure in Karnataka, known for his military conquests and cultural contributions. After defeating his uncle to claim the throne, he expanded his empire from the Narmada River to South Karnataka, achieving significant victories including over Harshavardhana. This earned him the title "Parameshvara." During his reign, notable temples such as those in Badami, Aihole, and Pattadakal were constructed, blending cave and Dravida styles. Pulakeshi II was also one of the first South Indian kings to mint gold coins.
Pulakeshi II's influence extended beyond India, as acknowledged by the Persian ruler Khosrow I and documented by the Chinese traveller Xuan Zang, who praised the wealth and grandeur of his empire. Despite losing to Narasimhavarman, Pulakeshi II is remembered as both a formidable warrior and a compassionate ruler, encompassing the essence of Kannada identity.
Temples by Chalukyas of Badami
The Chalukyas constructed nearly a hundred monuments using reddish-golden sandstone, focusing their temple-building efforts in Aihole, Badami, Pattadakal, and Mahakuta in present-day Karnataka. They are found by the rivers Tungabhadra and Malaprabha in Karnataka.
- 1. Badami Cave Temples: Carved into red sandstone cliffs using complex mathematical concepts over 1,400 years ago, these caves showcase intricate carvings and represent a fusion of Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist art.
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- Pattadakal Temples: This site boasts ten impressive temples constructed between the 7th and 8th centuries. The temples feature a blend of architectural styles, including Dravidian and Nagara, adorned with exquisite carvings and sculptures.
- Aihole: Known as the "Cradle of Indian Architecture," Aihole harbors over 70 ancient temples dating from the 6th to 8th centuries. It displays a diverse array of architectural styles and was a significant hub for early Chalukyan art.
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These historic sites offer a fascinating glimpse into India's rich cultural and architectural heritage.
Did you know?
- The Ravana Phadi Cave in Aihole is an ancient cave that is believed to have been used by Ramayana’s Ravana for contemplation or rest, hence its name, Ravana's Cave.
- The Chalukyas were among the early adopters of advanced iron technology in South India, which helped them in their military campaigns and construction projects.
Fun Activity:
Could you create a collage featuring the temples built by the Chalukyas of Badami?
To conclude,the Chalukyas of Badami have a rich and fascinating history that is difficult to fully cover in a short article. Each ruler, like King Pulakeshi II, and each temple, such as the ones in Pattadakal, tells its own amazing story. To truly understand the greatness of the Chalukyan era, I encourage all young people to explore these legends and learn more about this remarkable chapter of Indian history.
References
- Dr. Suryanath Kamath- A concise history of Karnataka.
- https://www.mapsofindia.com/history/chalukya-dynasty.html
- https://igntu.ac.in/eContent/IGNTU-eContent-371015501276-MA-AIHC-2-DrJanardhanaB-PoliticalHistoryofIndiafromC.300CEto1200CE-3.pdf
- https://www.forumancientcoins.com/india/southind/chalukya/south_chalcoin.html
- https://hinduaesthetic.medium.com/numismatics-of-the-var%C4%81ha-fbf94c01f1a8
- https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/et-commentary/the-mystery-of-the-missing-vatapi-ganapati/articleshow/90882764.cms?from=mdr
- https://www.gktoday.in/temple-architecture-of-chalukyas-of-badami/
- https://turuhi.com/story/pattadakal-the-ceremonial-capital-of-the-chalukyas