CHALUKYAS
 
   South India between 600-1200: 
   The Chalukyas rose to power in the Deccan from the fifth to eighth century and
   again from the tenth to twelfth century.They ruled over the area between the
   Vindhyan mountain and the river Krishna.The Chalukyas were sworn enemies of
   the Pallavas and rose to power in Karnataka.The first great ruler of the 
   Chalukya dynasty was PulakesinI.
   He founded Vatapi (modern Badami in Bijapur district) and made it his capital.
   He is said to have performed Ashwamedha Yagna (horse sacrifice).The kingdom 
   was further extended by his sons Kirtivarman and Mangalesa by waging many 
   successful wars against the neighbours including Mauryans of the Konkans.
  
   Reign of PulakesinII (608 AD - 642 AD)
   Pulakesin II was the son of Kirtivarman.He was the the greatest ruler of the 
   Chalukya dynasty. He ruled for almost 34 years.In this long reign,he consolidated 
   his authority in Maharashtra and conquered large parts of the Deccan from the
   banks of the Nerbudda to the reign beyond the Kaveri.His greatest achievement
   was his victory in the defensive war against Harshvardhan in 620.In 641,the 
   Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang,visited the kingdom and said that the king was
   served by his nobles with perfect loyalty.However the last days of the king were
   not happy.Pulakesin was defeated and killed by the Pallav king Narasimhavarman 
   in 642.His capital Vatapi was completely destroyed.

   End of Chalukya Dynasty 

   Pulakestin was succeeded by his son Vikramaditya who was also as great a 
   ruler as his father. He renewed the struggle against his southern enemies.
   He recovered the former glory of the Chalukyas to a great extent.Even his 
   great grandson Vikramaditya II was also a great warrior.He actually entered 
   the Pallava capital.In 753,Vikramaditya and his son were overthrown by a 
   chief named Dantidurga who laid the foundation of the next great empire of
   Karnataka and Maharashtra,that of Rashtrakutas.
  
     
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