Context:
A rare inscription dating back to the time of Vikramaditya I of the Badami Chalukya dynasty has been unearthed at Madapura Lake in Davangere district.
Vikramaditya I (655–680 AD):
- A significant ruler of the Chalukya dynasty
- He was the son of Pulakesin II, one of the greatest Chalukya rulers.
- After Pulakesin II’s defeat by the Pallavas, the Chalukya throne remained vacant from 642 to 655 AD.
- Vikramaditya I re-established order and reclaimed lost territories.
- He successfully repelled the Pallava invasion and restored unity in his father’s kingdom.
- In 668 AD, he defeated Mahendravarman II, the Pallava king, and captured Kanchi for about five to six years.
- His army plundered the Chola, Pandya, and Kerala kingdoms but did not annex any territory.
- He assumed dynastic titles such as – Satyashraya (“Refuge of Truth”), Shri-prithvi-vallabha, Maharajadhiraja, Rajadhiraja, Parameshvara, Bhattaraka and Rajamalla (suggesting sovereignty over the Pallavas)
Badami Chalukyas:
- Period – AD 543 – AD 755
- Capital – Badami (Vatapi)
- Location – Present-day Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh
- Established by – Pulakeshin I
- Political Rivals – Pallavas
- Other important rulers – Kirtivarman I, Pulakesin II and Vikramaditya I
Source: HT
Previous Year Question
Building ‘Kalyana Mandapam’ was a notable feature in the temple construction in the kingdom of:
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2019 Prelims]
(a) Chalukya
(b) Chandela
(c) Rashtrakuta
(d) Vijayanagara
Answer: (d)