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Chalukya era Temples and Inscriptions found in Telangana

Chalukya era Temples and Inscriptions found in Telangana

GS-1: Ancient History of South India

(UPSC/State PSC)

Important for Prelims:

Mudimanikyam village, Telangana, Chalukyas of Badami, Architecture of the Chalukya temples of Badami.

Important for Mains:

About Chalukya Dynasty of Badami, About Architectural Style of Chalukya Temples of Badami, List of Kings of Chalukya Dynasty of Badami, Conclusion.

24/02/2024

Why in News:

Recently, archaeologists have discovered two temples and label inscriptions of Badami Chalukya dynasty in Mudimanikyam village in Telangana.

These temples are being seen as unique examples of architectural art.
It is noteworthy that Mudimanikyam village is situated on the banks of Krishna River in Nalgonda district of Telangana.

About the discovered "Temples":

According to archaeologists, both these temples date back to between 543 AD and 750 AD and are approximately 1,300- 1,500 years old.
These temples are extraordinary because their construction shows a mixed influence of the architectural styles of the ancient Badami Chalukya and Kadamba cities.
These temples can be considered the only examples of clear architecture in Telangana.
These temples can serve as evidence of the Chalukya period of Badami in Telangana.

Special features of both the temples:

Only one Panvattam is left in the sanctum sanctorum of one temple and in the other the idol of Lord Shri Vishnu is safe and seated.

About the searched "Label Inscription":

According to archaeologists, the label inscriptions date back to the 8th or 9th century AD and are about 1,200 years old.
The label inscription is called ‘Gandaloranru’ and its text still remains a mystery. Meaning, the meaning of the articles written on these rock inscriptions has not been clarified yet.
It is worth noting that in Kannada, 'Ganda' also means 'hero', hence it could possibly be a 'veer' title also.
The label inscription is written on a pillar of a group of five temples in the village.
The group of five temples is known as ‘Panchkut’.
These also belong to the Badami Chalukya period.
It is clear from the above facts that during this period, Badami Chalukyas ruled the Telangana region.

About the architectural style of Chalukya temples of Badami:

Chalukyas were strong supporters of art and architecture.
In the history of Deccan architecture, the Early Chalukyas of Badami were responsible for the development of a new architectural style, known as the "Chalukya style" or "Vesara" style.
The monuments developed in this style are a harmonious blend of Nagar (North Indian) and Dravidian (South Indian) architecture.
Vikramaditya imported many sculptors from Kanchipuram to his empire for the construction of temples.
Melagitti Pagoda and a series of four rock-cut chambers is one of the temples of Badami.
Chalukya cave temples are found at Ajanta, Ellora and Nashik. They are monolithic in nature and are dug into sloping hills.
They are Buddhist in style and technique and have Brahmanical commitments.
Initially, the roofs of Chalukya temples were flat or slightly sloping.
Later stages show a tower-like construction (Vimana).
The Durga temple at Aihole is built on a horseshoe-shaped pedestal, which was inspired by the Buddhist chaitya.
Pattadakal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with some of the most spectacular architectural features.
The Chaluican kings were interested not only in building temples but also in providing assistance for the advancement of the art of painting.
Some artefacts of Ajanta Cave No. 1 strongly confirm this.

About Chalukya Dynasty of Badami:

The real founder of the Chalukya dynasty of Badami was Pulakeshin I.
At this time Brahmin religion was on the rise.
Chalukya kings were worshipers of Vishnu or Shiva.
They were religiously tolerant and respected Jains and Buddhists.
He built grand temples at places like Pattakal, Badami etc. for the worship of these deities.
In this dynasty, temples used to be special centers of social and economic life.
The history of the temples of the South begins with the temples of Aihole, Megriti and Badami.
The temples of Pattakkala reflect the second phase of their development.
As the number of statues in these temples increases, their style also evolves.
Amazing skill is seen in the art of building temples by cutting solid rocks.
Shrigundan Anivaritachari built the Lokeshwar temple.

List of Chalukya dynasty kings of Badami:

Pulakeshin I (543 – 566 AD):

Kirtivarman I (566 – 597 AD):

Kirtivarman I, son of "Pulakeshin I", expanded the ancestral empire by fighting wars against the Banavasi Kadambas, Bastar Nalas and Konkan Mauryas.
He was the first sovereign king of the Chalukya dynasty.

Mangalesa (597 – 609 AD):

Mangalesha ruled as king of the Chalukya dynasty of Vatapi in Karnataka, India from 597 to 609 AD.
He was a Vaishnava who built a Vishnu temple during the reign of his brother Kirtivarman I.

Pulakeshin II (609 – 642 AD):

Vikramaditya I (644 – 681 AD):

Vikramaditya I assumed the titles "Maharajadhiraja (King of Great Kings)," "Rajadhiraja (King of Kings)," "Parameshwara (Supreme Lord)," and "Bhattaraka (Great Lord)."

Vinayaditya II (681-693 AD):

Kirtivarman II (744 – 753 AD):

Kirtivarman II, also known as Rahappa, was the last king of the Badami Chalukya dynasty.

Conclusion:

This discovery is very important historically because these temples demonstrate the ancient richness and social and cultural heritage of South India.

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Main Exam Question:

The architectural style of the Chalukya temples of Badami represents a unique example in South India. Discuss.