Aihole
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Aihole ಐಹೊಳೆ |
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Group of monuments At Aihole
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 Aihole
 Aihole
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| Coordinates: 16°1′08″N 75°52′55″E / 16.01889°N 75.88194°ECoordinates: 16°1′08″N 75°52′55″E / 16.01889°N 75.88194°E | |
| Country | India |
| State | Karnataka |
| District | Bagalkot |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Kannada |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| Nearest city | Pattadkal |
Aihoḷe is a village having a historic temple complex in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, India and located 510 km from Bangalore. It is known for Chalukyan architecture, with about 125 stone temples dating from 5th century CE, and is a popular tourist spot in north Karnataka. It lies to the east of Pattadakal, along the Malaprabha River, while Badami is to the west of both. With its collection of architectural structures, Aihoḷe temple complex is on the pending list of UNESCO World heritage sites.
Aihoḷe was earlier known as Ayyavoḷe and Aryapura in its inscriptions. It was established in 450 CE as first capital of Chalukya kings and has about 125 stone temples, some which were constructed as experimental structures by artisans of Chalukyan period. A place known by as Morera Angadigalu near the Meguti hillocks has a large number of cysts of pre-historic period. The place was an agraharam. Aihoḷe has been described as a cradle of temple architecture. Some brick structures of pre-Chalukyan times have also been excavated in this village.
Aihole has historical significance and is called the 'cradle of Hindu rock architecture' (cradle of Indian architecture).
Pulakeshin I, one of the greatest rulers of this dynasty, moved the capital to Badami nearby. Badami was then known as Vatapi. It is from these temples that the Chalukyas gained their experience and went on to build the great temples of Pattadakal.
The first phase of temple building in Aihole dates back to the fifth–sixth century, the second phase up to the 12th century CE.
The famous Badami Chalukyas King Pulakeshin II (610–642 A.D.) was a follower of Vaishnavism. The inscription of Ravikirti, his court poet, is a eulogy of the Pulakeshin II and is at the Meguti temple. It is dated 634 CE and is written in Sanskrit language and old Kannada script. The Aihole inscription describes the achievements of Pulakeshin II and his victory against King Harshavardhana. Aihole inscription of Pulakeshin II mentioned as akrantatma-balonnatim Pallavanam patim: that means the Pallavas had attempted to nip in the bud the rise of the Badami Chalukyas: The conflict of the two powers before the campaign of Pulakeshin II against the Pallavas. Inscription which prepared by Pulakeshin II (634 AD) found in the Jain Temple at Aihole, that all the scholars have relied on this inscription related to Mahabharata War and Kaliyuga. In the Aihole inscription referred that Mangalesha's (Paramabhagavat) victory over the Kalachuris and the conquest of Revatidvipa. According to the Aihole inscription of Pulakeshin II, a civil war between Mangalesha and Pulakeshin II, due to Mangalesha's attempt to secure the succession for his son, which was the end of Mangalesha's reign. In inscription of Amoghavarsha I found at Aihole, mentioned about his new administration (navarajyam geyye).
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