Pulakeshin II

Pulakeshin II
Artistic depiction of Pulakeshin II, the Chalukaya, receives envoys from Persia
4th Chalukya King
Reign	c. 610 – c. 642 CE
Predecessor	Mangalesha
Successor	Vikramaditya I

Pulakeshin II (IAST: Pulakeśin, 610–642 CE), also spelt (Pulakesi II) and Pulikeshi II, was the most famous ruler of the Chalukya dynasty. During his reign, the Chalukyas of Badami saw their kingdom extend over most of the Deccan.

Ereya, who assumed the name Pulakeshin on his coronation, was born to the Chalukya king Kirtivarman I. When Kirtivarman I died in 597, Ereya was still a young boy and Kirtivarman's brother Mangalesha governed the young kingdom as regent until Ereya came of age. Mangalesha was a capable ruler and continued expanding the kingdom. However, when Ereya came of age, desire for power perhaps made Mangalesha deny prince Ereya his rightful place on the Chalukya throne, and he sought to perpetuate his own line by making his son heir-apparent.

Ereya took shelter in the Bana territory (Kolar), organised an army with the help of his associates and declared war on his uncle. According to the Peddavadagur inscription, Mangalesha was defeated and killed in the ensuing battle at Elapattu Simbige (in Anantapur District). Ereya ascended the Chalukya throne as Pulakeshin II and assumed the title Chalukya Parameshwara.

Pulakeshin had to face several obstacles soon after his coronation. The civil war had given fresh hope to feudatories and adventurers; some of them were emboldened to throw off their allegiance to the Chalukyas. The Aihole inscription of 634 found in an Aihole Jinalaya says, "the whole world was enveloped in the darkness that was enemies". Pulakeshin had to face the challenge of Appayika and Govinda, perhaps loyal adherents of the defeated Mangalesha. It is even possible that at least one of them, if not both, was Mangalesha's son. Pulakeshin confronted their army on the banks of the river Bhima. Appayika ran away from the battlefield, while Govinda surrendered. Pulakeshin built a pillar to celebrate his victory.

After consolidating his position, Pulakeshin II organized and enlarged his fighting forces. He then embarked upon a series of conquests to expand his dominions. The accounts of Pulakeshin's campaigns are provided in the Aihole inscription dated 634. It was composed by his court poet Ravikirti. The inscription is one of the finest pieces of poetry. Written in Sanskrit language and Hale Kannada script, it is the most important source of information regarding the rule of Pulakeshin II.