Pulakeshin II

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{{Chalukyas|Vatapi}}

{{Chalukyas|Vatapi}}

”’Pulakeshi II”’ ([[IAST]]: Pulakeśin, r. c. 610–642 CE) was the most famous ruler of the [[Chalukya dynasty]] of [[Vatapi]] (present-day Badami in [[Karnataka]], India). During his reign, the Chalukya kingdom expanded to cover most of the [[Deccan]] region in peninsular India.

”’Pulakeshi II”’ ([[IAST]]: Pulakeśhi, r. c. 610–642 CE) was the most famous ruler of the [[Chalukya dynasty]] of [[Vatapi]] (present-day Badami in [[Karnataka]], India). During his reign, the Chalukya kingdom expanded to cover most of the [[Deccan]] region in peninsular India.

A son of the Chalukya king [[Kirttivarman I]], Pulakeshin overthrew his uncle [[Mangalesha]] to gain control of the throne. He suppressed a rebellion by Appayika and Govinda, and decisively defeated the [[Kadamba dynasty|Kadambas]] of [[Banavasi]] in the south. The [[Alupa dynasty|Alupas]] and the [[Western Ganga dynasty|Gangas]] of [[Talakadu]] recognized his suzerainty. He consolidated the Chalukya control over the western coast by subjugating the Mauryas of [[Konkan]]a. His [[Aihole inscription]] also credits him with subjugating the [[Lata (region)|Latas]], the [[Malavas]], and the [[Gurjaras of Nandipuri|Gurjaras]] in the north.

A son of the Chalukya king [[Kirttivarman I]], Pulakeshi overthrew his uncle [[Mangalesha]] to gain control of the throne. He suppressed a rebellion by Appayika and Govinda, and decisively defeated the [[Kadamba dynasty|Kadambas]] of [[Banavasi]] in the south. The [[Alupa dynasty|Alupas]] and the [[Western Ganga dynasty|Gangas]] of [[Talakadu]] recognized his suzerainty. He consolidated the Chalukya control over the western coast by subjugating the Mauryas of [[Konkan]]a. His [[Aihole inscription]] also credits him with subjugating the [[Lata (region)|Latas]], the [[Malavas]], and the [[Gurjaras of Nandipuri|Gurjaras]] in the north.

The most notable military achievement of Pulakeshin was his victory over the powerful northern emperor [[Harshavardhana|Harsha-vardhana]], whose failure to conquer the Chalukya kingdom is attested by the Chinese pilgrim [[Xuanzang]]. In the east, Pulakeshin subjugated the rulers of [[Dakshina Kosala]] and [[Kalinga (historical region)|Kalinga]]. After defeating the [[Vishnukundina dynasty|Vishnukundina]] ruler, he appointed his brother [[Kubja Vishnuvardhana|Vishnu-vardhana]] as the governor of eastern Deccan; this brother later established the independent [[Eastern Chalukyas|Eastern Chalukya dynasty]] of [[Vengi]]. Pulakeshin also achieved some successes against the [[Pallava dynasty|Pallavas]] in the south, but was ultimately defeated, and probably killed, during an invasion by the Pallava king [[Narasimhavarman I]].

The most notable military achievement of Pulakeshi was his victory over the powerful northern emperor [[Harshavardhana|Harsha-vardhana]], whose failure to conquer the Chalukya kingdom is attested by the Chinese pilgrim [[Xuanzang]]. In the east, Pulakeshi subjugated the rulers of [[Dakshina Kosala]] and [[Kalinga (historical region)|Kalinga]]. After defeating the [[Vishnukundina dynasty|Vishnukundina]] ruler, he appointed his brother [[Kubja Vishnuvardhana|Vishnu-vardhana]] as the governor of eastern Deccan; this brother later established the independent [[Eastern Chalukyas|Eastern Chalukya dynasty]] of [[Vengi]]. Pulakeshi also achieved some successes against the [[Pallava dynasty|Pallavas]] in the south, but was ultimately defeated, and probably killed, during an invasion by the Pallava king [[Narasimhavarman I]].

Pulakeshin was a [[Hindu]] of [[Vaishnavite]] sect, but was tolerant of other faiths, including [[Buddhism]], and [[Jainism]]. He patronized several scholars, including Ravikirtti, who composed his Aihole inscription.

Pulakeshi was a [[Hindu]] of [[Vaishnavite]] sect, but was tolerant of other faiths, including [[Buddhism]], and [[Jainism]]. He patronized several scholars, including Ravikirtti, who composed his Aihole inscription.

== Names and titles ==

== Names and titles ==