The last days of Pulakeshin II, who ruled from Vatapi, present-day Badami.
ಇಮ್ಮಡಿ ಪುಲಿಕೇಶಿಯ ಕೊನೆಯ ದಿನಗಳು...
Immadi Pulikeshin II, also known as Pulakeshin II, was the greatest Chalukyan Emperor who ruled from Vatapi (present-day Badami in Karnataka, India) from around 609 to 642 CE. He expanded the Chalukya Empire to cover most of the Deccan region in peninsular India, making him a legendary figure in Karnataka's history.
*Early Life and Reign*
- He was the son of Chalukya monarch Kirttivarman I and overthrew his uncle Mangalesha to claim the throne.
- Pulikeshin II suppressed rebellions, defeated the Kadambas of Banavasi, and gained the allegiance of the Alupas and Gangas of Talakadu.
*Military Conquests*
- *Victory over Harshavardhana*: His most notable achievement was defeating the powerful northern emperor Harshavardhana, earning him the title "Paramaveshvara" (Supreme Lord).
- He conquered the Vishnukundina kingdom (lower Godavari-Krishna valley) and appointed his brother Kubja Vishnu-vardhana as governor.
- He also subjugated rulers of Dakshina Kosala and Kalinga.
*Cultural Contributions*
- Pulikeshin II was a Vaishnavite Hindu but patronized Jainism, evident from the Aihole inscription composed by poet Ravikirtti, which records the construction of a Jinendra temple.
- He encouraged Zoroastrian refugees (Parsis) fleeing Arab-Islamic persecution in Persia to settle on India's west coast.
- Architectural feats include temples in Badami, Aihole (like Meguti Jain temple), and Pattadakal, blending cave and Dravidian styles.
*Legacy*
- Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang described Pulikeshin as "farsighted, astute, and kind," with subjects who valued loyalty and honor.
- His story inspired works like Kalki Krishnamurthy's Tamil novel "Sivagamiyin Sapatham" (1948) and the 1967 Kannada film "Immadi Pulikeshi" starring Dr. Rajkumar.
- He's remembered as a great warrior, shrewd politician, and benevolent ruler in Karnataka's history ¹ ² ³.
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