CHAPTER - II

POLITICAL BACKGROUND 6

CHAPTER - II

POLITICAL BACKGROUND

A lot of evidence which has been brought to light the prehistory of . Robert Bruce Foote, who pioneered prehistoric research in and discovered stone tools at Kadur, Nyamati, Menasgi,

Nidagutta, etc. sites in Karnataka. Recently, the archeologist were discovered the sites of stone age in the valley of Krishna Tungabhadra,

Ghataprabha, Malaprabha. Scholars differ regarding the exact nomenclature of the technology of Indian stone age with its divisions.

But broadly speaking the stone age has been divided into

1. Early stone age

2. Middle stone age

3. Later stone age

4. New stone age

5. Megalithic stone age

This brief survey of prehistoric culture in Karnataka has been taken to provide a future link. This period is the dawn of human settlement and the process of Aryaniyaten of this region.

Early stone age

Many sites of early stone age have been discovered by archeologists like Sheshadri, Joshi, Papuu and Padayya in Karnataka. Kibbanhali from Tumkur district, Angawadi and 7

on Ghatprabha river, Nittur on right bank of Tungabhadra are some

of the important sites.1

The hand axes and cleavers of Acheulian type are found.

The tools are made from dyke basalt and are marked by a high

proportion of pebble tools. Both unifficial and bifacial. At some sites found the tools which are associated with fossils of Bos and Elephas or Bos namadicus. What happened to the early stone age, man cannot be explained because there is a mixture of early and middle stone age of Elifacts.2

Middle Stone Age

Gulbarga, and Bellary districts are rich in middle stone age sites. The main tools of this age comprise scrappers, borers, flakes, and cores. In district fossils of Bos and Elephas are found which associated with tools. These tools are comparatively heavier. In Indian contacts, a detail study of each sub stage of stone age has been done but it is not requfre here.

Late Stone Age

The tools of this age are known as microliths. Sangankallu near

Bellary, Jalahalli near Bangalore, Brahamgiri Chitaldurga district, etc. are some microlithic sites3 The tools comprised cores, flakes, points, resents, chopping tools etc. These tools are prepared from tracer and quartz. No details of life day of man can be described but an idea 8

of development of man associated with the change in the types of tools

can be made.

New Stone Age

This was the revolutionary age where fundamental change from food gathering to food producing stage.; When exactly the old stone age come to an end and Neolithic begins cannot be told. But Karnataka yielded an abundant evidence for Neolithic age. Tekkalkotta, Muski,

Teradal, T. Narsipura, Sangankallu, Kopagal, Hallur, Brahamagiri and

Hemmige are some important Neolithic sites in Karnataka.4 A variety of tools like axes, edges, scrapers, wedges etc. are found. A variety of chisels have also discovered and there are polished.

This age marks a use of a simple handmade pottery, bowls of various shapes, shallow dishes, jars, perporated pots etc. are discovered. Though the pots were hand made, yet some of the shapes are vary elegant e. g. the tea cattle. Of course the Neolithic age has two phases. In first phase all pottery was handmade. Wheel made pottery occurs along with handmade variety in phase II. A remarkable change especially seen at Tekkalkotta. Bowls and disks of red colour with painting in black, can be found which indicates a contact with jorwey culture of . The spouted dull red vessels constrain necked jars, ovals, humps are also common between the Jorwe and

Neolithic culture. 9

In brief the Neolithic life days should be considered. The racial

elements of these people has been identified as protoaustroloid and

the Dravitoid.5 These people were the preventive agriculturist.

As the remains, Ragi and Horse grain are discovered. The evidence

of domestication of animals like goat, dog, sheep etc. is available.

There is no doubt in accepting that, the Neolithic people were enjoying

a settlement pattern of life.

Megalithic Age

This age is associated with the introduction of iron age. In case

of Karnataka it rightly bracketed between 1000 B. C. to 200 B. C.

The excavations at , Hunnur, Brahamagiri, Jadaganhlli, the iron tools and black, red pottery is associated with burriors. Though there y are variety of buried patterns in megalithic age.^No details of this

culture can be described without the availability of other type of data.

In fact the megalithic culture overlaps with the beginning of Mauryan period in Karnataka.

Karnataka in Traditional Accounts

Traditional accounts throw some light on the prior to Maurya age. In case of North India, the Vedic literature provides a well sequenced history. But in early Vedic literature there is no reference to South India including Karnataka.

The workers, composed upto 7th, 6th B. C. lack the knowledge of India

South of the Vindyas. But from 6th B. C. onwards the Aryans crossed 10

the Vindyas and therefore the traditions, legends and myths developed in Indian Literature during the time, shown a knowledge of India,

South of the Vindyas.

'Agastya's story in Ramayana and Mahabharata indicates a relationship between the Aryans of Hindu and non Aryans in the

Vindya region. The reference to the Asuras' in "Dandakaryan or Demonvatari" and his flesh dynasty by Agastya or a reference to "Deman Ivala definitely suggests Agasty's avocation with the South.

He suggested that (Ayyahole) there is a trace of Deman lluvada or , a Chalukyan capital is described as a seat of Vatapi.

Many place in Karnataka are associated with Ramayana. The vanar chief Vali and Sugriva lived near in . The holy place like Sitamai, Chaya Bhagawati in Bijapur district are associated with Ram and Hanuman. The Jatinga-Rameswar hill in Chitaldurga \ | district is associated with the story of Jatayu, who lost his life ih fighting with Ravan.

Mahabharata too provides some links. Korivara in to be believed a place related to Bakasur who was killed by Bhima.

Mahabharata also gives a reference to "Kuntala" Mahishala and

"Vanavasaka". These regions are identical with the southern part of Karnataka. The Uttar Karnataka and region

Parasuram, Son of Jamadgni was one more legendry figure associated with Karnataka. "Gokarn" Uttar Karnataka district is associated with 11

Parasurama. Similarly the association of south Kokans (seven Konkas)

with Parsuram in west coat region is very dear.

By the survey of the references to the places and people

in Karnataka in traditional literature. It is very clear that before the

Mauryas, Karnataka, well acquainted with the Aryan culture.

The Mauryas

Mauryan empire was definitely consisted of the major portion of Karnataka. Dueling the Nanda period too. The Karnataka was included in this empire. Chandragupta Maurya and his story of spending last goes on Chandragiri valley Bhadrabahu and

Sallekhana at ShravanaBelgola dearly suggests that Karnataka was a part of Mauryan empire. Muryan rule was followed by too.

The rock are found at Maski, Koppal (Rachar).

Nittur and Uttala in Bellary and Sidhapura, Brahamigiri and

Jatinga-Rameswara in . It seems that this area termed an administrative unit of Mauryan empire. The Brahamigiri edicts refers to the instruction of the prince and the officers at Survangiri to the officers at Isila. Ashoka's law of piety has also been described in this editK The Brahamagiri edit emphasis Ashoka’s advice to his people regarding the principle of "non violence" good conduct, speaking truth", etc. A reference to Satiyaputra and Keralaputa in the edicts of Ashoka regarding the spread of religion and sending the

Buddhist Monks is very important. Especially satiyaputra roughly 12

corresponds to the Dabein' district. It can be stated that, the Maurya rule in Karnataka provided necessary infrastructure for the development of political institutions. Not only political but a socio-economic religious pattern too wqs provided since the

Maurya period.

Satavahanas

After the disintegration of the Mauryan Empire, the Satavahanas rose to power in the Deccan and their rule extended in Karnataka, which lasted for four and half centuries from about 230 B. C.

Excavations at Chandravadi, Vadgaon-Madhavpur, Banawasi,

Pattadkal and many other places in Karnataka have brought to light cultural periods connected with the Satavahanas.

New'fecent excavations at Aihole, , Hampi, Kurugoda and Nargunda Talgao have also yielded Satavahana structures.

All these antiquities can be dated to a period from the first century A. D. to the third century A. D. Undoubtedly, this is the richest Satavahana site in the Karnataka. Many coins of Gautamiputra have been found at Banawasi. The coins of Vashisteputra Pulumavi and coins of Yajnasri Satakarni have been found at Citaldurga and neighbouring area of Karnataka, respectively. Recently, a new inscription of Siva-Sri-Pulumavi was found at Banawasi in Uttar

Kannada district.6 13

Kuntal Satakarni, a King of minor family, who was ruling in the

Kuntal area, and established their sovereignty over the Deccan

and rose to imperial eminence. “Kamasutra” of Vastyayana and

“Kavyamimansa” of Rajashekhar clearly refers to Satavahana Kings

who ruled over Kuntal. Hala is one of the rulers of Kuntala country, who wrote "Gathasaptasatf’ in Prakrit.7

The Satavahana rule ended and they were succeeded

by ChutlWat Banawasi. Shri Yajanasri was the last ruler, who retained

control of both the eastern and the western provinces. Some other princes of Satavahana line governed minor kingdoms in different parts of Deccan, but nothing is known of the cases that brought the downfall of the main dynasty.8

A geographical distribution of all the Satavahanas settlements, point out that, they are found all over Karnataka. This indicates that, there was a clearly defined Satavahan phase of activity in the beginnings of the history of Karnataka after the downfall of Mauryan empire.

The Kadambas

Third century onwards the territories of Karnataka W^s ruled \; by the Kadambas of Banawasi. The Kadambas defeated the Pullavas and established anje/ independent kingdom in western Karnataka.

Mayuravarma was the founder of this kingdom. Kakustavarma was another important king of this dynasty, who had fostered a friendship 14

with the Guptas and Vakatakas. He seems to have established this friendship by matrimonial alliance. After Kakustavarma, the kingdom came to be divided between his sons Santivarma and Krishnavarma-I, who ruled independently and simultaneously at Banawasi and

Triparwata, respectively.9

The poets Samanthabhadra, Parameshthi, Shivakumar

Mandhatri patron of Kundakunda-charya, the author of ‘Prabhrtasara’ etc. are supposed to have flourished during the time of Kadamba rule in Karnataka.10

The Kadambas ruled for over two centuries and a good number of inscriptions are found which mention names of places and territories.

They developed their kingdoms into a vast tracts, which included

Belgaum, Uttar Kannada, Shimoga, Chitradurga and Bellary districts.

‘Prakrit’ was the language for administration. But Kannada and Sanskrit languages too were patronized. They laid the foundation of temple architecture. They also inaugurated a new tradition of gold coinage known as ‘Padmatankas’, which became quite popular in South

Karnataka and thus Banawasi became a great cultural center in Karnataka. The Kadamba rulers lost their entity as a political power after the rise of the Chalukyas. But some Kadamba chiefs continued their rule on the parts of Karnataka. 15

Gangas

The Gangas rose to power along with the Kadambas and ruled

over the Southern parts of Karnataka, from about the middle of the

4th century to the end of tenth century A. D. Though they did not rule

independent, they acted as powerful feudatories of the Kadamba

or Rashtrakutas in later phase. According to Ganga inscription, they were ruling in Auyodhya and later on at Amichchhuatra.

The two princes Dadiga and Madhava migrated to South and established their kingdom at Gangavadi 96,000 with Nandgiri and

Kuvalalapura as their capital and then it transfers to Manne and then to Talakad.11

Later on, their kingdom expanded which embraces to Tukakur,

Mandya, Coorg, Mysore, Bangalore, Salem and Coimbatore, etc.

The Gangas of Talakad were of the ‘Kanvayuna’ gotra, but proved to be great patrons of in fact, they attributed the foundation of their power to the blessings of Jain Saint Simhanandi, who advised their founders Dadiga and Madhava.12

The Gangas grew from strength to strength in course of years and attracted the attention of the Kadambas. Perhaps a daughter of Kakustavarma married Madhav-ll of Talakad branch. Their son was

Avinita and grandson was (605-650 A. D.). He was the most remarkable of the early Ganga rulers, equally proficient as a warrior and a man of letters. He fought a successful war with the Pallavas. ' 16

He was also responsible for establishing the Chalukya prince

Jayasimha Vallabha on the Pallawa throne. Chalukya Vijayaditya came

from Ayodhya to the south and died in a battle with Trilochana Pallava.

His queen who was a daughter of Durvivita, is said to have

re-established his daughter’s son on the Chalukya throne.13

Durvivita had defeated and killed the enemies in the battles of Altur,

Porulare and Pemagara. His territory was situated to the west

of , with Kirtipura as its capital and become the master

of Punnata and Punnata country.14

Sripurusha (726-788 A. D.), one of the most distinguished

ruiec of this dynasty. Prior to accession to throne, he had ruled

as viceroy over ‘Kerekand-500’ ‘Elenggarnad-70’, Avanayanad-300'

and ‘Ponkund-12’. He had a glorious victory over Nandivarma Pallava

in the battle at Vilande. Nandivarma was slain and Sripurusha took

away from him the title ‘Permnandi'.15

Sripurusha also fought against the Pandyas, due to the fact that

a princes of Ganga family was kidnapped and was married to a Pandya

king. This is' the provocation for Sripurusa to attack the Pandhyas

either purely on his own or with the help the cause of Chalukya

Kirtivarma-ll, who had waged a war against the Pandyas.16 He had also fought with Rashtrakutas and drove them out of the Ganga country, at the battle of Begeyur and Pinchanur. A large number of hero stones of this period of Sripurusha Nis believed to reflect the 17 warfare.17 He had three wives, one Vijayamahadevi, a Chalukya princes; another Nolambee Mahadev of Nolamba family; and a third was unknown. The queens not only enjoyed equality of status with the king and often appeared by his side at Darbars as is manifest from the interesting friezes in front of Belur temple, but also exercised considerable political power along with other children of the royal family and assisted the king in the maintenance of equality and justice and humane adminsitration.18 According to Nanjangaud inscription, the Ganga queens of Sripurusha, Bhutuga and Paramadi ruling together with the king and Yuvaraj in coordination with the king’s authority.19

Avinita, Durvivita, and Sripurusha etc. were the great successors of the king Madhava evidenced a similar solicitude for the welfare of their subjects.

After Shivamara-ll and Rachamalla-I, who had made a successful attempt to reestablish Ganga independence.

Amoghavarsha had followed their conciliatory policy. After that

Bhutaga-ll came to the throne20 who had received the chieftaincy of Belvola-300, Purigere 300, Bagenodu-70 and Kisukadu-70 territory as a dowry from his father-in-law and to these Banawasi is added by Krishna-Ill as reward for the valuable service rendered by him in the battle of Takolam’ in 949 A. D.21 18

Chalukyas of Badami

The collapse of Kadamba rule and the rise of Chalukyas

of Badami constitutes a brilliant epoch in the history of Karnataka,

in particular, and Indian history, in general, who had embellished their

name and fame throughout India.

The Chalukyas, claiming to be of the Lunar line and former

rulers of Ayodhya, first crossed the Narmada river or Nerubuda

river and appeared in the Deccan, Jayshimha in 4th A. D. and had

established his capital at ‘Vatapi’ or Badami now in Bijapur district.

Pulkeshi was the grandson of Jaysimha who defeated Kadamba

king Krishnavarma-ll. He founded his own kingdom at Vatapi now

Badami in Bijapur district. He had constructed Badami fort in Shaka

A56.22

He performed "Aswamegha[ and other sadistic to commemorate

his victories. He assumed the title ‘Vallabha’ or “ Vallabheswara” which was subsequently passed on the later Chalukyas.23

Pulkeshi-H was the greatest among the great Chalukyas and the most powerful monarch of South India. After his succession to throne,

Pulkeshi-ll launched upon a career of conquest and the subjection of his enemies. As a result of campaigns with Alupas, Gangas, Latas,

Malawas, etc. Pulkeshi extended the northern frontiers of his kingdom upto river Mahi. Pulkeshi faced the crisis with remarkable determination 19

and success and made himself the undisputed master of the Chalukya

Kingdom and raised the Chalukya power to greatest heights.24

'Ih the Kirtivarma-ll (745-757 A. D.) was the last king of Chalukya

dynasty, who claimed victory over the Pallavas. Rashtrakuta king

Dantidurga defeated him in 753 A. D. he was finally overthrown

by Rashtrakuta king Krishna-1 and the glory of the Chalukyas

of Badarrti thus came to an end. 25

The Chalukya rule is a glorious period in the history of the

Karnataka. In political ambition, territorial expansion and dynastic

ramifications, the Chalukyas stand foremost among the dynasties

of south Karnataka. As the Chalukya territory was vast, the kings of the

dynasty made efficient arrangements for its administration, which has

been admired even by Hieun Tsanga. Their contribution in the field

of art deserves special mention.

Rashtrakutas

The Rashtrakutas were one of the highly distinguished rulers

of the Karnataka. Their rule was extended to most of Karnataka.

> Due to the vast empire, their history forms a brilliant chapter in the

history of Karnataka. The term ‘Rashtrakuta; was originally an official

designation, which alter on, crystallized into a family name,

the antiquity of which was traced to the age of Mauryas, whole

inscriptions mentioned officers called ‘Rashtrika’. The original home

of the Rashtrakutas of Malkhed was Lattalur, which formed a part 20

of Karnataka and the same is now identified with Latur in Osmanabad

district of Maharashtra.26

The Rashtrakutas, who were referred to an earlier inscriptions

as ‘Rattagudi’, Rattagudalu’ or 'Rattas* rose to power under Dantidurg,

who crushed in Karnataka army of the Chalukyas and occupied their

territory.27 In the beginning he was a subordinate of the Chalukyas

of Badami and was able to establish his supremacy in northern portion

of the Chalukya empire. He defeated Chalukya king Kirtivarma and put

an end to the Chalukya empire and inaugurated the beginning of the

independent Rashtrakutas. During the course of his career, he is said

to have conquered Sindabhuja, Pallava Nandivarman and the kings

of Pandyas, Chola Paramara, Malawas, Kalinga, Latur and Kosal.28

After Dantidurga, his uncle Krishna-1 (756-774 A. D.) who

reigned at about 19 years constitutes an important epoch in the

art history of Karnataka. He defeated Ganga king Sripurusha and

accepted his submision.29 His son Govinda-ll (774 to 780 A. D.) participated in the conquest of Gangwadi and conquered Vengi.30

According to Krihad plates of Krishna-Ill which state that Govinda practically entrusted the whole administration to Druva, as his mind was engrossed with the enjoyment of pleasures Druva (780-793 A. D.) and Govinda-lll (793-814 A. D.) were the rulers of this line. After them

Amoghavasha Nripatunga (814-868 A. D.) who succeeded his father

Govinda-lll at a very young age, had a long reign of more then 21

64 years and was an king of Karnataka. There rebellions of the suppressed the Pandyas, Chalukyas and Amogha-I and ruled for

50 years31

He had to pay greater attention to the kingdom by his able and favourite general Benkeya. He launched an offensive against Ganga king Rachamla and even drove him beyond the Kaveri for a long time.

From the konnur record, it is clearly seen that he was twice deserted by his feudatories in the latter half of his reign and could not retain his hold upon the throne without the help of his zealous general

Benkeya.32

His another inscription from Konnur, it is seen that, his Banawasi viceroy Benkeya had defeated a Ganga chief, who may have been

Prithipati-ll, who claims to have saved king Dindi’s son from

Amogha varsha-l.33

At the end of his reign, had to face the rebellion of his son Krishna-H, who had fled to Talakada. Amoghavarsa’s favourite general Benkeya came marching to the south, captured the fort ‘Kavidala’ and crossing the river Kaveri, besieged Talakad.

He captured Krishna and took him as a prisoner to the king. Amogha was pleased with Benkeya and gave him the governorship of Banawasi

Province and the city “Bankapura" was built for his name.34 A verse in the Karad plates of Karka-ll distinctly states that Amoghavarsha-I built Manykheta, which could put to show even the capital of Gods.35 22

Before the foundation of Malkhed city, the Rashtrakutas appear to have

ruled from various headquarters.

Inspite of his different achievements, Amoghavarsha must rank

very high among Indian rulers. According to Arabian traveler Suleiman

who visited the Rashtrakuta Empire and described Amoghavarsa

as one of the four greatest kings of the world. He may not have

spectacular conquests to his credit; but he at least maintained peace

and order in his kingdom and protected his subjects from foreign

invasion. After Amogh-I Krishna-ll came to the throne in 878 A. D.

during his reign, there was a revival of Rashtrakuta and Eastern

Chalukyas conflict.55 He along with Indra-JII, carried the Karnataka

arms upto the rives Ganga and Yamuna. He was not an able and gifted

ruler like his grandfather, he was pay badly defeated by Chalukya

Bhima of Vengi. He was responsible for the military and political

decline of the Rashtrakuta Empire. By and by he subdued the

Paramaras of Malwa, then Palas of Bengal. The Gangas of Talakad,

Chera, and Chola Pandyas of South Karnataka were a powerful

Rashtrakutas feudal and the districts of Bellary, Raichur, Bijapur,

Dharwad and North Kanara and the Kuntala was, the heart \ of Rashtrakuta dominions.

The fall of this empire was sudden and unexpected.

This empowers like many other emperors of ancient India depended for stability of their empire upon the goodwill and co-operation of their 23

feudatories as much upon their own strength and resources.

The aggressive policy of the rulers like Krishna-Ill not only embittered

the rulers of both the north and south but also depleted the royal

treasury finally the ruler was wakened and the empire came to an end.

The last ruler of this empire Indra-IV lived upto 892 A. D. near Sravan

Belgola and died there.

Hoysala

The Hoyasala rulers were from the Malepas or hill tribes.

They gradually developed into a ruling dynasty in the hilly tracts

of western Ghatas. They made at their fortunes and acquired vast

territories to carve out a principality. They appeared on the scene

as the champion of freedom and savior of the people in the men critical

period of Indian history. When the entire Deccan was being submerged

under the slaught of the alien involver.

The Kalchiries who ruled only for 26 years, occupy a significant place in the history of Deccan. It may be remembered here that, it was their rise to prominence that caused the decline of the Chalukyas of Kalyan. During this period the renaissance of Saivism in the term of sect and responsible for the decline of and Jainism.

After the Chalukyan fall, the Hoyasals came into power in the

South Karnataka from 12th to 14th century. This kingdom was the outcome of the acts of encroachment, conquest and annexation carried out by its ambitious rulers. An important features of this dynasties are 24

the deep thrown of the country, commendable advancement of women

in general and ladies of the ruling section in particular. This period also

witnessed remarkable progress in the fields of religion, art, and

architecture and substantial growth of literature.

The early kings of this line were of the Jain persuasion and they founded many chityalayas and Basadi which are referred to in their

inscriptions. The region of the Hoyasalas is mixed up with charming

legends. After the defeat of the Gangas by the Cholas in 1004 A. D.

The Poysala or Hoyasala rose to power in the west of Mysore and eventually in 1116 A D. expelled the Cholas and became the rulers of the whole Karnataka upto 14th A. D.

Sala is founder of this royal family. Hoyasala epigraph tries to explain the family name Hoyasala by splitting the term into “Poy” or “Hoy” and Sala. the name also appears in the name of Rastrakuta feudatory “Poyasalamaruga”36 in the inscription of Sala whose identity is clouded amidst legends, however has been identified by some scholars with Nripkama or King Kama. Sosevur or Sosavur

Sasakapura was the birth place of the Hoyasala family. Now-a-days this place is known as Angadi in the South of Mudegere Taluka.

It is also maintained in Epigraph Karnataka as Sosevur or Sosavur who ruled for 1006 to 1022 A. D. 37

/ At first the Hoyasalas acknowledge the serenity of the western

Chalukyas, but became independent in the reign of Vishnuvardhan 25

and their famous capital was “Dwarsamudra” now call as “Halebid” in

Hasen district. The kings of this line had distinctive titles like “Yadava-

Kulambara-dyamani”, Samyaktva Chudamani; Maleparolgand” etc.38

According to Belur inscription (1220 A.D.) Nripkama was the feudal kind\Hoyasala dynasty, he challenged the alien Chola and gave

a battle near Talakad and finely established himself in Gangavali.

Due to the fall of Rashtrakutas and decline of Ganga power, the Chola’s challenged to the Hoyasala chief. The Chola king Rajednra

Chola had went to suppress the Hoyasalas. In the battle of Maurya

Kamma Das defeated in 1026 A. D. By the help of Kadambas he struggled again the Cholas in 1027 A. D. King Kama helped the Kadambas in the conflict with Chola power. He ruled for 1022 to 1047 A. D.39

Kama was succeeded by his son Vinayaditya-ll in 1046 A. D. to 1100 A. D. His territory lies between Chola and Chalukya Empire and occupied a strategic position due for this region Chalukya king

Someswara-I made a friendly relationship with the Hoyasala chief and help in the conflict with the Cholas. Then Rajendra Chola attacked the fort Kumettu, the Chalukya king Someswara-I helped to the Hoyasala king. Someswara-I had married the Hoyasalamahadevi, who was the

Hoyasala princes. Chalukya ruler Someswara-I I was also helped the

Vinayaditya-ll in driving out the Paramara king Jaysimha Ereayana son 26

of Vinayaditya headed expedition against Jaysimha and perusal the capital.

According to SravanBelgola* Channadrayupattan epiograph

Ereayana came'bn throne on 1098 A. D. and ruled upto 1100 A. D.

He was agenda under the western Chalukyas and has a powerful right arm to the Chalukya king.40 According to the inscriptions of Shimoga

No. 64, Arakalgud No. 102 a and 117, Belur No. 58, he without efforts plundered the Malawa fort which was strong for the Chalukya king.

He established the standard of Chalukya empires fame in the north.

As he was a feudatory of Chalukya king Vikramaditya-VI, he was a devout Jain Guru “Gopanandi”, for whom he had made a grant W . in 1904 A. D&r He had married Echaladevi a daughter of Gang king

Hemmadirassa He also frequently intermarried with other family some of them were the military officers.42 By Echaladevi he had sons

1) Ballal -12) Bittideva and 3) Udayaditya.

Ballal-I came on throne on 1106 A. D* He recognised the security of the western Chalukya king Vikramaditya-VI from whom he took the cognomen “Tribhuvanmalla”. He made Bellur as his capital43. In 1104 A. D. he appears to have led an expedition against

Changalavadeva. He subjugated the Changalwas. He occupied

Alvakhada and successfully marched against the Pandyas etc.

Thus Ballal-I who made attempts at becoming independent of the

Chalukyas was brought back into their fold.44 27

After Ballal-I Bitticteva (1111 to 1147 A. D.) was came on throne

in 1111 A. D. He was also known as Visnuvardhan. He had made

a conflict with Cholas in 1116 A. 0., which ended the recovery of Kolar,

Talakad etc. In this war his brother and sister was helped and their

sister was died at “Vijayitemaryala” or modern Bettanaryala 45 in Kolar

district. He had defeated the Pandyas, Cholas etc. during his time

political changes witnessed in north Karnataka Bijjala Kalachwri etc.

subordinates of the Chalukyas was steady rising in power. He lost his

hold over Banawasi and Hanyal area. The Bankapura continued to be

his second captial.

A notable event in his career was his exchanging the Jain faith

to Visnu faith took place according to tradition of Ramanuja.

On his conversion Bittideva is said to have called as “Vishnuvardhan”.

Narsimha-I (1148 to 1172 A. D.) was succeeded his father when

he was 8 years old. During his time Nolambavadi fell out from the

Hoyasala control. Changalava, Kongalava by the inefficiency of the

Narsimha-I unfurled the standard of rebellion but soon they came back

by Hoyasala general Bokimmaya. His reign appears to have been

a peaceful. He had made conflict with the Chayalwa King and captured his artilary, jewels etc. The battle fought about 1160 A D. Bommadasa a feudatory of Bijjala routed Narshimas army and took Banawasi.

In 1162 A. D. Bijjala had camped again at Balligave to keep check on Narsimha-I 28

He had permitted to construct the temples in his reign such as Hoyasaleswara at Halebid 1141 A. D. Jain Basadi at Cholasamudra

1145 A. D. Kesawa temple at Dharampura 1162 A. D. A. etc. In all this king did not rise to the occasion at all. He was give his life to ease.

He did not rise to the occasion at all. The chiefs like Kangalavas and

Chayalades supported him.

After Narsimha-I, Ballal-ll, Narsimha-ll Someswara, Narsimha-ll,

Ballal-lll were the same kings who ruled from this rime upto 1342 A. D.

Ballal-lll was killed by Delhi Sultan in 1342 A. D. and an end of Hoyasala rulers were ended. Thus, the Hoyasala kingdom, who ruled for the memorable in the annals of the great history of Karnataka.

Kalchuris

There were some minor dynasties or feudatories like

Chayadeva, Karydeva, Santeras etc. also ruled the Kalchuris on Karnataka. Chalukyas in 1156 A. D. and get position of the

Chalukya throne were the originally subordinates of the Chalukyas, for a short period at about twenty six years. Six princes of this family ruled the kingdom. This was the period when the country witnessed political, social and religious changes had taken place.

This dynasty rulers who could not command the allegiance of the Kadambas, who defied Kalculwy authority. Earlier times they ruled as feudatories over headquarter at Mangalavedha in district of Maharashtra. According Dawangere inscription dated 29

1162 A. D., Krishna was the founder of this line.46 Kalchuri

Joyamarasa, ruled from 1080 A. D. to 1118 A. D. and was

administering Karahala 4000 in 1098-88 A. D. his daughter Savaldevi

was married to Vikramaditya-VI Joyama succeeded by his son Permadi

and ruled between 1118 A. D. to 1130 A. D. The Kokatnur inscription

dated 1126 A. D. clearly say that Permadi was the ruler of Kharad

4000.47

This king (Permadi) was married Vikramaditya-VI daughter and

Bijjala-ll was born of this family. Who was the greatest king of the

Kalcuris of Kalyani, Bijjala was close associate and blood relation

of king Talappa-lll a ruler of Kalyani in 1150 A. D. and gradually took

over all administration into his hand. He had appointed his own men

as a governors for various parts of his region like Veerpandya

and Kasapial were appointed as a governors of Molembadad 32000

and Banwasi 12000 respectively. Now this time Bijjala was

the commander in chief of the Chalukya army. He had taken the

titles like “Mahamandaleswara”, “Kalachuriya-Bhujabala” Chakravarti”

“Tribuuvanmalla", boon lord of Kalanjara etc.48 after him 1) Rayamurari

- Sovideva - Someswara 1167 to 1177 A. D. (2) Sankanna -

Nisankamalla 1176 to 1181 A. D. (3) Ahavamalla - Vikranaryan

1181 to 1183 A.D. etc. rulers who ruled over the Karnataka.

This is period which is important for social and religious movement taken place. 30

Footnotes

1. Agarwal, D. P., The Archeological Survey of India, p. 52

2. Ibid, p. 53

3. Ibid, p. 55

4. Ibid, p. 1110

5. Basawaraj, K. R., History and Culture of Karnataka, p.23

6. Kamat, S. V., Belgaum Gazetteer, pp. 76-77

7. Vankataramanappa, M. N., Outlines of South Indian History,

pp.24-25

8. Nilkantsastri, K. N,, A History of South India, p. 97

9. Kamat, S. U., Karnataka State Gazetteer., p. 220

10. Karamarkar, P. P., Karnataka Darshan, p.10

11. Ep. Indica, Vol. VI, p. 161

12. Ep. Carnatika, Vol. VII, Bombay Karnataka 4, p.3

13. Ep. Carnatica, Vol. V, Introd.

14. Kamat, S. V., Op. Cit, p. 224

15. Sreenivasmurty, H. V. and Ramakrishna R., History

of Karnataka, p.57

16. Kamat, S. V., Op. Cit., p. 225

17. Basawaraj, K. R., Op. Cit. p. 41 31

18. E. I., Vol. XV, p. 330

19. Ep. Carnatica, Vol. IV, HS 92

20. Sreenivasmurty, H. V. and Ramakrishna, R., Op. Cit, p.58

21. Desai, P. B., A History of Karnataka, pp. 76-77

22. Panchamukhi, R. S., Karnataka Darshan, A Birds Eye View,

p.10

23. Desai, P. B., Op. Cit., p. 95

24. Kamat, S. V., Op. Cit., p. 234

25. Ibid., p. 236

26. Ep. Indica, Vol. XXI, p.289

27. Indian Antiquity, Vol. XI, p. 112

28. Yazadani, G., Early History of Deccan (Part J-VI), p. 234

29. Desai, P. B., Op. Cit., p. 118

30. Muthana, I. M., History of Karnataka, p. 65

31. I. A, Vol. XV, p. 197

32. Ep. Indica, Vol. VI, p. 29

33. S. I. I., Vol. II, p. 384

34. Sreenivasmurty, H. V. and Ramakrishna, R., Op. Cit., p. 84

35. Desai, P. B., Op. Cit, p.132

36. Hayavudanarao, C., Mysore Gazetteer Part-ll, pp. 1310 32

37. Ep. Camatika, Mudegere, Plates, 9,15,16

38. Hayavudanarao, C., Op. Cit, pp. 1311-1312

39. Ep. Camatika, Vol. V, BL, p. 112

40. Ep. Camatika, Vol. II, SB. Ins. No. 327 and 345

41. Ep. Camatika, Vol. V, Ch. ins. No. 148

42. Ep. Camatika, Vol. VII, Sh. Ins. No. 64

43. Ep. Camatika, Vol. IV, Nagamagala No. 32

44. Basavara], K. R., Op. Cit, p. 126

45. Ep. Camatika, Vol.VI, Chikmagalore, No. 70

46. Ep. Indica, Plates 37

47. Kamat, S. U., Belgaum Gazetteer, P. 89

48. Hayvadunarao, C., Mysore Gazetteer, p. 69