CHAPTER - II
POLITICAL BACKGROUND 6
CHAPTER - II
POLITICAL BACKGROUND
A lot of evidence which has been brought to light the prehistory of Karnataka. Robert Bruce Foote, who pioneered prehistoric research in India 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 Bagalkot 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, Bijapur and Bellary districts are rich in middle stone age sites. The main tools of this age comprise scrappers, borers, flakes, and cores. In Gulbarga 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 Maharashtra. 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 Terdal, 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 history of Karnataka 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 Aihole (Ayyahole) there is a trace of Deman lluvada or Badami, 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 Hampi in Bellary district. 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 Kolar district 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 north Karnataka 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 Ashoka too.
The rock edicts of Ashoka are found at Maski, Koppal (Rachar).
Nittur and Uttala in Bellary and Sidhapura, Brahamigiri and
Jatinga-Rameswara in Chitradurga district. 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' Kannada 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, Pattadakal, 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 Jainism 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 Durvinita (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 Mysore district, 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, Amoghavarsha 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 Buddhism 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 Solapur 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