The History Of Bangalore The Chalukyas Part VIII: 654-681 AD -The Rise Of Vikramaditya And The Sunset On The Empire
Sep 3, 2024
Dive into the remarkable journey of Vikramaditya I as he rises to power amidst chaos and rivalry. Explore his strategies to reunify the Chalukyan kingdom after his father's tumultuous reign. Discover how he battled the Pallavas and worked to restore the legacy of his dynasty. The discussion also touches on the intriguing story of the Vatapi Ganapati idol, revealing its significance in Chalukyan culture, setting the stage for the empire's eventual decline.
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Power Vacuum After Pulakeshin II
- Pulakeshin II's death in 642 AD created a power vacuum that fractured Chalukya unity for 13 years.
- Vikramaditya I later leveraged familial ties and regional support to reunify the kingdom.
Weak Pallava Occupation Enabled Fragmentation
- The Pallavas occupied Vatapi briefly but did not establish firm control or administration across the Chalukya realm.
- That half-hearted occupation let local governors and opportunists fragment authority instead of consolidating Pallava rule.
Dynastic Rivalry Among Pulakeshin's Sons
- Pulakeshin II's sons vied for power during the interregnum with multiple claimants and local rulers asserting authority.
- Vikramaditya I, the third son, sought help from his maternal grandfather Durvinita to restore Chalukya unity.