Early Medieval Dynasties – Chalukya, Pallava, Rashtrakuta
Delhi Police Exam History Section
Overview
After the decline of the Gupta Empire (around 6th century CE), several regional kingdoms rose to power in Deccan & South India. Among them the most important were:
Chalukyas
Pallavas
Rashtrakutas
These kingdoms played a major role in political control, temple architecture and cultural development in peninsular India.
Chalukyas
Centres of Power
Founded by Pulakeshin I
Capital: Badami
Most famous ruler: Pulakeshin II (defeated Harshavardhana)
Key Points
Ruled in Deccan region
Religion: Shaivism was dominant
Architecture: Rock-cut temples at Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal
→ Pattadakal is UNESCO World Heritage Site
Pallavas
Centres of Power
Capital: Kanchipuram
Strongest ruler: Narasimhavarman I
Key Points
Constant rivalry with the Chalukyas
Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) → major centre of Pallava art/architecture
Famous monuments: Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, Rock-cut caves
Pallavas laid foundations for Dravidian style temple architecture
Rashtrakutas
Centres of Power
Capital: Manyakheta
Founded by: Dantidurga
Most famous ruler: Amoghavarsha
Key Points
Known for patronage of art, literature and Jainism
Most iconic monument: Kailasa Temple at Ellora → carved out of a single rock
Greatest monolithic temple in India
Major rivals: Pratiharas & Palas in North India (Tripartite Struggle for Kannauj)
QUICK RECAP – in 5 bullets
Chalukyas: Pulakeshin II defeated Harsha; temples at Aihole, Pattadakal
Pallavas: capital Kanchipuram; Mamallapuram monuments + Dravidian style roots
Rashtrakutas: Kailasa Temple at Ellora; known for Tripartite struggle
These were powerful post-Gupta southern empires
Developed early rock-cut and structural temple architecture
Sample Questions
The Kailasa Temple (Ellora) was built by which dynasty?
Options: (a) Pallava (b) Chalukya (c) Rashtrakuta (d) Gupta
View Answer
C. Rashtrakuta
Capital of Pallavas?
Options: (a) Badami (b) Kanchipuram (c) Manyakheta (d) Vatapi
View Answer
B. Kanchipuram
Pattadakal complex belongs to which dynasty?
Options: (a) Chalukya (b) Maurya (c) Kushana (d) Maratha
View Answer
A. Chalukya
Previous Year Type Questions (Asked Pattern Style)
Pulakeshin II belonged to which dynasty?
Type: SSC/Delhi Police Pattern
View Answer
Chalukya Dynasty
Where is Kailasa Temple located and who built it?
Type: SSC/Delhi Police Pattern
View Answer
Located at Ellora (Maharashtra), built by Rashtrakuta dynasty
The Tripartite struggle for Kannauj was mainly among which dynasties?
Type: SSC/Delhi Police Pattern
View Answer
Rashtrakutas (Deccan), Pratiharas (Central India), and Palas (Bengal)
You've completed Early Medieval Dynasties Concepts!
Courage Tip: Focus on associating each dynasty with their key architectural achievements - Chalukyas (Pattadakal), Pallavas (Mahabalipuram), and Rashtrakutas (Kailasa Temple at Ellora). Remember that Pulakeshin II of Chalukyas defeated Harsha, and the Rashtrakutas were involved in the Tripartite Struggle. These dynasties represent the golden age of temple architecture in South India and are frequently tested for their cultural contributions.
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