Chalukya and Chola Kingdoms

The Cholas are the earliest and the most ancient among the South Indian royal houses. The artifacts of the period found in South India mention Mahabharata as well as Ashokan edicts. The Chola Kingdom is very ancient, there has been references made in Mahabharata and even in Ashokan inscriptions. It is known that Karikala was the Chola ruler who reigned in the 2-century AD. During Karikala’s reign, the capital city was moved to Kaveripattanam from Uraiyur. Nedumidikilli seems to have been the successor of Karikala, whose capital town was set to fire by the sea pirates. The frequent attacks of Pallavas, Cheras and Pandyas declined the Chola power and it was in the 8-century AD, Cholas glory began to shine when the Pallavas power declined. The Chalukya were several South Indian dynasties that ruled in the Deccan and are considered to be natives to the Karnataka region. They claimed descent from Pulakesin I (reigned 543-566) who established himself at Badama (in Bijapur) and who asserted their independence at the decline of the Satavahana Empire and rapidly rose to prominence during the reign of Pulakesin II (reigned 609-642). The early Chalukyas held power in Northern Karnataka from the 6 century until 757, and were rivals to the Pallavas. The uniqueness of this book hence lies in the author’s way of reconstructing the period under review by delving deep into the geo political ground of that time of India. This book, which we hope, will lay the foundations for the next generation of Indian historians.