Discovery of Inscription: A 900-year-old Kannada inscription from the Kalyani Chalukya dynasty was found near the Chowdamma temple in Gangapuram, Telangana.
Kalyani Chalukyas’ Influence: The inscription reveals their extensive reach and influence, showcasing their patronage of religious institutions and administrative practices.
Heritage Preservation: The neglected state of the inscription highlights the need for increased efforts in archaeology and heritage preservation to protect historical legacies.
Architectural Significance: The Chalukyas were known for their unique “Vesara” style of temple architecture, bridging the gap between the Badami Chalukyas and the Hoysala empire.
What is the news?
A recent discovery in Telangana sheds light on both the rich history of the region and the importance of heritage preservation. A 900-year-old Kannada inscription, dating back to the Kalyani Chalukya dynasty, was found in a neglected state near the Chowdamma temple in Gangapuram, Mahabubnagar district.
A Window into the Past
The inscription, crafted in Kannada, offers a glimpse into the administrative practices of the Kalyani Chalukya era. Dated June 8, 1134 CE, it records the remission of toll taxes levied for maintaining a temple lamp. This detail unveils a facet of the Chalukyan social order – their patronage of religious institutions and their concern for the upkeep of temples.
The Reach of the Kalyana Chalukyas
The Kalyani Chalukyas, who ruled the Deccan plateau between the 6th and 12th centuries, were a significant power in Indian history. They were renowned for their architectural marvels, literary contributions in Kannada, and valorous military campaigns. The discovery of this inscription in Mahabubnagar, a region outside their core territory, hints at the extensive reach of their influence.
A Call to Action: Preserving Our Heritage
The fact that the inscription was found in a neglected state serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of our historical heritage. Many such remnants of the past might lie forgotten, susceptible to damage or destruction. This incident highlights the crucial role of archaeologists and heritage preservation campaigns in safeguarding these invaluable pieces of our collective narrative.
Unearthing Knowledge from the Past
The Mahabubnagar discovery presents a valuable opportunity. Deciphering the inscription can provide us with further insights into the Kalyani Chalukyas’ administrative structure, their relationship with religious institutions, and the social life of the period. Furthermore, it can shed light on the cultural and political landscape of the region during that time.
Securing Our Future by Protecting Our Past
The rediscovery of this inscription serves as a call to action. It necessitates increased investment in archaeological research and heritage preservation initiatives. Only through such efforts can we ensure that these silent sentinels of our past continue to speak to us across the centuries. By protecting our historical legacy, we not only enrich our understanding of the past but also strengthen our cultural identity for generations to come.
The Chalukya Dynasty and the Chalukyas of Kalyani:
The Chalukyas were a prominent dynasty in Deccan India, ruling from roughly the 6th to the 12th centuries AD. For the UPSC exam, understanding both the broader Chalukya legacy and the specifics of the Kalyani Chalukyas is important. Here’s a breakdown:
Pic:mapsofindia
The Chalukyas (Overall):
Three Branches: There were actually three distinct but related Chalukya dynasties:
Chalukyas of Badami (6th-8th centuries AD): Founded by Pulakesin I, they reached their peak under Pulakesin II, who challenged the dominance of Harshavardhana of Kannauj. They were patrons of art and architecture, with key contributions at sites like Badami (Vatapi).
Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi (7th-11th centuries AD):Emerged as a breakaway kingdom after the decline of Badami Chalukyas. They had significant cultural influence in Andhra Pradesh.
Western Chalukyas of Kalyani (10th-12th centuries AD):This is the focus of the UPSC excerpt you mentioned. We’ll delve deeper into them below.
The Chalukyas of Kalyani (Kalyani Chalukyas):
Origin: Claimed descent from the Badami Chalukyas. Established their power in the late 10th century AD with their capital at Kalyani (present-day Basavakalyan, Karnataka).
Rulers to Remember:
Tailapa II (973-997 CE):Founded the dynasty and established their dominance.
Vikramaditya VI (1076-1126 CE): Considered the greatest ruler of the dynasty. Known for his military prowess, administrative reforms, and patronage of art and literature. Reached peak under Vikramaditya VI (1076-1126 CE), considered the ‘Chalukya Vikrama era’
The Mahabubnagar Inscription: This inscription, discovered recently, highlights aspects of Kalyani Chalukya administration, particularly their tax system and support for religious institutions. It can be used as an example to understand their social and economic policies.
The Chalukyas: Geographical Expansion, Art, and Culture
The Chalukyas, particularly the Chalukyas of Badami and the Western Chalukyas of Kalyani, were a prominent dynasty in Deccan India, leaving a lasting impact on the region’s geography, art, and culture. Here’s a breakdown for your UPSC exam prep:
Geographical Expansion:
Early Dominance (Badami Chalukyas):
Established their power in the 6th century AD under Pulakesin I.
Reached their zenith under Pulakesin II (7th century AD), defeating the Pallavas and briefly challenging Harshavardhana’s empire in North India.
Their territory spanned most of Karnataka, parts of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu.
Shifting Landscape (Later Chalukyas):
Weakened by the Rashtrakutas in the 8th century AD.
Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi: Established a breakaway kingdom in Andhra Pradesh, flourishing until the 11th century AD.
Western Chalukyas of Kalyani: Re-established Chalukya power in the 10th century AD. Their control fluctuated due to conflicts with the Cholas but encompassed parts of Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh.
Art and Culture:
Temple Architecture:
Developed a unique architectural style characterized by:
“Vesara” style – a blend of Dravidian and Nagara styles, evident in temples like Pattadakal and Aihole.
Elaborate pillared halls (mandapas) and intricately carved sculptures depicting deities and scenes from mythology.
Badami Chalukyas: Cave temples of Badami with sculptures of Shiva, Vishnu, and Jain figures.
Western Chalukyas of Kalyani: The magnificent temples of Itagi, Koodalasangamudram, and the Kasivisvesvara temple at Lakkundi showcase their architectural prowess. These temples, along with others like the Mallikarjuna temple of Bellary, Siddeshvara temple in Haveri, and Kallesvara temple in Davangere district, depict not only religious themes but also secular themes, offering a glimpse into the social life of the period.
Important about transition in Architecture:
The Western Chalukyas’ architecture indeed serves as a crucial bridge between the Badami Chalukyas (8th century) and the Hoysala empire (13th century). Here’s how their style functioned as a link:
Evolution from Badami Chalukyas:
The Western Chalukyas inherited elements from the Badami Chalukya style, known for:
“Vesara” style – a blend of Dravidian and Nagara styles, evident in pillars, sculptures, and temple layouts.
Emphasis on intricate carvings and detailed ornamentation.
Western Chalukya Innovations:
The Western Chalukyas built upon this foundation, introducing some unique features:
“Gadag style” (regional variation): Ornately carved pillars and specific decorative motifs, particularly seen in temples around Gadag (present-day Karnataka).
Greater emphasis on experimentation: They explored new layouts for temples and experimented with sculpting techniques.
Bridging the Gap to Hoysalas:
The innovations of the Western Chalukyas, particularly their experimentation and focus on intricate details, laid the groundwork for the Hoysala style:
Elaborate ornamentation: The Hoysalas took the Chalukya love for detail to a whole new level, creating highly intricate sculptures and friezes.
Star-shaped plan: While not the only element, some Hoysala temples adopted variations of the experimentation with temple layouts seen in Western Chalukya architecture.
Literature:
Patrons of Kannada literature.
Prominent works include Kavirajamarga (a treatise on poetics) and Kumaravyakya (an epic poem).
Administration: Developed an efficient administrative system with a strong central authority and well-defined provinces.
Known for their innovative land revenue system.
Hereditary, power passed to a male heir or brother. Feudatories managed territories
Social Life:Supported various religions – Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism.
Evidence suggests a flourishing society with diverse social classes, including artisans, traders, and farmers.
Currency:
Western Chalukyas (also known as the Chalukyas of Kalyani) did mint gold coins called pagodas. Here’s what we can glean from this information:
Currency System: The existence of gold pagodas minted by the Western Chalukyas tells us they used a well-developed currency system. This was common among major dynasties in India during this period.
Economic Activity: Gold coins were valuable and used for larger transactions. Their presence suggests a flourishing economy under the Western Chalukyas, likely supported by trade and agriculture.
Kannada Legends: The use of Kannada legends on the coins highlights the importance of the Kannada language during their reign. It served as an official language and a symbol of their cultural identity.
However, a small clarification is needed:
Punch-marked coins: While some early Indian coinage used punch-marked designs, pagodas were not typically made this way. Pagodas were usually minted with images or symbols specific to the issuing authority.
Here’s a breakdown of the typical characteristics of pagodas:
Material: Primarily gold, though some silver pagodas also existed.
Weight: Varied slightly depending on the dynasty and time period.
Design: Often featured images of deities, rulers, or dynastic symbols.
Value: Considered high-value currency for larger transactions.
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1 / 5
Category:General Studies
Consider the following statements about the Chalukyas:
(a) The Chalukyas of Badami were the patrons of the Ellora Caves. (b) The Kalyana Chalukyas were known for their unique architectural style called "Dravida" (c) The Mahabubnagar inscription provides insights into the administrative practices of the Chalukyas. (d) The Eastern Chalukyas had their capital at Kanchipuram.
Choose the correct answer:
Answer: (d)
Explanation:
(a) The Ellora Caves were patronized by the Rashtrakutas, not the Chalukyas of Badami.
(b) The Chalukyas' architectural style is known as "Vesara," a blend of Dravidian and Nagara styles.
(c) The Mahabubnagar inscription is indeed a recent discovery that sheds light on the Kalyana Chalukyas' administrative practices.
(d) The Eastern Chalukyas had their capital at Vengi, not Kanchipuram.
2 / 5
Category:General Studies
The "Gadag style" is a term sometimes used to describe the architecture of which dynasty?
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
The "Gadag style" refers to a specific variation within the broader Western Chalukya architectural tradition, particularly seen in temples around Gadag, Karnataka.
3 / 5
Category:General Studies
The recent discovery of a 900-year-old inscription in Mahabubnagar is crucial for understanding the Kalyana Chalukyas because it offers information about their:
Answer: (d)
Explanation:
The inscription records the remission of toll taxes levied for maintaining a temple lamp, revealing a facet of the Chalukyan social order and their administrative practices related to religious institutions.
4 / 5
Category:General Studies
A major challenge faced in preserving India's historical legacy is:
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Public awareness about the importance of historical preservation is often limited, leading to neglect and a lack of support for conservation efforts.
5 / 5
Category:General Studies
The use of Kannada legends on the gold coins minted by the Western Chalukyas signifies:
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
The presence of Kannada legends on the coins highlights the significance of the Kannada language as an official language and a symbol of their cultural identity during the Western Chalukya rule.
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The recent discovery of a 900-year-old Kannada inscription in Mahabubnagar sheds light on the administrative practices of the Kalyana Chalukyas. Discuss the significance of such archaeological finds for our understanding of the past, using examples from the Chalukyas or other dynasties. (250 words)
Model Answer:
Archaeological discoveries, like the Mahabubnagar inscription, act as invaluable windows into the past, offering insights beyond what traditional texts can provide. In the case of the Chalukyas, this inscription unveils details about their administrative structure, specifically regarding tax remissions for religious institutions. This information adds another layer to our understanding of their social order and priorities.
Similar discoveries have been crucial for reconstructing the history of other dynasties as well. For instance, the decipherment of Ashoka’s edicts provided concrete evidence of Mauryan administration, Dharma, and the spread of Buddhism. Similarly, the excavation of Mohenjo-daro and Harappa revealed the existence of a sophisticated Indus Valley Civilization, previously unknown through written records.
Archaeological finds not only provide factual information but also raise new questions and challenge existing narratives. They necessitate further research and analysis, enriching our understanding of the past and fostering a more complete picture of historical periods.
Question 2:
The editorial highlights the neglect faced by many historical monuments and the need for increased investment in heritage preservation. Discuss the challenges faced in preserving India’s rich historical legacy and suggest measures to address them. (250 words)
Model Answer:
India boasts a vast and diverse historical legacy, encompassing monuments, archaeological sites, and artifacts. However, preserving this heritage faces several challenges:
Lack of Awareness and Funding: Public awareness about the importance of historical preservation is often limited. Additionally, insufficient budgetary allocations hinder proper maintenance and restoration efforts.
Encroachment and Development: Urbanization and infrastructure development projects sometimes threaten historical sites. Balancing development needs with heritage preservation requires careful planning and sensitivity.
Theft and Trafficking: India faces a constant threat of theft and illegal trade of historical artifacts. Stronger security measures and international cooperation are crucial to combat this issue.
Lack of Skilled Manpower: Proper restoration and conservation require specialized skills. A shortage of trained professionals in these fields can impede effective preservation efforts.
To address these challenges, a multi-pronged approach is necessary:
Raising Awareness: Educational initiatives and public outreach programs can foster appreciation for our historical heritage.
Increased Funding: Allocating more resources for archaeological research, restoration projects, and maintenance of monuments is essential.
Sustainable Development: Urban planning should integrate heritage preservation with infrastructure development.
Enhanced Security: Improved security measures at historical sites and stricter laws against trafficking can deter theft.
Skilling Initiatives: Investing in training programs to create a pool of skilled professionals in archaeology and conservation is crucial.
By implementing these measures, we can ensure that India’s rich historical legacy is protected not just for the present generation but also for generations to come.
Remember: These are just sample answers. It’s important to further research and refine your responses based on your own understanding and perspective.
Relevance to the UPSC Prelims and Mains syllabus under the following topics:
Prelims:
Ancient & Medieval History:The broad syllabus mentions the formations of regional states and empires. The Chalukyas would fall under this category.
Mains:
Section 1 – Indian History and that of the Indian Sub-continent from the 6th Century BC to 17th Century AD:
This section specifically mentions administrative systems of various states. The Mahabubnagar inscription, which sheds light on the Kalyana Chalukyas’ tax system, would be relevant here.
You might also be able to connect it to the broader theme of development of regional languages if the question focuses on the inscription being in Kannada.
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