Q1. This empire is most notably known as?
Chalukyas of Kalyani.(The capital was Manyakheta and later shifted to Kalyani.)
Q2. Who was the founder of the Western Chalukyas?
TAILAPA II - 957 - 997 AD - He was actually a feudatory of the Rashtra kuta's Krishna III. He became the master of the whole of Rashtrakuta kingdom by killing Karkka II. He tried six times to capture Malwas but was unsuccessful on all the occasions against the might of Munja of Paramaras. However, when Munja himself made an attempt against Tailapa II, he (Munja) was killed. Thus, Tailapa II established himself well over his kingdom covering over Karnataka region.
Q3. Who were the other rulers of Western Chalukyas after Tailapa II?
SATYASRAYA - 997 - 1008 The Cholas were the contemporary enemies during his period. He was successful in recapturing some of the territories lost to the Cholas after defeating Rajendra.
VIKRAMAADITYA V - 1008 - 1015 - He had a short tenure of only 6 years.
JAYASIMHA II - 1015 - 1042 - Had to face a major defeat at the hands of Rajendra Chola near Raichur when he tried to interfere with the affairs of Vengi.
SOMESVARA I - 1042 - 1068 - The most brilliant and successful King and he shifted the capital from Manyakheta to Kalyani. During his tenure hostility with Cholas was at its peak, a major battle at Koppam (Kopbal) where Chola's Rajadhiraja was killed but his son Rajendra II rallied his forces and fought back to win over Somesvara I. However, he made certain gains over Gujarat, Malwa, and brought them under submission. He died in Tungabhadra by doing Paramayoga.
SOMESVARA II - 1068 - 1076 - Not a very famous one, but managed to rule for 8 years, but was killed by his brother Vikramaaditya VI, who ascended the throne in 1076 AD.
VIKRAMADITYA VI - 1076 - 1126 - Ruled for 50 years. Had to face threats from the Hoysala's feudatories. During his period the Chalukyas of Kalyani empire extended upto Narmada in the north and upto Tumkur(Karnataka) and Cuddappah (Andhra Pradesh) in the South. Art and literature received a huge boost. In short, during his reign, this dynasty's glory and power reached its zenith.
SOMESVARA III - 1126 - 1138 - The Western Chalukya empire started declining as he was more towards religious activities. The later rulers were, Jagadekamalla (1138-1151), Tailapa III(1151-1164),Jagadekamalla III (1163-1183) and Somesvara IV (1184-1200). The rule of this dynasty came to an end with the defeat of Somesvara IV at the hands of the Yadava ruler Bhillama V.
