The Establishment of the Eastern Calukya Dynasty of Vengi
Summary
The article reconstructs the early history of the Eastern Calukya dynasty in Vengi. It explains that Vishnuvardhana I (Kubja Vishnuvardhana), the younger brother of Pulakesin II, was appointed viceroy of the newly conquered Andhra region and later established independent rule by moving his capital from Pishtapura to Vengi. The author reviews copper‑plate grants such as the Chipurupalle and Timmapuram plates and later inscriptions to determine the length of Vishnuvardhana’s reign and resolve controversies about his accession. Based on a grant dated in the 18th regnal year of Prithvi Jayasimha, the article argues that Vishnuvardhana’s reign began around A.D. 624 and lasted 18 years, ending in 641. The study critiques earlier chronologies proposed by Fleet and D.C. Sircar, examines genealogical details and titles, and describes the dynastic transition to Vishnuvardhana’s son. It places the Eastern Calukyas in the broader context of Deccan politics, noting their relations with the Western Calukyas and Pallavas and emphasising their independence and longevity.
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Conclusion
The article concludes that Kubja Vishnuvardhana founded the Eastern Calukya dynasty by governing the Andhra coast under his brother and then becoming an independent king at Vengi. Through a careful examination of copper‑plate evidence and chronological arguments, the author fixes his reign from A.D. 624 to 641 and resolves a long‑standing debate about his accession. This finding underscores the importance of the Eastern Calukyas as an independent branch of the Chalukya house and clarifies the early political history of the Vengi region.