Eastern Calukyas
Summary
Focusing on the reign of Gunaga Vijayaditya III, this article surveys inscriptions and military campaigns of the Eastern Calukyas. Four inscriptions—the Masulipatam plates, Ponangi plates, Guntur inscription and Uruvuturu plates—record grants of villages to Brahmins. Vijayaditya ascended the throne in the mid‑9th century and embarked on digvijaya (conquest). With his generals Kandeya‑raja and Pipduranga, he burned the city of Nellurapura and defeated the Pallavas of North Arcot, plundering their land. He then assisted the Chola prince Vijayalaya, whose kingdom was threatened by the Pandya Varaguna; Vijayaditya’s intervention helped the Cholas establish their power. The article situates these campaigns within the broader Deccan politics: the Rashtrakutas ruled most of the Deccan, the Pallavas controlled parts of Andhra, the Pandyas were expanding, and the Gangas and Nolambas held neighbouring territories. The Eastern Calukyas, through warfare and alliances, navigated this competitive landscape. The narrative concludes that Vijayaditya’s aggressive policy marked the zenith of Eastern Calukya power and laid foundations for future Chola ascendancy.
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Conclusion
The conclusion underscores Vijayaditya III’s strategic acumen. His campaigns against the Pallavas and support for the Cholas reshaped south Indian politics and highlight the dynamism of regional kingdoms in the 9th century.