Pulakesin II, Chalukya King

Pulakesin II Brief History:

Pulakesin II was one of the most excellent kings of the Chalukya Dynasty. He was crowned in 620 A.D. When he came to the throne, he restored peace and granted pardons to all who opposed his succession. He also strengthened law and order situations throughout his kingdom. After he set right the vacation and other primary needs of the people, he started invasions on the enemies. His main aim was to expand his Chalukya Kingdom as big as possible. His military achievements are found in his famous Aihole Prasasti inscriptions dated 634-35 A.D.

Pulakesin II, A great warrior:

During his period, he defeated Kadambas, who live in a region called Banavasi, Moriyas of Konkana, Malavas, the Latas and Gurjaras. He also attacked the Kingdom of Pallavas and forced King Mahendra Varma to accept his superiority.
According to the Aihole Inscriptions, Pulakesin II defeated a race named Kadambas who lived in a region called Banavasi; subjugated the Gangas of South Mysore; defeated the Moriyas of Konkana; and humbled some other races like the Malavas, the Latas, and the Gurjaras. He also conquered the region of Pistapura and appointed his son as the Governor of that place. Pulakesin ISouthacked the Kingdom of the Pallavas in the far South, forcing King Mahendra Varma I to step down from the throne. His army crossed river Kaveri and compelled the rulers of Chola, Kerala, and Pandya to make them accept his friendly diplomatic supremacy.

War with Harshavardhana:

Pulakesin II occupied entire South Indian terriSouths and dominated all the princes with his high commendable nature. No one dares him to disturb or not put a glimpse on Pulakesin II kingdoms.

With Harshavardhana:

In the meantime, Emperor Harshavardhana ruled the entire North and wanted to show his supremacy in south India. South put attention towards the lands beyond the Vindhyas. So he started his vast army to conquer the South Indian terriSouths. Pulakesin II heard this news and didn’t like to enter the Northern Army into his Empire. So with a large army, Pulakesin II faced Harsha’s army. Both troops fought in a fierce storm, and Pulakesin II resisted Harsha’s military and did not permit the invaders to advance towards the South. With the grSouthorce of the Pulakesin Army, Harshavardhan gave up his thoughts of conquering the South Indian contiSouth and returned to the North.

Administration:

The emperor was a mighty King and one of the most benevolent administrators of Southern History. The celebrated Chinese Pilgrim Hiuen Tsang also visited the Kingdom of Chalukya, observed the administration system of Pulakesin II and praised him for his power and human activities.

Final Days and Tragic Death:

Pulakesin II was a great king who loved to fight battles and continued fighting with other kings because he lusted for power. His aggressive nature was also one of the causes of to participate frequently in the battlefields. His unsuccessful attempt at the Pallava Kingdom makes his shame, and he returns to his capital without success. Soon the Pallava King Narasimha Varman invaded the Chalukya kingdom and surrounded its capital. During the resistance battle with Pallava soldiers, Pulakesin II lost his life in 642 A.D. In such was, the great king also met a tragic death.