Archaeological Discovery in Telangana

Context:

Archaeologists from the Public Research Institute of History, Archaeology, and Heritage (PRIHAH) have made a significant discovery in Mudimanikyam village, Nalgonda district, Telangana. Unearthed during excavations are two ancient temples dating back to the Badami Chalukyan period. The discovery also includes a rare inscription, shedding light on the historical and cultural richness of the region.

Relevance:

GS I: History

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Key Findings in Recent Excavation
2. Key Features of the Chalukya Dynasty

Key Findings in Recent Excavation

Ancient Temples:

• Discovered at the village’s edge, the two temples have been dated between 543 AD and 750 AD, aligning with the Badami Chalukya era.
• Exhibiting a distinctive architectural fusion, they incorporate styles from both Badami Chalukyas and Kadamba Nagara, presented in the Rekha Nagara format.
• Noteworthy features include the recovery of a panavattam (Shiva lingam base) in one temple and a Vishnu idol in another.

Inscription:

• An inscription known as ‘Gandaloranru’ was found, estimated to be from the 8th or 9th Century AD.

Cultural Significance:

• Traditionally, the influence of Badami Chalukyas was believed to extend only to sites like Jogulamba temples at Alampur and the submerged Yeleswaram sites.
• This discovery broadens the recognized boundaries of the Badami Chalukya kingdom, revealing new facets of their historical reach.

Key Features of the Chalukya Dynasty

Dynastic Structure:

• The Chalukya dynasty, spanning the 6th to 12th centuries, included the Chalukyas of Badami, Eastern Chalukyas, and Western Chalukyas.
• Badami Chalukyas, with their zenith under Pulakeshin II, were followed by the rise of Eastern and Western Chalukyas.

Geographical Rule:

• Badami Chalukyas, originating from Vatapi (Badami in Karnataka), ruled the western Deccan.
• Eastern Chalukyas emerged in the eastern Deccan, centred around Vengi.
• Western Chalukyas, successors of Badami Chalukyas, ruled from Kalyani.

Historical Phases:

• Pulikesin I’s fortification near Badami marked the dynasty’s foundation.
• Eastern Chalukyas flourished independently, while the rise of the Rashtrakutas overshadowed Badami Chalukyas.
• Western Chalukyas revived the legacy until the late 12th century. 

Administrative System:

• Implemented a structured administrative system with divisions like Vishayam, Rastram, Nadu, and Grama for effective governance.

Religious Patronage:

• Notable patrons of Saivism and Vaishnavism, and supporters of Jainism and Buddhism, showcasing religious diversity.
• Poet-laureate Ravikirti, under Pulikesin II, was a Jain scholar.

Architectural Contributions:

• Introduced sandstone for temple construction, evident in Badami’s cave and structural temples, as well as temples in Pattadakal and Aihole.
• Mastered both excavated cave temples and structural temples.

Literary Contributions:

• Sanskrit used in official inscriptions, demonstrating commitment to classical literature.
• Recognition of regional languages like Kannada for official use, acknowledging them as languages of the people.

Artistic Expression:

• Adopted Vakataka style in painting, with examples found in a Vishnu cave temple in Badami.

-Source: The Hindu