EASTERN CHALUKYAS

The branch of  the Chalukyas of Badami is referred as the "Eastern Chalukyas" to the historians.  Pulakesin II, the renowned ruler of Chalukyas conquered Vengi (near Eluru) in A.D.624 and installed his brother Kubja Vishnuvardhana on the throne.  Kubja Vishnuvardhana ruled between 624 - 641AD, and the dynasty originated by him ruled nearly for  four centuries. Vishnuvardhana expanded his dominions which now contained Srikakulam in the north and Nellore in the south.

Vishnuvardhana was succeeded by his son Jayasimha I (641 - 673 AD).  Between A.D.641 and A.D.705 some kings, except Jayasimha-I and Mangi Yuvaraja, (A.D.681--705) ruled for short duration. Then followed a period of unrest characterised by family feuds and weak rulers. In the meanwhile, the Rashtrakutas of Malkhed ousted Chalukyas of Badami. The weak rulers of Vengi had to meet the challenge of the Rashtrakutas, who overran their kingdom more than once.  There was no Eastern Chalukya ruler who could check them until Gunaga Vijayaditya came to power in A.D.848. He also failed to face the Rashtrakutas, and the then Rashtrakuta ruler Amoghavarsha treated him as his ally.

After Amoghavarsha's death, Vijayaditya proclaimed independence. He started on a campaign to the south and achieved some notable success. He ruled for 44 years and passed away in A.D.892.  He was succeeded by his brother's son, Chalukya Bhima (A.D.892--921). Rashtrakutas again attacked the Vengi kingdom during this period but were repulsed effectively by Vengi and came to an understanding with Rashtrakutas and treated them as his allies. They were able to maintain their independence till the Chalukyas of Kalyani in A.D.973 overthrew the Rashtrakutas.