Pulakesin II court / Image Credit Son of Kirtivarman , Pulkesin II is the greatest ruler of the Chalukya dynasty of Badami. Since Pulkesin II was too young to ascend the throne at the time of Kirtivarman’s death in 597-98, Mangalesa , brother of Kirtivarman, became the regent of the empire. However, when Pulkesin II came of age, Mangalesa refused to surrender the throne and tried to secure the throne for his own son. So there ensued a battle between Mangalesa and Pulkesin II who killed the former and proclaimed himself king in 609-10. Aihole Prasasti (Inscription), composed by Pulkesin II‘s court poet Ravikirti , gives a detailed account of his victories. He was a contemporary of North Indian emperor Harsha (Vardhana dynasty) whom he had defeated on the banks of the Narmada river in 618 AD- the only check in the northern ruler’s otherwise victorious career. Pulkesin II subjugated the Latas (Gujarat), Malavas and Gurjaras. Pulkesin II considerably extended the bou...
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