South Indian Inscriptions

South Indian Inscriptions

Pulkeshin-II's Aihole Prashasti Inscription

• It is inscribed in the Vishnu temple at Aihole in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka state.

• It is an eulogy and was written by the court poet of Pulkeshin-II and Jain follower Ravikriti.

• It throws light on the successes of Pulkeshin-II, the Chalukya ruler of Vatapi/Badami.

• This inscription begins with an invocation to Jinendra (lord of the Jinas).

According to the inscription, Pulkeshin-II defeated Harshavardhana on the bank of the Narmada and checked Harsha's campaign to conquer the Deccan.

On this occasion, Pulkeshin-II took up the title "Parameshwar". In this inscription, Ravikriti describes himself as the equal of Kalidasa and Bhasa. According to the inscription, the Mahabharata war was fought in 3101 BC.

Narsinghvarmana's Mallikarjuna Temple Stone Inscription

• It contains the conquest of Pallava ruler Narsinghvarmana over the Chalukya ruler of Badami, Pulkeshin-II.

• On this occasion, Narsinghvarmana took up the title "Mahamalla".

Dantidurg's Allora Cav Avascript

• It is inscribed in the Dashavtar Temple of Allora.

• It describes the conquests of Rasht Cashmekuta ruler Dantidurg over Kalinga, Keshal, Kanchi, Malaw, Lat, Tank etc.

Rajaraja's Tanjore Inscription

• It throws light on the conquests of the Chola king Rajaraja.

• According to the inscription, Rajaraja defeated Chama in the battle of Kandaloor.

• He annexed Northern Sri Lanka.

(Note: Rajaraja was the first Indian king who conceived the idea of an Inscription beginning with a humorous preface/introduction).

Rajendra-l's Truvalangar Copper Inscription

• It describes the victories of the Chola ruler Rajendra-1.

• According to the inscription, Rajendra I defeated the Sumatra ruler Vijayottung Varmana.

• It contains information about the revenue system of the Cholas.

Uttarmerur Inscription of Parantaka Mme

• It contains details about the local government prevalent during the Chola period.

Final Thoughts

These South Indian inscriptions offer valuable insights into the political, military, and administrative achievements of prominent dynasties like the Chalukyas, Pallavas, Rashtrakutas, and Cholas.

They not only commemorate victories and titles but also reflect the cultural, literary, and religious life of their times.

From Ravikriti’s poetic eulogy of Pulkeshin-II to the detailed records of local governance under the Cholas, these inscriptions serve as vital historical records that deepen our understanding of early medieval South India.