Aihole Inscription: Pulakesin II, Ravikirti, and Chalukya History - History | UPSC Learning
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Aihole Inscription: Pulakesin II, Ravikirti, and Chalukya History
Medium⏱️ 5 min read
history
đź“– Introduction
<h4>Introduction to the Aihole Inscription</h4><p>The <strong>Aihole Inscription</strong> is a pivotal historical record located at the <strong>Meguti temple</strong> in <strong>Aihole</strong>, <strong>Karnataka</strong>. It offers profound insights into the <strong>Chalukya dynasty's</strong> history and their significant accomplishments.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>Aihole</strong> is widely recognized as the <strong>“Cradle of Indian temple architecture”</strong> due to its numerous early experiments in temple construction.</p></div><h4>Authorship and Dedication</h4><p>This significant inscription was composed by the celebrated court poet, <strong>Ravikirti</strong>. It serves as a poetic eulogy, dedicated primarily to the illustrious <strong>Chalukya dynasty</strong>.</p><p>The inscription particularly praises <strong>King Pulakesin II</strong>, highlighting his virtues and military prowess. He is famously referred to as <strong>Sathyasraya</strong>, meaning the <strong>“embodiment of truth”</strong>.</p><h4>Key Historical Narratives</h4><p>The <strong>Aihole Inscription</strong> meticulously chronicles the various triumphs and military victories of the <strong>Chalukya dynasty</strong> against their formidable adversaries.</p><p>A most notable event detailed is the decisive victory of <strong>Pulakesin II</strong> over the powerful North Indian emperor, <strong>Harsha of Harshavardhana</strong>. This event is a crucial marker in ancient Indian history.</p><div class='key-point-box'><p>The inscription provides primary evidence for the <strong>Chalukya-Harsha conflict</strong>, confirming <strong>Pulakesin II's</strong> supremacy in the Deccan region.</p></div><div class='exam-tip-box'><p>Understanding the <strong>Aihole Inscription's</strong> content is vital for questions on <strong>Chalukya history</strong>, <strong>Pulakesin II</strong>, and the interactions between North and South Indian powers in the <strong>7th century CE</strong>.</p></div>

đź’ˇ Key Takeaways
- •Aihole Inscription is at Meguti temple, Aihole, Karnataka.
- •Composed by Ravikirti, praises Chalukya King Pulakesin II (Sathyasraya).
- •Chronicles Pulakesin II's victory over Harsha of Harshavardhana.
- •Aihole is known as the "Cradle of Indian temple architecture."
- •Primary source for 7th-century CE Deccan history and Chalukya achievements.
đź§ Memory Techniques

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📚 Reference Sources
•NCERT Textbooks (Ancient Indian History)
•Standard academic texts on Chalukyan history and epigraphy