<h4>Pulakesin II: The Zenith of Chalukya Power</h4><p><strong>Pulakesin II</strong> stands as the most illustrious ruler of the <strong>Badami Chalukya dynasty</strong>, under whom the empire reached its territorial and political peak. His reign marked a period of extensive military campaigns and significant diplomatic achievements across the Indian subcontinent.</p><div class='key-point-box'><p><strong>Pulakesin II's</strong> rule (c. <strong>610-642 CE</strong>) is often considered the <strong>'Golden Age'</strong> of the <strong>Chalukyas of Badami</strong>. His military acumen and strategic brilliance were unparalleled, allowing him to establish a vast dominion.</p></div><h4>Conquest of Minor Kingdoms</h4><p><strong>Pulakesin II</strong> embarked on a series of successful campaigns, bringing numerous smaller kingdoms under <strong>Chalukya</strong> suzerainty. These victories consolidated his power base and expanded the empire's influence significantly.</p><div class='info-box'><ul><li><strong>Kadambas:</strong> The ancient kingdom of <strong>Kadambas</strong>, a traditional rival, was decisively defeated.</li><li><strong>Gangas of Mysore:</strong> The <strong>Western Ganga Dynasty</strong>, centered in <strong>Mysore</strong>, also submitted to <strong>Pulakesin II's</strong> might.</li><li><strong>Mauryas of North Konkan:</strong> He extended his control to the coastal regions by conquering the <strong>Mauryas of North Konkan</strong>.</li><li><strong>Latas of Gujarat:</strong> The <strong>Latas</strong>, who ruled parts of modern-day <strong>Gujarat</strong>, were brought into the <strong>Chalukya</strong> fold.</li><li><strong>Malavas and Gurjars:</strong> Further north, the regions governed by the <strong>Malavas</strong> and <strong>Gurjars</strong> also acknowledged <strong>Pulakesin II's</strong> supremacy.</li></ul></div><h4>Securing Submissions from Southern Powers</h4><p>Beyond direct conquest, <strong>Pulakesin II</strong> demonstrated his widespread influence by securing submissions from powerful southern kingdoms. This established the <strong>Chalukyas</strong> as the dominant force in the Deccan and beyond.</p><div class='info-box'><p>The powerful southern dynasties of the <strong>Cholas</strong>, <strong>Cheras</strong>, and <strong>Pandyas</strong> were compelled to acknowledge <strong>Pulakesin II's</strong> authority. This was a testament to his military might and the extensive reach of the <strong>Chalukya</strong> empire.</p></div><h4>Defeat of Major Imperial Rivals</h4><p>The most significant achievements of <strong>Pulakesin II's</strong> reign were his decisive victories against two of the most formidable rulers of his time: <strong>Harshavardhana</strong> of <strong>Kannauj</strong> in the north and <strong>Mahendravarman I</strong> of the <strong>Pallava dynasty</strong> in the south.</p><div class='key-point-box'><p>The victory over <strong>Harsha</strong> is famously recorded in the <strong>Aihole inscription</strong>, composed by his court poet <strong>Ravikirti</strong>. This established <strong>Pulakesin II</strong> as the undisputed master of the south, halting <strong>Harsha's</strong> ambitions of southern expansion.</p></div><div class='exam-tip-box'><p><strong>UPSC Insight:</strong> The clash between <strong>Pulakesin II</strong> and <strong>Harsha</strong> is a frequently asked topic in <strong>Ancient Indian History</strong>, especially regarding their respective spheres of influence and military capabilities. The <strong>Aihole inscription</strong> is a crucial primary source for this period.</p></div><p>His conflict with the <strong>Pallavas</strong> was a protracted struggle for supremacy in the south. <strong>Pulakesin II</strong> successfully defeated the formidable <strong>Pallava king Mahendravarman I</strong>, asserting <strong>Chalukya</strong> dominance over their southern neighbors.</p>