City of Badami

City of Badami

District Bagalkot, Karnataka

            Badami is one of the most ancient cities of the Deccan. Although the area around the city was inhabited since Mesolithic times, it reached its zenith under the Chalukyan Dynasty  (6th- 8th Century CE ). Before we explore the art treasures of Badami, it is imperative to know a bit of its history.  According to the Puranic lore, the area was ruled by two demonic brothers, Vatapi and Ilvala. Ilvala would kill Vatapi, and feed his meat to the guests. Then, he would ask Vatapi to come out; Vatapi would come out, thereby killing the guest. Saint Agastaya was also fed Vatapi ' s meat. But before Ilvala could call his brother out, Agastaya said "Vatapi be digested." Vatapi never came out. This myth clearly speaks of Aryanisation of this region. 

        Pulkeshin I (r. 544 - 67 CE) established Badami as the capital of the Chalukyan Kingdom.  He named the city as Vatapi. For two centuries Vatapi was the seat of the Chalukyan Kingdom.  

        The Chalukyan Kings and Queens were great patrons of art, architecture,  literature, dance and music. They experimented with architecture,  excavating cave temples, and constructing free standing temples. Their experiments can be found in Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal.  It is there architectural imagination which has given rise to both the Northern (Nagara ) style, and to the Dravidian style of architecture in India. Thus, they are the founders of Indian architecture as we know it today. 

        Although initially the worshipped Lord Vishnu, but subsequently they became worshippers of Lord Shiva. But their dedication to Hinduism did not make them blind to other religions. In fact the equally patronised Jainism and Buddhism. In fact one of their Kings has boasted that different religions are peacefully coexisting and flourishing in his Kingdom.  Assimilation was the hallmark of the Chalukyan Dynasty.  

        But simultaneously Chalukyans were a proud race. The bitterly fought with the Pallavas of Kanchipuram for two hundred years. The constant warfare destroyed both the kingdoms. Both are in ruins today. 

         There is much to learn from the rise and fall of the Chalukyans!