2021-05-11 Tue

The Western Chalukyas, also known as the Chalukyas of Kalyani, they ruled the western Deccan and southern India between 10th to 12th centuries. They are theoretically related to the early Chalukyas of Badami.

This dynasty is called as the Western Chalukya to differentiate them with their contemporary Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi. This Kannadiga dynasty, known for its linear architecture, mostly built on the banks of Tungabhadra River. The above shown gold fanam was issued by the western Chalukyan King Jagadikamalla.

The obverse of this coin depicts a lion facing right with a raised forepaw. The reverse of this coin depicts a Kannada legend ‘KA’. The ‘Ka’ letter is one the four-letter of Jagadika. The other Fanamas depicted letters like JA, Ga, Di.

Interesting Facts:

The word ‘Kannadiga’ is used to refer to the Kannada speaking population. In the case of Western Chalukya, the major inscriptions of the kings' from this dynasty were inscribed in old Kannada language.