Question

Which of the following statements is/are correct?
I. Pulakesn I was the first ruler of the Chalukya dynasty
II. Harshavardhana attacked the Chalukya territory during 608-642 AD.
III. Vikramaditya I died in 608 A.D.

A) All are correct
B) Only I
C) Only II, III
D) Only I, III

Answer 1

Hint: For over two centuries, the Chalukyas ruled over Karnataka. The Chalukyas ruled from the sixth century until the middle of the eighth century. This dynasty was founded by Raja Jayasimha. Pulakeshi II was the dynasty's most powerful and notable emperor. He expanded his dominion by defeating the Ganges, Kadambas, and Alupas. The Rashtrakutas conquered this country during the reign of Kirtivarma, the final Chalukya ruler.

Complete answer:
To answer the given question, here we should examine each given statement carefully. Now let us consider each statements:
I. Pulakesn I was the first ruler of the Chalukya dynasty: The Chalukya dynasty's first ruler was Pulakesn I. From the middle of the sixth century, the “Badami Chalukyas,” the first dynasty, governed from Vatapi (modern Badami). The Eastern Chalukyas founded an independent state in the eastern Deccan after Pulakeshin II died. From Vengi to the 11th century, they dominated. Hence, this is a correct statement.

II. Harshavardhana attacked the Chalukya territory during 608-642 AD: During the years 608-642 AD, Narasimhavarman fought the Chalukya kingdom. In a fight with Pallava monarch Narasimhavarman I, Pulakesin II was defeated and killed. Thus, this is an incorrect statement.

III. Vikramaditya I died in 608 A.D.: Vikramaditya I, the third son, ascended the Chalukya throne after his father, Pulakeshi II. He brought order to the shattered realm and forced the Pallavas to flee Vatapi, the capital. In 680, he died and was succeeded to the Chalukya kingdom by his son Vinayaditya. Thus, Vikramaditya I died in 680 A.D and thus this is a false statement.

Let us now consider the given options:
A) All are correct: This is not a correct option since Harshavardhana did not attack the Chalukya territory during 608-642 AD and Vikramaditya I died in 680 A.D. Thus this is an incorrect option.
B) Only I: By considering the above explanations, we can conclude that Pulakesn I was the first ruler of the Chalukya dynasty. This is the only correct statement from all three. Thus, this is the correct answer.
C) Only II, III: This is an incorrect option, as both the second and the third statements are false.
D) Only I, III: This cannot be considered to be a correct option. Because statement I is true but statement III is incorrect. Thus, this is an incorrect option.

Thus, the correct option is B) Only I. That is, Pulakesn I was the first ruler of the Chalukya dynasty.

Note: The Chalukyas' reign was a watershed moment in the history of South India, as well as a golden age in the history of Karnataka. With the triumph of the Badami Chalukyas, the political climate in South India transitioned from minor kingdoms to massive empires. Between the Kaveri and the Narmada rivers, a kingdom headquartered in Southern India acquired control and controlled the entire region.