Medieval History of Karnataka | KPSC KAS Preparation: All subjects - KPSC KAS (Karnataka) PDF Download

Introduction

• Karnataka, situated in the southern part of India, boasts a rich and captivating history shaped by various ruling dynasties and invasions over time.
• In ancient times, Karnataka was known as Karunadu, signifying elevated land or a high plateau, with its historical roots tracing back to prehistoric eras.

Pre-history of Karnataka in brief

• Distinct Pre-historic Culture: Karnataka's prehistoric culture differed notably from that of North India, showcasing a prevalent hand-axe culture reminiscent of African prehistoric societies.
• Early Knowledge of Iron: Remarkably, Karnataka exhibited knowledge of iron usage even before 1200 B.C., predating North India's acquaintance with the metal.

Early history of Karnataka

• Rulers from the North: In the 4th and 3rd centuries BCE, portions of Karnataka fell under the dominion of the Maurya and Nanda Empires from North India, showcasing early external influence.
• The Satavahana Dynasty: Following the Mauryan Empire's decline, the Satavahana dynasty ascended to power in Karnataka around 3 BCE, governing vast territories across Northern Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
• Cultural Evolution under Satavahanas: Under the Satavahanas, administrative language transitioned to Prakrit, while the emergence and evolution of Kannada and Telugu languages marked a significant cultural development.
• Duration of Satavahana Rule: The Satavahana dynasty's reign endured for nearly three centuries, leaving a lasting imprint on Karnataka's cultural and linguistic landscape.

Medieval History of Karnataka

Karnataka has been a significant region witnessing the rise and fall of several dynasties and empires over centuries.

Kadamba Dynasty (325 AD–540 AD)

• The Kadamba Dynasty, founded by Mayurasharma, is recognized as the first royal dynasty of Karnataka. They ruled over North Karnataka and the Konkan region from Banavasi and were pioneers in using the Kannada language for administration. 
• They also contributed to the region's architectural heritage and minted gold coins. The dynasty ruled for over 200 years until the Chalukyas took over, though minor branches of the Kadamba dynasty continued to rule in certain regions till the 14th century.

Western Ganga Dynasty (325 AD–999 AD)

Badami Chalukya Dynasty (500 AD-757 AD)

• The Badami Chalukya Dynasty, founded by Pulakeshin, was based in Vatapi (modern-day Badami). They unified Karnataka under one rule and made substantial contributions to art and architecture. 
• The Badami Chalukyas were pivotal in transforming the political landscape of South India from small kingdoms to large empires, ruling over Karnataka, Maharashtra, and parts of several other states. Their dominance declined with the rise of the Rashtrakutas.

Rastrakuta Dynasty (757 AD–973 AD)

• The Rashtrakuta dynasty was established by Dantivarman, also known as Dantidurga II. The Elichpur clan, initially vassals of the Badami Chalukyas, rose to power under Dantidurga, overthrowing Chalukya Kirtivarman II and establishing an empire with the Gulbarga region in present-day Karnataka as their center. This clan later became known as the Rashtrakutas of Manyakheta.
• According to the Arabic text Silsilat al-Tawarikh (851), the Rashtrakutas were considered one of the four major empires of the world. Their rule extended across all of Karnataka and Maharashtra, as well as significant parts of Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. Under their reign, architecture thrived, with the world-renowned Kailash Temple at Ellora being one of their most notable achievements. The period of the Badami Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas is often referred to as the "Age of Imperial Karnataka."

Kalyana Chalukya Dynasty (973 AD–1198 AD)

• The Chalukyas of Kalyana rose to power after overthrowing the Rashtrakutas in 973 AD. Their ruler, Someshwara I, established his capital at Kalyana (now Basava Kalyana in the Bidar district). This dynasty is also referred to as the Western Chalukya dynasty to distinguish it from the Eastern Chalukya dynasty of Vengi. They ruled over all of Karnataka and Maharashtra, as well as parts of Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
• During their reign, literature flourished in Karnataka, as the Chalukyas were great patrons of art and architecture. The Mahadeva temple at Itagi (in present-day Raichur district) is considered one of the finest Chalukyan monuments.
• The Kalachuri dynasty later took over the empire, ruling for about 20 years. However, they failed to maintain the empire's unity, leading to its weakening and eventual division, with the Sevunas taking control of the north and the Hoysalas of the south.

Sevuna Dynasty (1198 AD–1312 AD)

• The Sevuna Dynasty, also known as the Yadavas of Devagiri, established their rule after the decline of the Kalyana Chalukyas. The dynasty, founded by Dridhaprahara, had its capital at Devagiri (modern-day Daulatabad). They ruled over northern Karnataka, parts of Andhra Pradesh, and most of Maharashtra. 
• The dynasty is remembered for contributions to mathematics, music, and literature, with notable figures like Baskaracharya, Hemadri, and Sharngadeva emerging during their reign. The dynasty eventually fell to the Sultan of Delhi, Allah-ud-din Khilji.

Hoysala Dynasty (1000 AD–1346 AD)

• The Hoysala Empire was founded by a legendary figure named Sala, who became renowned for killing a tiger to save his master, an act that inspired the name "Hoysala" (meaning "to shoot" or "to hit"). The Hoysalas initially established their capital at Belur but later moved it to Halebidu. This dynasty ruled over southern Karnataka, as well as parts of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
• The Hoysala era was marked by significant advancements in art, architecture, and religion in South India. The Hoysalas are especially famous for their temple architecture, with the world-renowned Chennakesava Temple at Belur, the Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebidu, and the Kesava Temple at Somanathapura standing as prime examples of their intricate sculptural work. 
• Even today, more than a hundred temples built by the Hoysalas can be found scattered across Karnataka. This period also saw a flourishing of literature in both Kannada and Sanskrit, with notable poets such as Rudrabhatta, Raghavanka, Harihara, and Janna emerging during this time.

Vijayanagara Empire (1336 AD–1565 AD)

• The Vijayanagara Empire was founded in 1336 by Harihara I and his brother Bukka Raya I of the Sangama Dynasty, with Hampi as its capital. The empire gained prominence due to the collective efforts of southern powers to resist Islamic invasions by the end of the 13th century. It dominated most of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, as well as all of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, and was renowned for its power and wealth.
• The rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire greatly promoted the fine arts and literature, leading to significant developments in Kannada, Sanskrit, Tamil, and Telugu. Carnatic music also evolved during this period. The empire's legacy includes numerous impressive monuments across South India, with the Group of Monuments at Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing the architectural brilliance of the Vijayanagara Empire. The Stone Chariot at Hampi is a particularly remarkable example of Vijayanagara architecture. The empire's power waned after its defeat by the Deccan Sultanates in the Battle of Talikota in 1565 AD.

Bahmani Empire (1347 AD–1527 AD)

• The Bahmani Empire, also known as the Bahmani Sultanate, was the first independent Islamic kingdom in South India. It was founded by Ala-ud-Din Hassan Bahman Shah, who was either a Turkic or Brahmin convert. This empire was one of the significant medieval kingdoms in India, ruling over parts of northern Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The empire eventually fell when its last remnants were defeated by Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara Empire.
• In 1518, the Bahmani Sultanate split into five states: Nizamshahi of Ahmednagar, Qutubshahi of Golconda (Hyderabad), Baridshahi of Bidar, Imadshahi of Berar, and Adilshahi of Bijapur. These states together are referred to as the Deccan Sultanates.

Bijapur Sultanate (1490 AD–1686 AD)

• The Bijapur Sultanate, founded by Yusuf Adil Shah, was a Shia Muslim dynasty that ruled over the region of Bijapur and its surroundings. 
• The sultanate was known for its contributions to Islamic architecture, with the Gol Gumbaz being its most famous monument. The Bijapur Sultanate was eventually absorbed into the Mughal Empire in 1686 AD by Emperor Aurangzeb.

Post Gupta Period

• North India fragmented into several warrior kingdoms.
• Huns established control over modern Punjab, Rajasthan, and Malwa.
• Many small regional states emerged.
• Pushyabhuti, the founder of the Vardhana dynasty, ruled from Thaneswar in the 6th century.
• He was a military general under the Guptas and gained power after their decline.

Harsha Vardhana

• Harsha-vardhana became the king of Thanesar in 606 AD.
• He expanded his empire by conquering neighboring regions.
• Harsha moved his capital from Thanesar to Kanauj (Kanpur).
• Harsha later converted to Buddhism.
• Harsha ruled for 41 years.
• His empire included Assam, Bengal, Bihar, Kanauj, Malwa, Odisha, Punjab, Kashmir, Nepal, and Sindh.
• After Harsha’s death, his kingdom quickly fragmented into smaller states.
• Hieun Tsang, the Chinese pilgrim, spent about 13 years in India (630–643 CE).
• Known as the "prince of pilgrims," he visited Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
• Banabhatta, Harsha's court poet, wrote Harshacharita, the first formal biography of a king in Sanskrit.
• Nalanda University reached its peak during this time, focusing on Mahayana Buddhist teachings.

Pratiharas

• After Harsha’s death, a triangular struggle emerged for control over the Ganga-Yamuna doab and surrounding areas.
• The key contenders were:
  • The Pratiharas (based in Jalore, Rajasthan)
  • The Palas (from Bengal)
  • The Rashtrakutas (from the Deccan)
  • The Pratiharas originated from Gurjarata, or southwestern Rajasthan.
• They ruled over western and parts of northern India from the mid-7th to the 11th century.
• Nagabhata I (730–760 CE) defeated the Arab army advancing east of the Indus River.
• Bhoja, also known as Mihira Bhoja (c. 836-885 CE), was the most famous king of the Pratihara dynasty.
• Bhoja was a devoted follower of Vishnu.
• After Bhoja's reign, the military strength of the Pratiharas waned, leading to a series of defeats under subsequent rulers.