VIKRAMDITYA

The history of Karnataka extends too more than two thousand years. Many dynasties came to power during these centuries. The Chalukyas are one of the greatest of these. Twice in the history of Karnataka they were prominent. The first time they grew powerful Badami or Vatapi was their capital. After 250 years of powerful rule the Rashtrakutas of Manyakheta defeated them. A thousand years ago, in 973, Tailapa the Second of the Chalukya Dynasty became independent. Kalyana was his capital. He was very powerful. He had to face many enemies but hedefeated all. Many battles were fought between him and Paramara Munja of Malwa. Munja was defeated and died. Their battles were so terrible that poets have sung their heroism and glory in their poems.The valiantTailapa ruled for the welfare of the people. Ranna, one of the greatest poets of Kannada, was in his court.

Have you heard of 'Sahasa Bheema Vijaya'? This is one of the best poems inKannada. This is known as 'Gada Yuddha’ too. The poet used a part of the story of the Mahabharata in his work. Ranna is famous for the power of his language. He has narrated the story of the duel between Bheema and Duryodhana who fought with maces, and the victory of Bheema and the defeat of Duryodhana. Ranna has compared his patron king Satyashraya, the son of Tailapa, to Bheema. Satyashraya was as powerful as his father was. He subdued all his enemies. For about 225 years the Chalukyas ruled once again in Karnataka. Vikramaditya the Sixth who proved to be a genius as a warrior and as a king belonged to this dynasty.

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