Pulakeshin II (r. 609–42)
Pulakeshin II was the
greatest monarch of the Chalukya dynasty, which dominated most of the Deccan
peninsula from modern-day Badami, the Chalukya capital.
Pulakeshin was a contemporary of Pushyabhuti ruler Harsha,
whom Pulakeshin defeated in battle to stop Harsha from expanding southward.
Pulakeshin also defeated Mahendravarman of the Pallava
dynasty, who was slain in combat by Pulakeshin's troops.
Narasimhavarman, Mahendravarman's son, eventually defeated
and murdered him.
The Chalukya and Pallava Dynasties fought for many centuries
following, and although one was capable of defeating the other at certain times
throughout the struggle, neither was able to hold the other under control.
