The Chalukyas, a prominent South Indian dynasty, used Kannada as their primary administrative and literary language, particularly the Badami and Western Chalukyas. However, the Eastern Chalukyas, a distinct branch, underwent a significant linguistic evolution, originally speaking Kannada before later patronizing and adopting Telugu.
Understanding the Chalukyan Languages
The linguistic landscape of the Chalukya empire was dynamic, influenced by the specific branch of the dynasty and the geographical regions they controlled.
Western Chalukyas (Badami and Kalyani)
The earliest and most influential branch, the Badami Chalukyas (c. 543–753 CE), and their successors, the Western Chalukyas of Kalyani (c. 973–1189 CE), predominantly used Kannada as their court language, for inscriptions, and in their literature.
- Kannada's Prominence: Numerous inscriptions, including the famous Aihole inscription of Pulakeshin II, are in Kannada. They patronized Kannada poets and scholars, fostering the language's development.
- Cultural Flourishing: This period is often considered a golden age for Kannada literature and architecture, with many temples reflecting Chalukyan architectural styles and featuring Kannada epigraphs.
Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi
A cadet branch founded by Kubja Vishnuvardhana, a brother of the illustrious Pulakeshin II, the Eastern Chalukyas ruled from Vengi (present-day Andhra Pradesh). Their linguistic journey was distinct:
- Original Language: The Eastern Chalukyas were originally a Kannada-speaking family. This linguistic heritage was carried from their origins in the Kannada heartland.
- Adoption of Telugu: Over time, as they established their rule in the Telugu-speaking region of Vengi, they began to patronize and adopt Telugu. This patronage was crucial in the development of Telugu as a literary language, leading to its flourishing under their rule. This shift played a vital role in the rise of Telugu literature and culture in the region.
Linguistic Overview of Chalukya Branches
| Chalukya Branch | Primary Language(s) | Period | Key Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Badami Chalukyas | Kannada (predominant), Sanskrit | c. 543–753 CE | Originators, numerous Kannada inscriptions, significant contributions to Kannada literature and architecture. |
| Western Chalukyas | Kannada (predominant), Sanskrit | c. 973–1189 CE | Successors to Badami, continued patronage of Kannada, period of significant Kannada literary output. |
| Eastern Chalukyas | Originally Kannada, later patronized and adopted Telugu | c. 624–12th century CE | Shifted from Kannada to Telugu due to geographical location, instrumental in the development of Telugu language. |
The linguistic identity of the Chalukya dynasty thus reflects both their origins and their adaptation to the diverse cultural landscapes they governed across South India.
