Part 13 - The Chalukyas of Elamanchili (A.D. 1150-1530)

A branch of the Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi ruled over a part of the Vizgapatam district for nearly four centuries—from the 12th to 16th with capitals at Panchadharala and Elamanchiti. The dynasty produced not less than fifteen kings who were eminent warriors and administrators. Unlike the Chalukyas of pithapur, the Chalukyas of Elamanchili achieved some important military victories. Under their long rule, the kingdom enjoyed peace and prosperity. The Chalukyas, though formally owed allegiance to the Eastern Gangas, were practically independant for all purposes. In the midst of the local powers in Kalinga and the major dynasties—the Kakatiyas and the Yadavas, the Chalukyas held an eminent place in the contemporary history of Vengi and south India.

Origin and rise of the Dynasty

Stone records, some being elaborate pillar inscriptions and^ literature-contemporary—the only work, Kavyalankarachud—amani by Vinnakota Peddana—from the sources for the political history of these Chalukyas.

The Descent of the Dynasty is as follows

From Vishnu’s naval lotus was born Brahma. Brahma’s son was Atri. To Atri was born Buddha whose son was Pururavas. One of the descendants of Pururavas was Pandu. Pandu’s son was Arjuna whose son was Abhimanyu. Abhim-anyu’s son was Parikshit whose son was Janamajaya. In Janamajaya’s race was born Vishnuvardhana and in his lineage Chalukya Bhima I. In Chalukya Bhima’s race was born Vimaladitya-the ruler of the country between the Vindhyas and the ocean. His son was Rajaraja I alias Rajamahendra. His son was Kulottunga I.