- Western Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas constituted important political force. They were major rival forces.
- Chalukyas ruled for a time period of 543 – 755 AD. Pulakesin II who ruled for 608 – 642 AD was the most important ruler for Chalukas. Aihole inscription mentions about his reign. Trying to attack Pallavas, he suffered humiliating defeat at the hands of Narasimhavarman I near Kanchi. Huien Tsang visited chalukyan kingdom. Successor of Pulakesin II was Vikramaditya. Chalukyas had a centralized administration. Ravikriti was the court poet of Pulakesin II.
- When it comes to architecture Chalukyas are known for thier Vesara style of temple construction. They build temples in Aihole, Badami, Pattadakal. The most famous are Virupaksha temple at pattadakal, Jaoin temple at Meguti.
- Rashtrakutas rules form 755 – 957 AD. They were of Kannada origin and Kannada language was their monther tongue. Dandidurga was the founder of Rashtrakuta dynasty. He annexed the Chalukya kingdom by defeating kirtivarman II. Dandidurga was followed by krishna I. He build the magnificent rock cut monolithic Kailasa temple at Ellora.
- Rashtrakutra divided kingdom into provinces called as rashtras and further into Vishayas/Districts.
- Rashtrakutas patronized Sanskrit literature. Court poet named Trivikrama wrote Nalchampu and Kavirahasya. Pampa was a great poet of this time.
- The most important construction of Rasktrakuta was Kailasa temple at Ellora. They also gave significant contribution of Elephant canes
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