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{{Short description|Chalukya Emperor from 592 to 610}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2019}}
{{Infobox royalty
| name = Mangalesha
| title = Shri-prithvi-vallabha, Maharaja
| succession = Chalukya king
| reign = {{circa|592|610}}
| predecessor = [[Kirttivarman I]]
| successor = [[Pulakeshin II]]
| house = [[Chalukyas of Vatapi]]
| house-type = Dynasty
| father = [[Pulakeshin I]]
}}
{{Chalukyas|Vatapi}}

'''Mangalesha''' ([[IAST]]: Maṅgaleśa, r. {{Circa|592|610 CE}}) was a king of the [[Chalukyas of Vatapi|Chalukya dynasty]] of [[Vatapi]] in [[Karnataka]], India. He succeeded his older brother [[Kirttivarman I]] on the throne, and ruled a kingdom that stretched from southern [[Gujarat]] in north to [[Bellary]]-[[Kurnool]] region in the south, in the western part of the [[Deccan]] region. It included parts of present-day Gujarat, [[Maharashtra]], [[Goa]], Karnataka, and [[Andhra Pradesh]].

Mangalesha expanded the Chalukya power in present-day Gujarat and Maharashtra after defeating the [[Kalachuris of Mahishmati|Kalachuri]] king Buddharaja. He also consolidated his rule in the [[Konkan]] coastal region of Maharashtra and Goa after conquering [[Revatidvipa|Revati-dvipa]] from the rebel Chalukya governor Svamiraja. His reign ended when he lost a war of succession to his nephew [[Pulakeshin II]], a son of Kirttivarman I.

Mangalesha was a [[Vaishnavite]], and constructed a [[Vishnu]] temple during the reign of his brother Kirttivarman I. He was tolerant of other sects, as evident by the [[Mahakuta Pillar]] inscription, which records his gift to a [[Shaivite]] shrine.

== Names and titles ==

The name "Mangalesha" literally means "prosperous lord".{{sfn|K. A. Nilakanta Sastri|1960|p=209}} Several variants of this name appear in the dynastic records, including Mangaleshvara, Mangalisha, Mangalaraja, and Mangalarnava ("ocean of auspiciousness").{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|p=46}} The 578 CE Badami inscription calls him Mangalishvara.{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|p=38}}

His regal titles included ''[[Prithvi-vallabha (title)|Shri-prithvi-vallabha]]'', ''[[Maharaja]]'', ''Rana-vikranata'' ("puissant in war"), and ''Uru-rana-vikranta'' ("puissant like Uru in war").{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|p=46}}

== Early life ==

Mangalesha was a son of the Chalukya king [[Pulakeshin I]]. His Mahakuta Pillar inscription refers to Pulakeshin's wife Durlabha-devi as his "father's wife", which suggests that Durlabha-devi was his step-mother.{{sfn|K. V. Ramesh|1984|p=45}}

Mangalesha succeeded his elder brother [[Kirttivarman I]], who was probably his half-brother,{{sfn|K. A. Nilakanta Sastri|1960|p=209}} and who was survived by at least three underage sons.{{sfn|K. V. Ramesh|1984|p=57}} The inscriptions of the later [[Chalukyas of Kalyani]] claim that Mangalesha "took upon himself the burden of administration" because Kirttivarman's son [[Pulakeshin II]] was a minor. However, these inscriptions also wrongly claim that Mangalesha returned the kingdom to Pulakeshin II when Pulakeshin II grew up, praising the Chalukya lineage for such exemplary behaviour. This claim is contradicted by Pulakeshin II's own [[Aihole inscription]], and appears to be a late attempt to gloss over Pulakeshin II's overthrow of Mangalesha.{{sfn|K. A. Nilakanta Sastri|1960|p=209}} It is possible that Mangalesha initially ruled as a regent, but later decided to usurp the throne.{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|p=59}}

Historian [[K. V. Ramesh (archaeologist)|K. V. Ramesh]] theorizes that Mangalesha administered the kingdom during the lifetime of Kirttivarman, who remained pre-occupied with military campaigns. According to Ramesh, Kirttivarman and Mangalesha may have taken turns in alternately administering the kingdom and leading military campaigns.{{sfn|K. V. Ramesh|1984|p=53}}

== Period ==

Mangalesha's own inscriptions are not dated in any specific [[calendar era]], which makes the determination of his exact regnal period uncertain.{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|p=47}} Kirttivarman's last extant inscription is dated 578 CE (year 500 of the [[Shaka era]]), so Mangalesha's reign must have started sometime after this year.{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|p=48}} [[J. F. Fleet]] assigned the beginning of Mangalesha's reign to 597-598 CE based on his reading of the Mahakuta Pillar inscription, but this view is no longer considered correct.{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|pp=53-54}}

The 610-611 CE Goa inscription, issued by the Chalukya vassal Satyashraya Dhruvaraja Indravarman, was probably issued during the reign of Mangalesha, and can be used to determine his regnal period.{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|pp=48-49}} The vassal chief, who was stationed at Revatidvipa, served as the governor of four [[vishaya]]-mandalas (districts),{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|p=49}} and is described as the crest-jewel of the Adi-Bappura family.{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|p=48}} The inscription does not mention the name of the overlord, simply referring to him by his title ''Shri-prithvi-vallabha''. This title was used by the Chalukya rulers of Vatapi, and the seal of the inscription features the Chalukya boar emblem.{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|p=48}} The record is dated to the 20th regnal year; this regnal year is most probably that of the overlord, as petty vassals and governors did not issue records dated in their own regnal years.{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|p=49}} Some scholars, such as [[D. C. Sircar]], have theorized that the inscription was dated to the vassal's regnal year, but this is unlikely considering the fact that the vassal sought the sanction of his overlord to make the gift recorded in the inscription.{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|p=50}} The overlord could not have been Mangalesha's predecessor Kirttivarman I, as he is known to have been ruling in 567 CE, and therefore, 611 CE could not have been his 20th regnal year.{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|p=50}} The overlord could not have been Mangalesha's successor Pulakeshin either, as Pulakeshin's reign is known to have commenced in 610-611 CE (Shaka year 532).{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|p=48, 51}} According to the Aihole ''prashasti'' inscription of Pulakeshin, Revatidvipa was annexed to the Chalukya kingdom by Mangalesha; therefore, Mangalesha is likely to be the overlord mentioned in the Goa inscription.{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|pp=50-52}} Thus, if the Goa inscription is dated to the 20th regnal year of Mangalesha, he must have ascended the throne in 591-592 (Shaka year 513).{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|p=53}}

An inscription of Pulakeshin is dated 613 CE (Shaka year 534), and was issued during the third year of his reign. So, the end of Mangalesha's reign can be assigned to {{Circa|610-611 CE}}.{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|p=48, 51}}

== Military campaigns ==
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Mangalesha launched extensive military campaigns aimed at expanding the Chalukya power.{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|p=46}} The [[Mahakuta Pillar]] inscription suggests that he wanted to expand the Chalukya kingdom northwards, and planned to set up a pillar of victory on the banks of the Bhagirathi river ([[Ganges]]).{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|p=56}} He set up the Mahakuta Pillar in Vatapi as a preparatory step towards this objective.{{sfn|K. V. Ramesh|1984|p=61}} He could not achieve this particular objective in the coming years, but nevertheless, oversaw substantial expansion of the Chalukya kingdom.{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|pp=55-56}} Even the Aihole inscription of his rival Pulakeshin extols his gallant qualities.{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|p=56}}

In the north, Mangalesha's kingdom extended to present-day southern [[Gujarat]] and [[Nashik district|Nashik region]] of [[Maharashtra]]. In the south, he retained the territory inherited from his predecessor, maintaining control over northern [[Karnataka]], up to [[Bellary]] (Karnataka) and [[Kurnool]] ([[Andhra Pradesh]]) in the south.{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|p=60}}

=== Victory over the Kalachuris ===

According to the Chalukya inscriptions, Mangalesha defeated the [[Kalachuris of Mahishmati|Kalachuris]], who were the northern neighbours of the Chalukyas.{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|p=56}} The Mahakuta Pillar inscription suggests that Mangalesha defeated the Kalachuri ruler Buddharaja sometime before the 5th or the 7th regnal year of Mangalesha, that is, before 597 CE or 599 CE.{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|p=56}} However, the victory referred to in this particular inscription was probably just a successful raid or a conquest of the southernmost Kalachuri territories, as Buddha-raja is known to have ruled until at least 609 CE. Buddharaja's rule over the Nashik region is attested by his 608-609 CE Vadner grant inscription, and his rule over the Gujarat area is attested by his 609-610 CE Sarsavani inscription. No records of the Kalachuri dynasty are available after 609-610 CE, and Mangalesha's successor Pulakeshin is known to have been in control of the former Kalachuri territory.{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|p=57}}

The Nerur inscription states that the Kalachuris possessed elephants, horses, infantry, and treasure. The Mahakuta Pillar inscription states that Mangalesha deprived Buddha of all his possessions, and that the wealth of the "Kalatsuris" (Kalachuris) was spent on the idol procession of a temple (probably the Mahakuta temple).{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|p=56}} The Aihole prashasti inscription states that Mangalesha "raised canopies of dust on the shores of the eastern and the western ocean", and "enjoyed the Kalachuris' ladies along with their prosperity".{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|pp=56-57}}

Since the Chalukya records do not mention that Pulakeshin defeated the Kalachuris, scholars such as D. P. Dikshit and [[D. C. Sircar]] believe that Mangalesha defeated the Kalachuris decisively towards the end of his reign.{{sfn|V. V. Mirashi|1961|p=56}}{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|p=57}} Others, such as [[V. V. Mirashi]] and Ronald M. Davidson, believe that Pulakeshin, whose reign started around 610 CE, was responsible for the end of the Kalachuri dynasty.{{sfn|Ronald M. Davidson|2004|p=40}}{{sfn|V. V. Mirashi|1961|p=56}}

=== Conquest of the Revati island ===
{{Main|Revatidvipa}}
Mangalesha conquered the [[Revatidvipa|Revati island]] ("Revati-dvipa"), which is identified with present-day [[Redi, Maharashtra]].{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|p=57}} The Aihole prashasti inscription states that Mangalesha's navy, which was like the army of the deity [[Varuna]], conquered the island. The later Chalukya inscriptions mention that Mangalesha's troops crossed the sea by a bridge made of boats.{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|p=58}}

The ruler of Revatidvipa was probably [[Revatidvipa|Svamiraja]], who according to the Nerur inscription, was defeated by Mangalesha. The Nerur inscription does not refer to the Revatidvipa, but suggests that Svamiraja was the governor of the [[Konkan]] coastal region, in which Revatidvipa was located. Svamiraja was prince of the Chalukya ancestry, and had won 18 battles. He may have been appointed as the governor of Konkan by Mangalesha's predecessor Kirttivarman after the Chalukya conquest of the region. Svamiraja may have rebelled against Mangalesha, and probably sided with Pulakeshin in the subsequent Chalukya war of succession. For this reason, Mangalesha may have defeated and killed him.{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|p=58}}

Subsequently, Mangalesha may have appointed Satyashraya Dhruvaraja Indravarman as the new governor of the Konkan region. The Goa inscription of this governor refers to a Chalukya monarch by the title ''Shri-prithvi-vallabha Maharaja'': this monarch was most probably Mangalesha.{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|p=58}} The inscription records the grant of the Karellika village located in the situated in the Khetahara ''desha'' (country) to Brahmanas;{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|pp=48-49}} Khetahara is identified with modern [[Khed, Ratnagiri|Khed]].{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|p=58}}

== Conflict with Pulakeshin ==

Mangalesha was overthrown by his nephew [[Pulakeshin II]], who was a son of his elder brother and predecessor [[Kirttivarman I]]. This is attested by Pulakeshin's Aihole inscription.{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|p=59}} How exactly this happened is not clear, as the Aihole inscription gives an enigmatic description of the episode: it states that Mangalesha was envious of Pulakeshin, because Pulakeshin was a favourite of Lakshmi (the goddess of fortune). Therefore, Pulakeshin, decided to go into exile. Subsequently, Mangalesha's became weak "on all sides" as Pulakeshin applied his "gifts of good counsel and energy".{{sfn|K. A. Nilakanta Sastri|1960|p=211}} Ultimately, Mangalesha had to abandon three things simultaneously: his attempt to secure the throne for his own son (or his ability to perpetuate his own descent{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|p=59}}), his kingdom, and his own life.{{sfn|K. A. Nilakanta Sastri|1960|p=211}}

The above description suggests that Mangalesha rejected Pulakeshin's claim to the throne, forcing Pulakeshin to go into exile, and possibly appointed his own son as the heir apparent. During his exile, Pulakeshin planned an attack on Mangalesha, and ultimately defeated and killed him.{{sfn|K. A. Nilakanta Sastri|1960|p=211}}

The undated [[Peddavadugur|Peddavaduguru]] inscription records Pulakeshin's grant of the Elpattu Simbhige village after his subjugation of Ranavikrama. According to one theory, this Ranavikrama was Mangalesha (who bore the title "Ranavikrama"), who was defeated by Mangalesha in a battle fought at Elpattu Simbhige.{{sfn|K. V. Ramesh|1984|pp=76-77}} However, another theory identifies Ranavikrama as a [[Bana kingdom|Bana]] king.{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|p=70}}

Because Pulakeshin's descendants subsequently ruled the kingdom, Mangalesha's achievements were sidelined in the subsequent records of the dynasty.{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|p=46}}

== Personal life ==

The ruler referred to by his title ''Prithvi-vallabha Maharaja'' in the Mudhol inscription may have been Mangalesha. This inscription states that Pugavarman was the son of this ruler. It is possible that Mangalesha initially ruled as a regent for Pulakeshin, but later usurped the throne, and appointed his own son as the crown prince, leading to a rebellion by Pulakeshin.{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|p=59}}

The Mahakuta Pillar inscription states that Mangalesha was "endowed with virtues of polity, refinement, knowledge, liberality, kindness, and civility".{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|p=60}} It describes him as the crest jewel of the Chalukya dynasty, and states that he possessed [[Lakshmi|Shri]], the goddess of wealth. It him to legendary and mythological heroes, stating that he was as unassailable as Mahendra, as unconquered as [[Rama]], as liberal as [[Shibi (king)|Shibi]], as faithful to his words as [[Yudhishthira]], as fortunate as [[Vasudeva]], as famous as [[Mandhatri|Mandhatr]], and as intelligent as [[Brihaspati]]. The inscription also extols his braveness, stating that the warriors liked him, and that he had exterminated other lion-like kings.{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|p=60}}

== Religion ==

Mangalesha appears to have been a [[Vaishnavite]], as attested by the Nerur inscription which calls him a ''Parama-bhagavata'' ("Devotee of [[Vishnu]]").{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|p=46}} The 578 CE Badami inscription, issued during the reign of Kirttivarman I, records the construction of Lanjishvara or Maha-Vishnu-Griha cave temple dedicated to [[Vishnu]] by Mangalesha. The inscription describes the temple as "well-proportioned and of wonderful workmanship".{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|p=60}} It is dated the ''[[Kartik Purnima|Karttika Paurnamasi]]'' of [[Shaka era|Shaka year]] 500, that is, 31 October 578 CE.{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|p=38}} The inscription also records his gift of land to the garland-makers of the temple.{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|p=47}}

Mangalesha also seems to have patronized other Hindu sects, including [[Shaivism]]. The [[Mahakuta Pillar]] inscription records his gift of ten villages to the shrine of Maukteshvara-natha, a form of [[Shiva]].{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|pp=46-47}}

== Inscriptions ==

The following inscriptions from Mangalesha's reign have been discovered:

* Mahakuta Pillar ''[[prashasti]]'' inscription, issued during Mangalesha's fifth regnal year, on the [[Purnima|full moon day]] of the Vaisakha month, of the Siddhartha calendar era (''samvatsara'').{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|pp=47, 53}} The date corresponds to 12 April 601 CE.{{sfn|K. A. Nilakanta Sastri|1960|p=209}}
* Nerur copper plate inscription, which records the gift of a village to a [[Brahmin|Brahmana]], and lists Mangalesha's military achievements{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|p=47}}
* The 610-611 CE Goa grant inscription of Satyashraya Dhruvaraja Indravarman was probably issued during Mangalesha's reign.{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|p=47}} This inscription records the issuer's gift of the Karellika village with the sanction of an overlord titled ''Shri-prithvi-vallabha Maharaja'', who was probably Mangalesha.{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|pp=48-49}} It was issued on the full moon day of the Magha month of the Shaka year 532. Assuming that the inscription was issued after 532 years of the Shaka era had expired, it can be dated to 4 January 611 CE.{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|p=51}} However, if we assume that it was issued when the 532rd year of the Shaka era was current, it can be dated to 5 July 610 CE.{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|p=71}}

The 578 CE [[Badami]] cave inscription was issued by Mangalesha during the reign of his brother Kirttivarman I.{{sfn|Durga Prasad Dikshit|1980|p=38, 47}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

=== Bibliography ===

{{ref begin}}
* {{cite book |author=Durga Prasad Dikshit |title=Political History of the Chālukyas of Badami |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lEB11tKmCgcC&pg=PA152 |year=1980 |publisher=Abhinav |oclc=8313041 }}
* {{cite book |author=K. A. Nilakanta Sastri |author-link=K. A. Nilakanta Sastri |chapter=The Chaḷukyās of Bādāmi |editor=Ghulam Yazdani |title=The Early History of the Deccan |volume=I-VI |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=K1ZDAAAAYAAJ |year=1960 |publisher=Oxford University Press |oclc=174404606 }}
* {{cite book |author=K. V. Ramesh |title=Chalukyas of Vātāpi |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JAwhAAAAMAAJ |year=1984 |publisher=Agam Kala Prakashan |oclc=567370037 }}
* {{cite book |author=Ronald M. Davidson |title=Indian Esoteric Buddhism: Social History of the Tantric Movement |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=n_VquVQvnBwC&pg=PA40 |year=2004 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |isbn=978-81-208-1991-7 }}
* {{cite book |author=V. V. Mirashi |author-link=Vasudev Vishnu Mirashi |title=Studies in Indology |volume=2 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AtItAQAAIAAJ |year=1961 |publisher=Vidarbha Samshodhana Mandal }}
{{ref end}}

[[Category:6th-century Indian monarchs]]
[[Category:7th-century Indian monarchs]]
[[Category:Early Chalukyas]]
[[Category:Year of birth uncertain]]
[[Category:Year of death uncertain]]
[[Category:Chalukya kings]]

Mangalesha - Revision history

Mohit Raj at 12:09, 9 June 2025