Who among the following defeated Harshavardhana when he invaded the Chalukya kingdom in the Deccan?

The correct answer is Pulakesin II.

Key Points

• Pulakesin II defeated Harshavardhana when he invaded the Chalukya kingdom in the Deccan.
• Pulakeshin II, the King of the Chalukya dynasty defeated Harshavardhana when he sought to enlarge his Empire into the southern peninsula of India.
• He defeated Harshavardhana on the banks of the Narmada river in 618-619 AD.
• The Aihole inscription was written by the Ravikirti, court poet of Chalukya King, Pulakesin II who reigned from 610 to 642 CE.

Additional Information

• Chalukya dynasty:  
  • It lasted from 543 A.D. to 755 A.D.
  • Pulakesin I was the founder of the Chalukya dynasty. He established a small kingdom with Vatapi or Badami as its capital.
  • The Western Chalukyas ruled over an extensive area in the Deccan for about two centuries after which the Rashtrakutas became powerful.
  • The family of Western Chalukyas had its offshoots like the Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi and the Chalukyas of Kalyani.
  • Kirtivarman II was the last of the rulers of the Chalukyas.
  • He was defeated by Dantidurga, the founder of the Rashtrakuta dynasty.