Who was the greastest of the Chalukyas ? When did he ascend the throne?

a. The Greatest of the Chalukyas:

The greatest Chalukya king was Pulakesin II who ascended the throne in about 609 AD.

Details about the reign of Pulakesin II are available from his eulogy written by the court-poet Ravikirti in the Aihole-Megtiti inscription.

Written in Sanskrit this is an example of poetic excellence reached in the language at that time.

b. Why Pulakesin II Famous was:

Hiuen Tsang in his accounts has mentioned that the Chalukya power reached its climax under Pulakesin II. Pulakesin’s struggle with the Pallavas which had begun with him continued even after his death.

But being horror-striken with the growing strength of Pulakesin II the Cholas, Pandyas, etc. offered their submission to him.

Pulakesin II maintained friendly relations with the neighboring countries. This has been corroborated by the Arabian writer Tabari.

According to him, Pulakesin II sent goodwill mission to the Iranian monarch Khusru II. Khusru II reciprocated it by sending envoy to the court of Pulakesin II.

The famous Chinese Pilgrim Hiuen Tsang also visited the Chalukya capital at Vatapi. Hiuen Tsang states in his account that Pulakesin II was one of the greatest monarchs of the contemporary India.