Pulakesin I is regarded as the real founder of the dynasty and ruled (c. AD 535-66) from the hill fort of Vatapi. An inscription on a bolder of the Badami fort describes how it was fortified in Saka 465 (ad 543-44).

According to the Aihole inscription, he was the “bridegroom of the damsel, viz., the city of Vatapi, the capital of the Chalukyas”.

It is believed that his principality consisted of two or three districts and that, being a Brahman; he celebrated his growing wealth by performing religious rites like Agnichayana, Vajapeya and Aswamedha.

Records de­scribe him as well versed in Manusmriti and the epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata. His chief queen was Durlabhamahadevi.