WBCS.LIVE practice question

Name the Chalukya king who defeated Harshavardana.

Solve this multiple-choice question and check the correct answer with its explanation below.

Answer options

  1. Pulakeshin I
  2. Pulakeshin II
  3. Mangalesh
  4. Kirtivarmana

Correct answer and explanation

Correct answer: Pulakeshin II

Explanation: Pulakeshin II defeated Harshavardhana on the banks of the Narmada, halting northern expansion southward. Other Information: ▪️ Pulakeshin II (610–642 CE) was the greatest Chalukya king. ▪️ Capital: Vatapi (modern Badami). ▪️ Defeated Harsha around 618 CE. ▪️ Known from Aihole inscription (Ravikirti). ▪️ Extended empire to Deccan, Odisha, and parts of Gujarat. ▪️ Defeated Pallavas initially but was later defeated by Narasimhavarman I. ▪️ Patronised art and architecture at Aihole, Badami, Pattadakal.