Shilabhattarika

Why in news?

• Researchers at the Pune-based Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute in India have decoded copper plates revealing that the celebrated Sanskrit poetess Shilabhattarika was a daughter of the “Satyashraya” Chalukyan ruler Pulakeshin II.
• Previously, it was thought that she was the wife of the 8th-century Rashtrakuta ruler Dhruva

Who was Shilabhattarika?

• Shilabhattarika was an ancient Sanskrit poet.
• She is considered a leading figure of the Panchali literary style, which maintains a balance between words and meaning.
• According to Rajashekhara, the Panchali style can be traced to the works of Shilabhattarika and possibly in some of the works of the 7th-century poet Bana.
• Sharangadhara-paddhati, a 14th-century anthology, praises her and three other female poets for their great poetic genius and erudition.
• One of the most iconic songs of the noted Marathi poetess Shanta Shelke, “toch chandrama nabhat” (it is the same moon in the sky), draws inspiration from the verses of Shilabhattarika.

About Pulakeshin II:

• Pulakeshin II was the most famous ruler of the Chalukya dynasty of Vatapi (present-day Badami in Karnataka). He ruled from 610-642 CE.
• During his reign, the Chalukya kingdom expanded to cover most of the Deccan region in peninsular India.
• He defeated Harshavardhan of Kanauj in a battle near the banks of the Narmada River in 618 CE.
• Pulakeshin entered into a treaty with Harsha, with the Narmada River designated as the border between the Chalukya Empire and that of Harshavardhana

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Consider the following statements regarding the Chalukya ruler ‘Pulakeshin II’:

1. During his reign, the Chalukya kingdom expanded to cover most of the Deccan region in peninsular India

2.He was defeated by Harshavardhan of Kanauj in 7^th century

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer