Someshvara II facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Someshvara II |
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_of_Kalyani_(Western)_Chalukya_King_Bhuvanaikamalla_Someshvara_II.JPG)
An old stone carving from around 1068 AD. It mentions the Western Chalukya King, Someshvara II.
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| Western Chalukya King | |
| Reign | 1068–1076 |
| Predecessor | Someshvara I |
| Successor | Vikramaditya VI |
| House | Chalukya dynasty |
| Father | Someshvara I |
Someshvara II (reigned 1068–1076) was a king of the Western Chalukya dynasty in India. He was the oldest son of the previous king, Someshvara I. Before becoming king, he was in charge of the area around Gadag.
His time as king was full of challenges. His biggest problem was his ambitious younger brother, Vikramaditya VI, who also wanted to be king. In the end, Vikramaditya VI managed to take the throne from Someshvara II.
Around the year 1070, Someshvara II successfully expanded his kingdom by taking control of the region of Malava.
The Chola Kingdom Attacks
Soon after Someshvara II became king, he had to defend his kingdom from an invasion. The army of the Chola kingdom, led by their king Virarajendra Chola, marched into Chalukya lands. They surrounded the town of Gutti and attacked another town called Kampili.
This was a dangerous time for the Chalukya kingdom. But instead of helping his brother, Vikramaditya VI saw this as a chance to grab power for himself.
A Brother's Sneaky Plan
Vikramaditya VI used the chaos caused by the Chola invasion to his advantage. He convinced some of the local lords, who were supposed to be loyal to King Someshvara II, to switch sides and support him instead.
With these new allies, Vikramaditya started talking with the enemy king, Virarajendra Chola. He made an alliance with the Cholas against his own brother.
War Between Brothers
The situation changed suddenly in 1070 when the Chola king, Virarajendra, died. His son, Athirajendra Chola, became the new king, but he was quickly assassinated. This allowed a new ruler, Kulothunga Chola I, to take the Chola throne.
Vikramaditya VI did not like the new Chola king. Because of this, Someshvara II decided to team up with Kulothunga Chola I. Together, they planned to attack Vikramaditya.
The final battle happened in 1075. Kulothunga's army attacked Vikramaditya. At the same time, Someshvara II attacked Vikramaditya from behind. This started a short civil war between the brothers.
Unfortunately for Someshvara II, he was badly defeated. After the battle, he was captured and put in prison by his brother. No one knows for sure what happened to him after that. In 1076, Vikramaditya VI declared himself the new Chalukya king.
See also
