The dynasty of the Chalukya of Badami ruled over a large part of the Deccan for nearly two and a half centuries (circa A. D. 500 to 758). Though some research work has been done on the history and institutions of this dynasty, there is as yet no full and detailed published account of it.

The present well-written thesis on the subject by Sri Durga Prasad Dikshit gives such an account and fulfils a keenly felt need. It contains a detailed account of the history of the dynasty and a description of many -sided facets of the administrative system under them.

The thesis on the whole is good and bears evidence of the author’s painstaking research work and his capacity for objectives and critical examinations of the available evidence in presenting the conclusions in a readable and attractive manner.

The extensive quotations from the original texts of the inscriptions in the numerous footnotes testify to the author’s is having studied the inscriptions carefully and made good use of the materials.

Prof. T. V. Mahalingam
Retired Professor of History and Archaeology,
University of Madras,

I have gone through the work entitled “Political History of the Chalukyas of Badami” in a detailed way. The author has exhausted and examined all the sources on the subject in various languages. He has shown good mastery in regard to epigraphical source, which seems to be his strong forte.

His arguments are very clear and his conclusions are generally never dogmatic. Throughout he has shown critical acumen and his presentation is lucid.

Dr. A. V. Narasimha Murthy,
Professor and Head of Department,
P.G. Studies and Research in Ancient Indian History and Archaeology,
University of Mysore.