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Immadi Pulikeshin II, also known as Pulakeshin II, was the greatest Chalukyan Emperor who ruled from Vatapi (present-day Badami in Karnataka, India) from around 609 to 642 CE. He expanded the Chalukya Empire to cover most of the Deccan region in peninsular India, making him a legendary figure in Karnataka's history.

Early Life and Reign
He was the son of Chalukya monarch Kirttivarman I and overthrew his uncle Mangalesha to claim the throne.
Pulikeshin II suppressed rebellions, defeated the Kadambas of Banavasi, and gained the allegiance of the Alupas and Gangas of Talakadu.

Military Conquests
*Victory over Harshavardhana*: His most notable achievement was defeating the powerful northern emperor Harshavardhana, earning him the title "Paramaveshvara" (Supreme Lord).
He conquered the Vishnukundina kingdom (lower Godavari-Krishna valley) and appointed his brother Kubja Vishnu-vardhana as governor.
He also subjugated rulers of Dakshina Kosala and Kalinga.

Cultural Contributions
Pulikeshin II was a Vaishnavite Hindu but patronized Jainism, evident from the Aihole inscription composed by poet Ravikirtti, which records the construction of a Jinendra temple.
He encouraged Zoroastrian refugees (Parsis) fleeing Arab-Islamic persecution in Persia to settle on India's west coast.
Architectural feats include temples in Badami, Aihole (like Meguti Jain temple), and Pattadakal, blending cave and Dravidian styles.

Legacy
Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang described Pulikeshin as "farsighted, astute, and kind," with subjects who valued loyalty and honor.
His story inspired works like Kalki Krishnamurthy's Tamil novel "Sivagamiyin Sapatham" (1948) and the 1967 Kannada film "Immadi Pulikeshi" starring Dr. Rajkumar.
He's remembered as a great warrior, shrewd politician, and benevolent ruler in Karnataka's history ¹ ² ³.

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