Battle of Pullalur


The Battle of Pullalur was a battle fought between the Chalukya king Pulakesin II and the Pallava king Mahendravarman I in the town of Pullalur or Pollilur in about 618–19.

Causes

The rapid expansion of the Chalukya Empire had resulted in the Chalukya annexation of the Vishnukundin kingdom. The Vishnukundins were allies of the Pallavas of Kanchi who were emerging as a major power in the 6th century AD. This embittered the Pallavas against them and a large number of battles were fought.

Events

In about 617–18, Pulakesin II invaded and annexed Vengi. After his success against Vengi, he proceeded southwards and confining the Pallavas to the area around Kanchi. The Pallava king Mahendravarman I met Pulakesin at the town of Pullalur or Pollilur, about nine miles north of Kanchi. In the ensuing battle, Mahendravarman is believed to have suffered defeat.
The Aihole inscription of Pulakesin II gives a detailed description of the battle
The Kasakudi plates state
While Mahendravarman's enemies are not mentioned by name, some historians interpret this edit as a description of Pallava victory over the Chalukyas. However, others feel that a Pallava victory might have been improbable as there are evidences of the Chalukya army's incursions as far south as the Chera, Chola and Pandya countries.

Aftermath

Following the victory, Pulakesin attacked Kanchi but unable to penetrate the defences of the Pallava capital, he proceeded southwards and ravaged the northern and central parts of Tamil Nadu intruding as far as the Kaveri River. Then, after accepting the submission of Chera, Chola and Pandya kings, Pulakesin II returned to Vatapi.