Archaeological Survey of India excavation finds a sophisticated stepped reservoir on the Elephanta Islands.
- During the excavation several copper coins have been identified as belonging to ruler Krishnaraja of the Kalachuri dynasty of the sixth century CE.
Kalachuri Dynasty
- Origin: They were a Kshatriya tribe mentioned in Brahmanical epics and the Puranas.
- Major Branches and Rulers
- Early Kalachuris/Kalachuries of Mahishmati (550–620 CE): Ruled over parts of present-day Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra
- Important Rulers: Krishnaraja, Shankaragana , Buddharaja
- Kalachuris of Chedi (or Tripuri): Ruled from their capital at Tripuri around 9th century AD (near modern Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh)
- Important Rulers: Kokalla I, Gangeyadeva , Vijayasimha
- Kalachuris of Kalyani (1156–1181 CE): Short-lived but significant branch was founded by Bijjala II in parts of Karnataka and Maharashtra
- The Virashaiva (or Lingayat) movement was founded by Basavanna, a minister in Bijjala's court
- Early Kalachuris/Kalachuries of Mahishmati (550–620 CE): Ruled over parts of present-day Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra
- Religion and Society
- Kalachuris of Chedi strongly patronized the Brahmanical religion, showing particular devotion to Shaivism and Vishnu worship.
- Shakti worship and the Yogini cult were highly prevalent, leading to the construction of 64-Yogini temples in places like Khajuraho, Bheraghat and Shahdol.
- Art and Architecture: They made notable contributions to rock-cut architecture, excavating Caves 6 and 7 at Aurangabad and patronizing parts of Elephanta, Ellora (Cave 29), and Jogeshwari.
Elephanta Islands
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