Vikramaditya-VI (1076-1126 CE): He was the most outstanding ruler of the Chalukyas of Kalyana. He was the Governor of Gangavadi during the reign of his brother Someshwara-II. Vikramaditya-VI overthrew his brother and proclaimed himself as the King of Chalukyas of Kalyana in 1076 CE. To commemorate his accession to the throne, he started a new era known as the Vikrama era from 1076 C.E.
1) The revolt of Jayasimha-IV: In 1080 CE, Jayasimha-IV (younger brother) who had been appointed as the Governor of Banavasi rose in revolt and made an attempt to seize the throne. Vikramaditya-VI defeated him and kept him in prison.
2) Interference in Paramara politics: The Paramara ruler Udayaditya passed away and a conflict for the throne began amongst his sons. Vikramaditya-VI helped Jayadeva to secure the throne. As a result, Jayadeva remained the most trusted feudatory of Vikramaditya-VI.
3) Conquest on Hoysalas: The Hoysalas were feudatories of the Chalukyas of Kaylana, but under the leadership of the ambitious Vishnuvardhana, they wanted to overthrow the Chalukyan yoke. In 1117 C.E., Vishnuvardhana invaded and occupied, the Chalukyan territory of Nolambavadi. But in 1118 C.E., Vishnuvardhana after a bitter struggle lost in the battle of KannegalatoVikramaditya-VI.
4) War with Cholas: Vikramaditya-VI marched against the Cholas and captured Kanchi. Kulottunga Chola had captured Vengi, but it was reconquered by Vikramaditya-VI in 1118 CE. He turned his attention towards north. The northern rulers like Gurjaras, and later Malwa and Sindhe were all routed by him and accepted the supremacy of Vikramaditya-VI.
5) Expedition to south: Southern rulers like the Kadambas of Hanagal, Pandyas of Uchchangi, Shiiaharas of north Konkan, Alupas, Sevanas and others were also defeated and accepted the sovereignty of Vikramaditya-VI.
6) Extention of the Kingdom: Vikramaditya extended his Kingdom towards east upto Godavari, west upto Konkana, north upto river Narmada and in south upto southern Karnataka.
Vikramaditya was an able ruler and well-known patron of learning. He patronized scholars like Bilhana, Vijananeshwara and others. Vikramaditya assumed titles like Permadideva and Tribhuvanamalla. He was also called as the ‘Moon of Karnataka’. He maintained cordial relations with Ceylon. He started the ‘ Vikrama era’ in 1076 C.E.
