Kalachuri Dynasty

Indian dynasty of Tripuri [8th–12th century]

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 17, 2026

Quick Summary

The Kalachuri dynasty refers to several dynasties in Indian history, with the most prominent ruling in central India from the 8th to 12th centuries CE, with their capital at Tripuri.1

The dynasty's early history is obscure, but it gained prominence under Kokalla I around the mid-9th century. They engaged in conflicts and formed matrimonial alliances with contemporary powers like the Rashtrakutas.1

A significant period of expansion occurred under Gangeyadeva (c. 1015–1041) and his son Karna (1041–1073), who extended their influence and military campaigns across various regions of India. However, Kalachuri power declined in the late 12th century due to pressure from neighbouring dynasties like the Gahadavalas and Chandelas.1

Other Kalachuri families existed, including those in northern Maharashtra (c. 550–620 CE) and a brief dynasty in the Deccan (1156–1181 CE) that coincided with the rise of the Lingayat sect.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Kalachuri dynasty
Central India
The best-known Kalachuri family in Indian history ruled in central India, with its base at the ancient city of Tripuri (modern Tewar). Its origin is placed about the beginning of the 8th century, but little is known of its early history. The line comes into clearer focus…
Read More
The best-known Kalachuri family in Indian history ruled in central India, with its base at the ancient city of Tripuri (modern Tewar). Its origin is placed about the beginning of the 8th century, but little is known of its early history. The line comes into clearer focus…
Read More

India
The Rajputs of India
The Kalachuris of Tripuri (near Jabalpur) also began as feudatories of the Rashtrakutas, becoming a power in central India in the 11th century during the reigns of Gangeyadeva and his son Lakshmikarna, when attempts were made to conquer territories as far afield as Utkala, Bihar, and…
Read More
The Kalachuris of Tripuri (near Jabalpur) also began as feudatories of the Rashtrakutas, becoming a power in central India in the 11th century during the reigns of Gangeyadeva and his son Lakshmikarna, when attempts were made to conquer territories as far afield as Utkala, Bihar, and…
Read More