Description

About The Book

The Kalachuris – Guardians of Central India (c. 550 – 1225 CE) is a comprehensive exploration of the early medieval period (c. 550s CE – c. 1200s CE), focusing on the rise and rule of the Kalachuris of Tripuri and Ratnapura—two powerful yet understudied dynasties that shaped the heartland of India for over six centuries. This book investigates their political strategies, religious patronage, architectural legacy, and interactions with contemporary powers such as the Gurjara-Pratiharas, Chahamanas, Kalyani Chalukyas, and Gahadavalas.
Drawing on epigraphic evidence, copper plate charters, temple architecture, and literary sources, the book reconstructs the dynamic political geography of central India—covering regions of modern Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. It examines how these dynasties managed frontier spaces, asserted regional authority, and contributed to broader processes of state formation and religious development, particularly through their patronage of Shaivism and temple networks.
This volume provides a nuanced, interdisciplinary perspective combining history, archaeology, political economy, and cultural studies. It highlights the vital role of regional powers in shaping India’s early medieval landscape and offers fresh insights into forgotten rulers who once stood as sentinels of Central India’s civilization.
Designed for academic scholars, university students, competitive exam aspirants, heritage professionals, and curious general readers, this book restores an important but neglected chapter of Indian history. It invites readers to rediscover the significance of the Kalachuris within the broader currents of subcontinental transformation during the early medieval era.

About The Author

Dr. Vadithe Mallikarjuna Naik is a distinguished scholar whose interdisciplinary expertise spans economics, tribal development, rural transformation, and financial inclusion. He received his Ph.D. in Economics, with a specialization in Econometrics, Migration, and Rural Development, from Andhra University in 2023. He also holds postgraduate degrees in Rural Development (M.A.), Mathematics (M.Sc.), Statistics (M.Sc.), and Computer Applications (MCA), reflecting a rare blend of quantitative, technological, and social science proficiency.

Currently, Dr. Vadithe is an ICSSR Postdoctoral Fellow at the Centre for Economic and Social Studies (CESS), Hyderabad, where he explores the use of fintech to advance inclusive economic development in tribal areas of Andhra Pradesh. His prior roles include Administrative Officer (Research) at the Institute for Tribal Development Studies (ITDS) and Research Assistant at both CESS and the Centre for Rural Development Studies (CRSD), where he contributed to evidence-based policy research on tribal livelihoods, governance, indigenous education, and natural farming.

With 11 research publications and five national and international seminar presentations to his credit, Dr. Vadithe brings analytical depth and field-based insight to his work. Proficient in STATA, NCSS .NET, Java, and HTML5, he merges data science with developmental research.

A proud member of the Sugali Scheduled Tribe, Dr. Vadithe’s research is anchored in a deep personal commitment to marginalized communities. This historical volume, The Kalachuris – Guardians of Central India (c. 550 – 1225 CE), reflects his dedication to recovering overlooked regional histories and amplifying voices often left out of mainstream Indian historiography.