Indian Epigraphy c16.s2.69

c16.s2.69

Early rulers of the Eastern Cālukya dynasty of Veṅgī enjoyed the title *Mahārāja*.¹ But the later members of the family called themselves *Mahārājādhirāja Parameśvara Bhaṭṭāraka* (or *Paramabhaṭṭāraka*).² Sometimes the paramount title *Paramabhaṭṭāraka* was used by the later Eastern Cālukyas together with the title *Samadhigata-pañca-mahāśabda*³ which was generally assumed by subordinate rulers. In this, however, the Eastern Cālukyas appear to have imitated the Imperial Rāṣṭrakūṭas who are known to have rarely used that title.⁴ There are a few such instances of an independent ruler claiming this title.⁵