The ancient Vatapi, now known as Badami, in Bagalkot district (formerly Bijapur) of Karnataka, was the capital city of first Imperial Western Chalukyas of Badami, swayed whole of South India. from 6th. to 8th. centuries A.D. The Chalukyan rulers were liberal patrons of religion, art and architecture, who immortalized the rock-cut cave temples architecture in Karnataka, for which they are famous. The erection of temples with both Nagari and Dravidian styles enjoys a unique position in the annuals of Indian temple architecture popularly known as Chalukyan style.

Dr. K.M. Suresh (born 1952) former Registrar and retired Professor & Director (Museum) in the Kannada University, Hampi in Karnataka, obtained his M.A., from Karnataka University, Dharwad in 1974 and P.G. Diploma in Archaeology from Institute of Archaeology, Archaeological Survey of India, New Delhi in 1986. He obtained Ph.D., Degree from Utkala University, Bhubaneswar, Orissa in 1992 on "Sculptural Art of Hampi".

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