Lords of the Deccan: Southern India from the Chalukyas to the Cholas

Wonderful read, deeply informative. Beautiful style.

Excellent book

What a fantastic history book. Not only is it about a hugely significant, but often ignored space in time and geography (Deccan in the 2nd half of the first millennium), but it is written excitingly! It's pure fact based history, but Kanisetti brings a sense of intrigue, anticipation; he builds suspense and grandeur of moments; he brings detail and color that totally transports you to the actual moment! The Chalukyas, The Rashtrakutas, The Kalyana Chalukyas, The Cholas - all in the context of globalizing trade networks from Rome, Abbasids and Tang and Song China. Those empires of India were transformational in urbanization, language, architecture, commerce! A time often missed in Indian history books on account of being south of the Vindhyas, but really, the biggest and most impactful kingdoms in all of India at their time. They continued to be the source of prestige for centuries after, enticing rulers all the way down to the 17th-18th century to associate their symbolism into their own titles, construction and language! One of my absolute favorite books on history I've ever read!

Lords of the Deccan is one of the most impressive works of narrative history I have read in recent times. Anirudh Kanisetti takes what is often a neglected period of Indian history — the rise and rule of the Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas — and brings it alive with a storyteller’s eye for detail. What makes this book stand out is the balance between rigorous research and accessible writing. Kanisetti draws upon inscriptions, literature, and archaeology, yet he never overwhelms the reader with jargon. Instead, he builds a vivid picture of Deccan society, politics, and culture, where temples were not just spiritual centers but also hubs of power and wealth. The chapters move almost like a series of interconnected stories, filled with rulers, poets, and warriors who shaped medieval South India. At times, the narrative reminded me of an epic — but one that is deeply rooted in evidence. The author does not shy away from complexities, including issues of power struggles, caste, and religion, making the book honest rather than romanticized. For readers interested in Indian history, this book is essential. It fills a huge gap in our understanding of the subcontinent between the fall of the Guptas and the rise of the Delhi Sultanate. For me, the strength of this work lies in how it makes a distant past feel immediate and relevant, and in doing so, it sets a benchmark for how popular history can be written.

Brilliant book written with passion and research. Looking forward to his next book. I hope more books are written on Pandyas and Cheras as well.

This book is a must read. So often our knowledge of history of India is based on Maurya followed by Mughals and British - with big holes in what happened in between. A fantastic narrative of Chalukyas and the history of what defines Karnataka and South today. Very well researched and lots of information which otherwise we would never know. Can't recommend it enough.

Beautifully written! Brilliant and passionate new voice.