Solanki Kings of Gujarat

The word Solanki is another form of Chaulukya.

They were certainlyChaulukya.The Chaulukyas arose in Badami perhaps in 6th cent. One of their majorbranchesruled Kalyan (Kalyani) . They had some other branches also.

King Mularaja I, founded the Chaulukya line of Anahilavad in A.D.942 He was the son of King Raji of Kalyan. Jayasimha Siddharaj was 6th andKumarpalwas the 7th ruler in this line.

The Chaulukyas of Badami and Kalyani were also frequent supporters ofJainism.Many Jain scholars wrote books in their rule. Some of their dandadhipatisandmandalaikas were devout Jain.

At times Chaulukyas were subordinate under the Rashtrakuta (at othertimes,Chaulukyas were rivals) who were often enthusiastic supporters ofJainism. The Chaulukyas had a long tradition of supporting Jainism, although none of them are as distinguished in this resepct as King Kumarpal.

Chaulukyas and Chauhan (Chahamana) are not related. The Chauhans arose in Shakambhari (Sambhar, Ajmer) in Rajasthan.

-Yashwant Malaiya