Someshvara III

Someshvara III was a Western Chalukya king who reigned from 1126 to 1138. He was the son and successor of Vikramaditya VI. During his reign, he managed to maintain the vast empire inherited from his father, although he faced internal rebellions and external conflicts, notably with the Cholas. Someshvara III was also a distinguished scholar, historian, and poet. He authored the Sanskrit encyclopedic work known as *Manasollasa*, which covers a wide array of subjects including polity, governance, astronomy, rhetoric, medicine, and arts. This work is considered a valuable source for understanding the socio-cultural aspects of 11th and 12th-century India. Additionally, he wrote *Vikramankabhyudaya*, an incomplete biography of his father. His scholarly achievements earned him titles such as *Sarvadnya-bhupa* and *Bhulokamala*. He also made significant land grants in support of Shaivism and monastic scholarship, contributing to the growth of centers for Vedic and philosophical studies.