Mask of Vaikuntha Vishnu, late 5th century. Learn more about 5th century masks
Mangalesha (r. 598–610 CE) was a king of the Badami Chalukya dynasty, which ruled over parts of present-day Karnataka and Maharashtra in India between the sixth and eighth centuries. He was the son of Pulakesin I and the brother of Kirttivarman I. Historians consider him to have been an important patron of the arts. The excavation of the Badami caves, which commenced during Kirttivarman I’s reign, was completed during Mangalesha’s rule and he is also credited with the patronage of Cave no. 4 (or the Vaishnava Cave) at the site.