Sovideva

Rayamurari Sovideva was the younger son of the Kalachuri king Bijjala II.^[3] Bijjala II abdicated the throne and nominated Sovideva as his successor^[3] in about 1167 CE. He also persuaded Channabasavanna, the nephew of the late Basavanna, to become prime minister for the purpose of pacifying the followers of the sharana movement. However, Bijalla had become so unpopular with the statesman Basavanna's followers that he was assassinated by them.^[4] This occurred three months after the death of Basavanna.^[2] Sovideva was the father-in-law of Malidevaraju, a prince of Palnadu kingdom who fought for the throne unsuccessfully.^[5][1]

Sovideva's succession was fiercely resisted by Mailugi, a younger brother of Bijjala II and Karna, a grandson of Bijalla. They claimed independence from Sovideva but were crushed by Sovideva, assisted by a general named Madhava.^{[citation needed]}

Sovideva persecuted followers of the sharana movement and his troops chased the insurgents. According to Dr. Ratnakar D. Hosamani- "Chaos and confusion reigned supreme, insurrections and street fights became common". He was succeeded by his younger brother Sankama II.^[2][3]