Jayasimha Vallabha (500 – 520) and his son, Ranaranga (520 – 540) must have been petty chiefs under the Kadambas, but we know little about their activities and achievements.

In 543, Ranaranga's son Pulakesi, an outsider and former petty chieftain who claims royal (Rajput) descent, earns the distinction of being the first independent king and the real founder of the dynasty.

Successfully defying the waning power of the Kadambas, he proclaims Chalukyan independence in 543.

He captures the hill fort of Vatapi (Badami), chooses it as his capital, and constructs a strong hill fortress on a defensible location surrounded by rivers and steep mountains.

He seizes territories between the western Deccan and the Western Ghats from their Vakataka rulers, giving him access to the valuable Arabian Sea trade routes.