82-572: Rajaraja II was a Chola emperor who reigned from 1150 to 1173. He was made his heir apparent and Co-Regent in 1146 and so the inscriptions of Rajaraja II count his reign from 1146. Rajaraja's reign began to show signs of the coming end of the dynasty. The extent of the Chola territories remained as it was during Rajaraja's predecessors. The Vengi country was still firmly under the Chola rule. The Chola central administration did show weaknesses with regard to their control and effective administration over
164-740: A Mysore army. There is not much information about the transition period of around three centuries from the end of the Sangam age (c. 300) to that in which the Pandyas and Pallavas dominated the Tamil country. An obscure dynasty, the Kalabhras invaded Tamil country, displaced the existing kingdoms and ruled during that time. They were displaced by the Pallava dynasty and the Pandyan dynasty in
246-649: A confederation of five Pandya princes, and kept the control of Rajarata under Chola rule. His successor, the last great Chola monarch Kulottunga Chola III reinforced the hold of the Chola territories by quelling further rebellions and disturbances in the Rajarata area of Sri Lanka and Madurai. He also defeated Hoysala generals who fought under Veera Ballala II at Karuvur. Furthermore, he also continued holding on to traditional territories in Tamil country, Eastern Gangavadi, Draksharama, Vengi, and Kalinga. However, after defeating Veera Ballala II, Kulottunga Chola III entered into
328-615: A few glimpses of the transformations that came over this line of kings during this long interval. It is certain that when the power of the Cholas fell to its lowest ebb and that of the Pandyas and Pallavas rose to the north and south of them, this dynasty was compelled to seek refuge and patronage under their more successful rivals. Despite their reduced powers, the Pandyas and Pallavas accepted Chola princesses in marriage, possibly out of regard for their reputation. Numerous Pallava inscriptions of this period mention their having fought rulers of
410-716: A long and ancient lineage. The Cholas are mentioned in Ashokan Edicts (inscribed 273 BCE–232 BCE) as one of the Mauryan empire's neighbours to the South ( Ashoka Major Rock Edict No.13 ), who, thought not subject to Ashoka, were on friendly terms with him. There are also brief references to the Chola country and its towns, ports and commerce in the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea ( Periplus Maris Erythraei ), and in
492-520: A marital alliance with him through Ballala's marriage to a Chola princess, which improved Kulottunga Chola III's relationship with the Hoysalas. During the reign of Rajaraja Chola I and his successors Rajendra Chola I, Virarajendra Chola and Kulothunga Chola I the Chola armies invaded Sri Lanka, the Maldives and parts of Southeast Asia like Malaysia, Indonesia and Southern Thailand of
574-697: A marital alliance with him through Ballala's marriage to a Chola princess, which improved the Kulottunga Chola III's relationship with Hoysalas. According to Tamil tradition, the Chola country comprised the region that includes the modern-day Tiruchirapalli District , Tiruvarur District , Nagapattinam District , Ariyalur District , Perambalur district , Pudukkottai district , Thanjavur District in Tamil Nadu and Karaikal District . The river Kaveri and its tributaries dominate this landscape of generally flat country that gradually slopes towards
656-720: A newly formed kingdom, in the lines of Pandya or the old country. Cenni in Tamil means Head . The history of the Cholas falls into four periods: the Early Cholas of the Sangam literature, the interregnum between the fall of the Sangam Cholas and the rise of the Imperial medieval Cholas under Vijayalaya (c. 848), the dynasty of Vijayalaya, and finally the Later Chola dynasty of Kulothunga Chola I from
738-474: A series of wars with Someshvara IV between 1185 and 1190. The last Chalukya king's territories did not even include the erstwhile Chalukyan capitals Badami, Manyakheta or Kalyani. That was the final dissolution of Chalukyan power though the Chalukyas existed only in name since 1135–1140. But the Cholas remained stable until 1215, were absorbed by the Pandyan empire and ceased to exist by 1279. His successor,
820-434: A tribute paying subordinate and a supportive feudatory to Chola overlordship).. up to the banks of Hooghly. In addition, he also had Northern Sri Lanka (as was the case during the time of his illustrious predecessor, Raja Raja-I) under his loose control while as compared to before, even though he had subdued Chera kings, due to the re-emergence of Pandya power, he was forced to allow more autonomy to Malainadu kings with whom he
902-472: Is a structure that the vimana is in chariot like structure. The structure is pulled by horses looks an enchanting appearance. This Karakkoil was built by emperor Kulottunga Chola I in the year 1113 AD, the king's 43rd governing year. This temple is like a chariot like structure with two horses pulling the car or Ratha. The temple is finely sculptured with many purana stories like Ramayan, Krishna Leela, Nayanmar stories and other stories of siva. The basement
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#1732783648496984-513: Is called Adhittanam this temples adhittanam is laid of 18 layered adittanam called pathmaga pandham, and manjapathram. It is rare scene to view. During the 3rd, 4th, 5th day of the Tamil month of Panguni, twelfth month of the Tamil calendar , early during sunrise at 6:15 am, the Sun's rays will fall on Lord Amirthakateshwara Lingam for about fifteen minutes. At that time special poojas are offered to
1066-535: Is excerpt from an inscription of his from the Rajagopala Perumal temple : ..Having won the heart (of the goddess) of the earth for countless ages, (he) was pleased to be seated on the throne of heroes, (made) of pure gold.. while the Villavar (Cheras), Telungar, Minavar (Pandyas),..and other kings prostrated themselves (before him). In the 8th year (of the reign) of (this) king Parakesarivarman, alias
1148-566: Is most probably connected with " valam " (வளம்) – fertility and means owner or ruler of a fertile country. Sembiyan is generally taken to mean a descendant of Shibi – a legendary hero whose self-sacrifice in saving a dove from the pursuit of a falcon figures among the early Chola legends and forms the subject matter of the Sibi Jataka among the Jataka stories of Buddhism . In Tamil lexicon Chola means Soazhi or Saei denoting
1230-591: Is one of the kavitrayam who translated Mahabharata into Telugu language. Of the devotional literature, the arrangement of the Shaivite canon into eleven books was the work of Nambi Andar Nambi, who lived close to the end of the 10th century. However, relatively few Vaishnavite works were composed during the Later Chola period, possibly because of the rulers' apparent animosity towards them. In general, Cholas were followers of Hinduism . They were not swayed by
1312-642: Is one of the most distinguished normative grammars of literary Tamil. The Telugu Choda period was in particular significant for the development of Telugu literature under the patronage of the rulers. It was the age in which the great Telugu poets Tikkana , Ketana , Marana and Somana enriched the literature with their contributions. Tikkana Somayaji wrote Nirvachanottara Ramayanamu and Andhra Mahabharatamu. Abhinava Dandi Ketana wrote Dasakumaracharitramu, Vijnaneswaramu and Andhra Bhashabhushanamu. Marana wrote Markandeya Purana in Telugu. Somana wrote Basava Purana. Tikkana
1394-455: Is the popular Ponniyin Selvan (The son of Ponni ), a historical novel in Tamil written by Kalki Krishnamurthy . Written in five volumes, this narrates the story of Rajaraja Chola, dealing with the events leading up to the ascension of Uttama Chola to the Chola throne. Kalki had used the confusion in the succession to the Chola throne after the demise of Parantaka Chola II. The book
1476-714: The Chinese Empire , enabled them to influence the local cultures. Examples of the Hindu cultural influence found today throughout Southeast Asia owe much to the legacy of the Cholas. For example, the great temple complex at Prambanan in Indonesia exhibits several similarities with South Indian architecture. According to the Malay chronicle Sejarah Melayu , the rulers of the Malacca sultanate claimed to be descendants of
1558-463: The Kalabhras spurred the construction of numerous temples and these in turn generated Shaiva and Vaishnava devotional literature. Jain and Buddhist authors flourished as well, although in fewer numbers than in previous centuries. Jivaka-chintamani by Tirutakkatevar and Sulamani by Tolamoli are among notable works by non-Hindu authors. The grammarian Buddhamitra wrote a text on Tamil grammar called Virasoliyam . Commentaries were written on
1640-515: The 2023 film Ponniyin Selvan: II . The 2022 and 2023 movies were based on the novel of the same name . Indo-Scythians Indo-Parthians References Sources Melakadambur Melakadambur is a village located 31 kilometres (19 mi) from Chidambaram , and can reach at 6 km from Kattumannarkoil, Cuddalore district , Tamil Nadu , India. It is known for Arulmigu Amirthakateshwarar Thirukkoil temple, constructed during
1722-647: The 3rd century BCE during the reign of Ashoka of the Maurya Empire . The Chola empire was at its peak and achieved imperialism under the Medieval Cholas in the mid-9th century CE . As one of the Three Crowned Kings of Tamilakam , along with the Chera and Pandya , the dynasty continued to govern over varying territories until the 13th century CE . The heartland of the Cholas
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#17327836484961804-478: The 6th century. Little is known of the fate of the Cholas in Tamil land during the succeeding three centuries. The Cholas disappeared from the Tamil land almost completely in this debacle, though a branch of them can be traced towards the close of the fifth century CE in Rayalaseema—the Telugu-Cholas , whose kingdom is mentioned by Yuan Chwang in the seventh-century CE. Due to Kalabhra invasion and
1886-452: The 7th century. The period of the story lies within the interregnum during which the Cholas were in decline before Vijayalaya Chola revived their fortunes. Parthiban Kanavu was also serialised in the Kalki weekly during the early 1950s. Sandilyan , another popular Tamil novelist, wrote Kadal Pura in the 1960s. It was serialised in the Tamil weekly Kumudam . Kadal Pura is set during
1968-682: The Bengal war. After Rajendra this idol has been kept in this Melakadambur temple built by the king Kulothunga I , who donated this idol and some Vidangars in 1110 AD. Devotees can see this idol only on Pradosha days. Kadamba tree The Kadambu tree is the sthala vriksha of the Siva temple situated here. This village is named as Kadambur because of the Kadambu tree, named in botany as Neolamarckia cadamba of Rubiaceae family. This Kadambur then bifurcated into Melakadambur and Keezhakadambur. This village
2050-725: The Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur. There were stage productions based on the life of Rajaraja Chola during the 1950s and in 1973 Sivaji Ganesan acted in a screen adaptation of a play titled Rajaraja Cholan . The Cholas are featured in the History of the World board game, produced by Avalon Hill . The Cholas were the subject of the 2010 Tamil-language film Aayirathil Oruvan , the 2022 film Ponniyin Selvan: I and
2132-474: The Chalukyas and Hoysalas, as they were to the Cholas and even the Pandyas, as would be evidenced in the later years. Chola dynasty The Chola dynasty ( Tamil: [t͡ʃoːɻɐr] ) was a Tamil dynasty originating from southern India . At its height, it ruled over the Chola Empire , an expansive maritime empire. The earliest datable references to the Chola are from inscriptions dated to
2214-454: The Chalukyas existed only in name for the period 1135–1140. But the Cholas remained stable until 1215, and were then absorbed by the Pandyan empire and ceased to exist by 1279. On the other hand, from 1150 CE to 1280 CE, the Pandya dynasty became the staunchest opponents of the Cholas and tried to win independence for their traditional territories. Thus, this period saw constant warfare between
2296-472: The Chola country. The Chola Empire was founded in 848 CE by Vijayalaya , a descendant of Early Cholas . The early Chola kings expanded their territory and influence. During the early 10th century, the second Chola King, Aditya I , defeated the Pallava dynasty and Pandyan dynasty capturing Tondaimandalam and Kongu Nadu . Later Aditya's son Parantaka I defeated the Rashtrakuta dynasty in
2378-508: The Chola influence in the Vengi kingdom. The Western Chalukyas mounted several unsuccessful attempts to engage the Chola emperors in war, and except for a brief occupation of the Vengi territories between 1118 and 1126, allied with Prince Vikramaditya VI . Cholas usually managed to dominate over the Chalukyas in the western Deccan by defeating them in war and levying tribute on them. With
2460-457: The Chola territories consisting of their possessions in Tamilakam including Kongunadu, Madurai and Thirunelveli, Nellore-Guntur areas (with Renandu and Telugu Cholas having allegiance to Raja Raja-II but controlling their areas with more authority than before), Visaiyavadai(Vijayawada)-Eluru-Rajahmundry-Prakasham (Draksharama) areas traditionally controlled by Vengi kings, Kalinga (whose King was
2542-531: The Cholas also lost control of the island of Lanka and were driven out by the revival of Sinhala power. In continuation of the decline, also marked by the resurgence of the Pandyan dynasty as the most powerful rulers in South India, a lack of a controlling central administration in its erstwhile Pandyan territories prompted several claimants to the Pandya throne to cause a civil war in which the Sinhalas and
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2624-545: The Cholas and the Pandyas. Besides, the Cholas regularly fought with the Eastern Gangas of Kalinga . Moreover, under Chola's protection, Vengi remained largely independent. Cholas also dominated the entire eastern coast with their feudatories, the Telugu Cholas of Velanati and Nellore among others. These feudatories always aided the Cholas in their successful campaigns against the Chalukyas and levied tribute on
2706-775: The Cholas were involved by proxy. Details of the Pandyan civil war and the role played by the Cholas and Sinhalas, are present in the Mahavamsa as well as the Pallavarayanpettai Inscriptions. The setbacks suffered during the final years of Kulothunga I left a somewhat diminished empire. Kulothunga's successors Vikrama Chola (1118–1135 CE) and Kulothunga Chola II (1133–1150 CE) were capable and compassionate leaders who took care not to involve their subjects in unnecessary and unwinnable wars. Rajaraja II (1146–1173 CE), Rajadhiraja II (1166–1178 CE) and Kulothunga Chola III (1178–1218 CE) took active roles in
2788-416: The Cholas were not Hindus. At the same event, another leading Tamil actor, film director, film producer, screenwriter, choreographer, playback singer, lyricist, television presenter, social activist and politician Kamal Haasan , while supporting Vetrimaaran asserted Hindu religion did not exist during the Chola period. The Chola dynasty has inspired many Tamil authors. The most important work of this genre
2870-558: The Cholas, the Pandyas and the Cheras) are forever generous despite their reduced means". Other names in common use for the Cholas are Choda , Killi (கிள்ளி), Valavan (வளவன்), Sembiyan (செம்பியன்) and Cenni . Killi perhaps comes from the Tamil kil (கிள்) meaning dig or cleave and conveys the idea of a digger or a worker of the land. This word often forms an integral part of early Chola names like Nedunkilli , Nalankilli and so on, but almost drops out of use in later times. Valavan
2952-599: The Cholas, the Tamil country reached new heights of excellence in art , religion , music and literature . In all of these spheres, the Chola period marked the culmination of movements that had begun at an earlier age under the Pallavas. Monumental architecture in the form of majestic temples and sculpture in stone and bronze reached a finesse never before achieved in India. The Chola conquest of Kadaram (Kedah) and Srivijaya, and their continued commercial contacts with
3034-647: The Ganapathy statue was positioned in Kadambur temple, the Davarabalaka statue was kept in the entrance of Gangai konda cholapuram temple. A special idol kept in this temple, called Dasa Bhuja Rishaba Thandavamoorthy, depicts Lord Shiva dancing on a bull with all ten hands spread and holding weapons, with all Devas surrounding his feet. This is believed to be a Pala dynasty idol that came to Tamil Nadu-Melakadambur along with victorious King Rajendra Chola I of
3116-853: The Ganges river in north India. Rajendra Chola I built a new capital called Gangaikonda Cholapuram to celebrate his victories in northern India. Rajendra Chola I successfully invaded the Srivijaya kingdom in Southeast Asia which led to the decline of the empire there. He also completed the conquest of a kingdom in Rajarata within Sri Lanka and sent three diplomatic missions to China in 1016, 1033, and 1077. The Western Chalukya empire under Satyashraya and Someshvara I tried regularly to loose itself from Chola domination, primarily due to
3198-654: The Kannada kingdoms. Furthermore, the Cholas fought constantly with the Sinhala kings from the Rohana kingdom of Sri Lanka, who repeatedly attempted to overthrow the Chola occupation of Rajarata and unify the island. But until the later Chola king Kulottunga I, the Cholas had firm control over the area. In one such instance, the Chola king, Rajadhiraja Chola II , was able to defeat the Sinhalese, aided by their traditional ally,
3280-611: The Lord. The shrine Goddess Jothiminnammai seems as Kalaimagal in morning and Thirumagal in evening and Malaimagal in night. When Narasimhavarma Pallavan won the war on Chalukya, a Ganapati statue was brought from the Chalukyan capital of Vatapi — by Sirutondar. Like that, cholas made a war towards Ganga region by the King Rajendra I at that time and they took the Ganapathy statue and Dvarabalaka statue from vengi region. While
3362-638: The Srivijaya Empire in the 11th century. Rajaraja Chola I launched several naval campaigns that resulted in the capture of Sri Lanka, Maldives and the Malabar Coast. In 1025, Rajendra Chola launched naval raids on the ports of Srivijaya and against the Burmese kingdom of Pegu. A Chola inscription states that he captured or plundered 14 places, which have been identified with Palembang, Tambralinga and Kedah among others. A second invasion
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3444-889: The Tamil weekly Kalki , in the name of the author, many times and attracted many readers. It is a Devara shrine of north shored Kaveri river. There are 63 shrines along the North bank of River Kaveri , including Melakadambur that lists as the 34th. The well known Nalvar praised the Lord of this shrine and made three pathigams on him. Also, Arunagirinathar, Vannacharabamn Thandapani Swamigal, and Vallalar came here to sing in praise of this Lord. In every yuga , some Devas visited this place to worship this Lord Amirthakadeswara. In Treta Yuga , Surya, Chandra, Indira, Romarishi, Ashtaparvathas and Parvatharajan came to worship. In Kali Yuga , Pathanjali came to worship this sthala. There are nine types of Hindu temple structures. Amongst them, Karakkoil also called Mela Kadambur Amirthakadeswarar Temple
3526-491: The accession of Vijayalaya Chola belonging to Pottapi Chola family in the second quarter of the ninth century to re-establish their dynasty as independent rulers by overthrowing Pallavas and Pandyas. As per inscriptions found in and around Thanjavur, Thanjavur kingdom was ruled by Mutharaiyars / Muthurajas for three centuries. Their reign was ended by Vijayalaya Chola who captured Thanjavur from Ilango Mutharaiyar between 848 and 851 CE. Epigraphy and literature provide
3608-430: The accession of King Vikrama Chola, the son and successor of Kulothunga Chola I, the Cholas lost no time in recovering the province of Vengi by defeating Chalukya Someshvara III and also recovering Gangavadi from the Hoysalas. The Chola empire, though not as strong as between 850 and 1150, was still largely territorially intact under Rajaraja Chola II (1146–1175) a fact attested by the construction and completion of
3690-475: The battle of Vallala and also defeated the Pandyas. Rajaraja I and Rajendra I would expand the dynasty to its imperial state in the 11th century, creating an influential empire in the Bay of Bengal . The Brihadeeswarar Temple was also built in this era. The Chola dynasty was at the peak of its influence and power during the 11th century. Rajendra I conquered Odisha and Pala dynasty of Bengal and reached
3772-469: The dissolution of the Chalukyas by aiding the Hoysalas under Veera Ballala II , the son-in-law of the Chola monarch, and defeated the Western Chalukyas in a series of wars with Someshvara IV between 1185 and 1190. The last Chalukya king's territories did not even include the erstwhile Chalukyan capitals Badami, Manyakheta or Kalyani. That was the final dissolution of Chalukyan power though
3854-635: The emperor of the three worlds, Sri-Rajarajadeva. The last regnal year cited in Rajaraja's inscription is 26. That makes the last year of his reign 1173. Rajaraja was not destined to live long. Rajaraja did not have any suitable direct descendant to ascend the Chola throne so he chose Rajadhiraja Chola II a grandson of Vikrama Chola as his heir. According to the Pallavarayanpettai inscription, Rajaraja died four years after he made Rajadhiraja Chola II as heir-apparent. Since, Rajadhiraja himself
3936-479: The empire became a military, economic and cultural powerhouse in South Asia and Southeast Asia . There is very little written evidence for the Cholas before the 7th century CE. The main sources of information about the early Cholas are ancient Tamil literature of the Sangam period ( c. 600 BCE), oral traditions, religious texts, temple and copperplate inscriptions . Later medieval Cholas also claimed
4018-431: The great text Tolkāppiyam which deals with grammar but which also mentions ethics of warfare. Periapuranam was another remarkable literary piece of this period. This work is in a sense a national epic of the Tamil people because it treats the lives of the saints who lived in all parts of Tamil Nadu and belonged to all classes of society, men and women, high and low, educated and uneducated. Kamban flourished during
4100-435: The growing power of Pallavas, Cholas migrated from their native land Uraiyur to Telugu country and ruled from there as chieftains of Pallavas at least since 540 CE. Several Telugu Chola families like Renati Cholas, Pottapi Cholas, Nellore Cholas , Velanati Cholas , Nannuru Cholas, Kondidela Cholas existed and claimed descent from ancient Tamil king Karikala Chola . The Cholas had to wait for another three centuries until
4182-573: The initial period of his successor, Rajadhiraja II . The temple contains innumerable miniature freezes containing stories from Ramayanam , Periya Puranam and other stories devoted to Siva-Parvati, Vinayagar, Karthikeya etc. It also has musical stairs called the Saptasvaras near a small shrine for Ganapati. The Mukhamandapam or the Mukhyamandapam of this temple is a real architectural marvel containing many great architectural specimen and
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#17327836484964264-637: The kings of the Chola empire. Chola rule is remembered in Malaysia today as many princes there have names ending with Cholan or Chulan, one such being Raja Chulan , the Raja of Perak . The Imperial Chola era was the golden age of Tamil culture, marked by the importance of literature. Chola records cite many works, including the Rajarajesvara Natakam , Viranukkaviyam and Kannivana Puranam . The revival of Hinduism from its nadir during
4346-401: The last great Chola monarch Kulottunga Chola III reinforced the hold of the Chola territories by quelling further rebellions and disturbances in the Rajarata area of Sri Lanka and Madurai. He also defeated Hoysala generals who fought under Veera Ballala II at Karuvur. Eastern Gangavadi, Draksharama, Vengi, and Kalinga. However, after defeating Veera Ballala II, Kulottunga Chola III entered into
4428-759: The last years of Rajaraja's reign, a civil unrest as a result of a succession dispute convulsed the Pandya country, further weakening Chola influence there. This was only to be expected as even though the Pandyas were subjugated by the Cholas since the time of Aditya I and were firmly controlled until the time of Virarajendra, the Madurai kingdom nevertheless kept making efforts from time to time, for gaining their independence from their occupiers. Later Pandyas like Maravarman or Maravaramban Sundara Pandyan, Jatavarman Vira Pandyan and Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan steadily went on increasing their power and prestige and were to emerge as
4510-427: The most important achievements of Rajaraja II was that despite being considered a weak king, it appears that he did enjoy periods of calm and peace especially during the later half of his 26-year rule. It was during this period that he initiated construction of the Airavatesvarar Temple at Darasuram, Kumbakonam, a World Heritage Site . The Airavateswarar Temple was completed either by the time his rule ended or during
4592-414: The most powerful kingdom in South India during the period 1200–1300. These developments were to slowly but surely weaken the Chola kingdom, though there was a minor revival during the fairly steady rule of Kulothunga III (1178–1218). In as much as the cholas during his time were dominant militarily is noted by some literature that mention Raja Raja's conquest and his innovative management initiatives. Here
4674-425: The occupation of Dharwar in North Central Karnataka by the Hoysalas under Vishnuvardhana , where he based himself with his son Narasimha I in charge of the Hoysala capital Dwarasamudra around 1149, and with the Kalachuris occupying the Chalukyan capital for over 35 years from around 1150–1151, the Chalukya kingdom had already started to dissolve. The Cholas under Kulothunga Chola III collaborated to herald
4756-409: The order of succession, of fixing their relations with one another and with many other princelings of around the same period. Urayur (now a part of Thiruchirapalli ) was their oldest capital. Kaveripattinam also served as an early Chola capital. The Mahavamsa mentions that a Chola prince known as Ellalan , invaded the Rajarata kingdom of Sri Lanka and conquered it in 235 BCE with the help of
4838-535: The other port town of Nagappattinam as the most important centres of Cholas. These two towns became hubs of trade and commerce and attracted many religious faiths, including Buddhism. Roman ships found their way into these ports. Roman coins dating from the early centuries of the common era have been found near the Kaveri delta. The other major towns were Thanjavur, Uraiyur and Kudanthai, now known as Kumbakonam . After Rajendra Chola moved his capital to Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Thanjavur lost its importance. Under
4920-526: The outlying parts of the empire, which became pronounced towards the end of Raja Raja-II's reign. However, Rajaraja regained adequate control of provinces like Vengi, Kalinga, Pandya and Chera territories. He probably even invaded Sri Lanka as is explained in one of the Tamil poems written during his time. This is borne out by the fact that not just Rajaraja, but also his successors like Kulothunga III bore titles like Tribhuvana Chakravartin attesting to their military capabilities and cultural achievements. During
5002-434: The people during the times of both the famine and civil unrest, which though did take some effort to subdue, but which finally ensured that he retained the loyalty and respect of his ministers, commanders and the general sections of the populace. Even though there was a famine which further caused a civil disturbance, Raja Raja-II nevertheless, kept most of his adversaries under control and also succeeded in largely maintaining
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#17327836484965084-493: The period cannot be derived. It records the names of the kings and the princes, and of the poets who extolled them. The Sangam literature also records legends about mythical Chola kings. These myths speak of the Chola king Kantaman, a supposed contemporary of the sage Agastya , whose devotion brought the river Kaveri into existence. Two names are prominent among those Chola kings who feature in Sangam literature: Karikala and Kocengannan . There are no sure means of settling
5166-422: The period when Kulothunga Chola I was in exile from the Vengi kingdom after he was denied the throne. It speculates the whereabouts of Kulothunga during this period. Sandilyan's earlier work, Yavana Rani , written in the early 1960s, is based on the life of Karikala Chola. More recently, Balakumaran wrote the novel Udaiyar , which is based on the circumstances surrounding Rajaraja Chola's construction of
5248-422: The politics of the emerging revival of the Pandyas . Meanwhile, the Chola succession was getting murkier and murkier with disputes and intrigues during the periods of Rajadhiraja II and Kulothunga III. The Cholas under Kulothunga Chola III collaborated to herald the dissolution of the Chalukyas by aiding Hoysalas under Veera Ballala II , the son-in-law of the Chola monarch and defeated the Western Chalukyas in
5330-459: The reign of Cholas by Kulottunga I . The temple and the village are well known in Ponniyin Selvan history, as they are more than 1,000 years old. The Sivan temple at Melakadambur is a Paadal Petra Sthalam . This Sivalinga is self-manifested or Swayambhu Linga. Ponniyin Selvan is a historical novel written by Tamil writer Kalki Krishnamurthy , from Tamil Nadu, who is also known as Krishnamurthy. This historical novel appeared in serial in
5412-423: The reign of Kulothunga III . Jayamkondar's Kalingattuparani , draws a clear boundary between history and fictitious conventions. The Tamil poet Ottakuttan was a contemporary of Kulothunga I and served at the courts of three of Kulothunga's successors. Nannul is a Chola era work on Tamil grammar. It discusses all five branches of grammar and, according to Berthold Spuler, is still relevant today and
5494-421: The rise of Buddhism and Jainism as were the kings of the Pallava and Pandya dynasties. Kocengannan, an Early Chola, was celebrated in both Sangam literature and in the Shaivite canon as a Hindu saint. Among the Tamil film and entertainment industry, there is a rising trend of terming the Cholas as non-Hindus. Noted Tamil film director, producer and screenwriter Vetrimaaran asserted at a function in 2022 that
5576-401: The rule of the later Cholas between 1218, starting with Rajaraja Chola II , to the last emperor Rajendra Chola III was not as strong as those of the emperors between 850 and 1215. Around 1118, they lost control of Vengi to the Western Chalukya and Gangavadi (southern Mysore districts) to the Hoysala Empire . However, these were only temporary setbacks, because immediately following
5658-417: The sea, unbroken by major hills or valleys. The river, which is also known as the Ponni ( Golden ) river, had a special place in the culture of Cholas. The annual floods in the Kaveri marked an occasion for celebration, known as Adiperukku , in which the whole nation took part. Kaveripoompattinam on the coast near the Kaveri delta was a major port town. Ptolemy knew of this, which he called Khaberis, and
5740-454: The slightly later work of the geographer Ptolemy . Mahāvaṃsa , a Buddhist text written down during the 5th century CE, recounts several conflicts between the inhabitants of Sri Lanka and Cholas in the 1st century BCE. A commonly held view is that Chola is, like Chera and Pandya , the name of the ruling family or clan of immemorial antiquity. The annotator Parimelazhagar said: "The charity of people with ancient lineage (such as
5822-501: The temples at Tanjore, Chidambaram, Kanchi, Srirangam, Tiruchy as well as to the temples at Madurai. He was also believed to be a regular visitor to the temples in Parasurama's country (Kerala), which were also recipients of his grants. During his time the chola navies did remain dominant in the western sea as well as eastern sea. Overall he was a benevolent king who did put up good administrative processes, including efficient revenue generation systems as evidenced by his relief measures to
5904-426: The third grand Chola architectural marvel, the chariot-shaped Airavatesvara Temple at Dharasuram on the outskirts of modern Kumbakonam. Chola administration and territorial integrity until the rule of Kulothunga Chola III was stable and very prosperous up to 1215, but during his rule itself, the decline of the Chola power started following his defeat by Maravarman Sundara Pandiyan II in 1215–16. Subsequently,
5986-407: The third quarter of the 11th century. The earliest Chola kings for whom there is tangible evidence are mentioned in the Sangam literature. Scholars generally agree that this literature belongs to the late centuries before the common era and the early centuries of the common era. The internal chronology of this literature is still far from settled, and at present a connected account of the history of
6068-558: Was a continuation of the Later Chola tradition of building temples in the shape of giant elephant-driven Rathas or Chariots as like as in Melakadambur siva temple built by Kulothunga I , which was also carried on not just by later Chola kings such as Kulothunga III but also by the kings of Kalinga and culminated in construction of the Sun Temple of Konarak by Eastern Ganga king Narasinghdeo. Rajaraja also made numerous grants to
6150-419: Was believed to be having marital relations. But somehow, Raja Raja-II proved not strong enough to regain control of the eastern Gangavadi province, which was lost to the Hoysalas by his predecessor, the great Vikrama Chola. Possibly, the Hoysalas themselves were trying to free themselves from the control of Western Chalukyas and other rapidly growing adversaries like Kalachuris and Kakatiyas, who were as hostile to
6232-836: Was called as Thirukkadambur in 6th–19th century. We can know this by means of the padhigams of Thirunavukkarasar and Thirugnanasambandar nayanmars. Every month festivals being celebrated in good manner. 1. Chithirai—Tamil varuda pirappu, Nataraja abishegam Thirunavukarasar guru pooja 2. Vaikasi - Visaga uthsavam for Murugan, Thirugnanasambandar gurupooja 3. Aani - Aani Thirumanjanam, Manickavasaga gurupooja 4. Aadi - Amman Abishegam in pooram, Sundarar gurupooj 5. Avani - Vinayagar Chathurthi 6. Purattasi - Navaraththiri 7. Aippasi - Kandhasashti, Thirukkalyanam 8. Karthigai - 108 sangabishegam in somavaram 9. Margazhi - Thirupalliyezhuchi in early morning 10. Thai - Pongal pooja magarasangranthi 11. Maasi - Mahasivarathri 12. Panguni—Sooriya pooja on 3,4,5 at early sunrise In Kadambur temple
6314-459: Was led by Virarajendra Chola, who conquered Kedah in Malaysia of Srivijaya in the late 11th century. Chola invasion ultimately failed to install direct administration over Srivijaya, since the invasion was short and only meant to plunder the wealth of Srivijaya. However, this invasion gravely weakened the Srivijayan hegemony and enabled the formation of regional kingdoms. Although the invasion
6396-636: Was married to the Eastern Chalukya prince Rajaraja Narendra . Virarajendra Chola's son, Athirajendra Chola , was assassinated in a civil disturbance in 1070, and Kulothunga Chola I, the son of Ammanga Devi and Rajaraja Narendra, ascended the Chola throne. Thus began the Later Chola dynasty. The Later Chola dynasty was led by capable rulers such as Kulothunga Chola I, his son Vikrama Chola , other successors like Rajaraja Chola II, Rajadhiraja Chola II, and Kulothunga Chola III, who conquered Kalinga, Ilam , and Kataha . However,
6478-688: Was not followed by direct Cholan occupation and the region was unchanged geographically, there were huge consequences in trade. Tamil traders encroached on the Srivijayan realm traditionally controlled by Malay traders and the Tamil guilds' influence increased on the Malay Peninsula and the north coast of Sumatra. Marital and political alliances between the Eastern Chalukyas began during the reign of Rajaraja following his invasion of Vengi. Rajaraja Chola's daughter married Chalukya prince Vimaladitya and Rajendra Chola's daughter Ammanga Devi
6560-431: Was quite young, he would require the help of Pallavarayar to usher the young sons of Rajaraja to safety. According to the inscription, Pallavarayar took steps immediately after the death of Rajaraja for the protection of the king's children, aged one and two years. According to historian Krishnaswami Aiyangar, Kulothunga Chola III who is widely considered as the last great Chola sovereign was the son of Rajaraja II. One of
6642-405: Was serialised in the Tamil periodical Kalki during the mid-1950s. The serialisation lasted for nearly five years and every week its publication was awaited with great interest. Kalki's earlier historical romance, Parthiban Kanavu , deals with the fortunes of the imaginary Chola prince Vikraman, who was supposed to have lived as a feudatory of the Pallava king Narasimhavarman I during
6724-595: Was the fertile valley of the Kaveri River . They ruled a significantly larger area at the height of their power from the latter half of the 9th century till the beginning of the 13th century. They unified peninsular India south of the Tungabhadra River and held the territory as one state for three centuries between 907 and 1215 CE . Under Rajaraja I and his successors Rajendra I , Rajadhiraja I , Rajendra II , Virarajendra , and Kulothunga Chola I ,
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