Vijayalaya Chola

Reign: 846 AD - 881 AD (or 850 AD - 890 AD)
Father: Kumaraan Kusan (according to some scholars)
Wife: Not known
Children: Aditya Chola
Capital city: Uraiyur or Palaiyaru

'Parakesari' Vijayalaya Chola was the first Chola of medieval period. The early Cholas were very powerful. However, they lost thier power and became princes. Even, Vijayalaya Chola was just a prince under the control of Pallava empire. He came to power in 850 AD or 846 AD. Uraiyur or Palaiyaru was his capital city.

During his period, the Pallavas had to keep fighting with Pandyas and Chalukyas. The Pallava king Nandivarman III won Pandian Varagunan and Chola in the battle of Tellaru. Either Vijayalaya Chola or his predecessor would have helped Pandya king in this war.

Later, in 854 AD, there was a battle between Pandian king and Pallava in Kudamooku (current day's Kumbakonam). In this battle, the son of Varaguna Pandian I, Srimaran Srivallaba won the Pallava. Then, there was a battle between Nandivarman's son Nirupadunga Pallava and Srimaran in the banks of river Arichilaru. The Pallava won this battle.

 In 862 AD, Srimaran's son Varaguna Pandian II waged war against the Pallavas. The Pallava king Aparajithavarman got help from his grand father Ganga king Prithvipati. The Chola king Vijayalaya helped the Pallava king. The war hapenned in a small place called Tirupurambiyam near Kumbakonam. There was a royal clan named Mutharaiyar who either used to support Pallavas or Pandyas depending upon the situation. During Vijayalaya's reign, Mutharaiyars were supporting Pandyas and were ruling from Niyamam aka Chenthalai. Tanjore city was also under their control. The Pallava won the battle; Vijayalaya captured Tanjore from Mutharaiyars. Prithvipathi was killed in the battle. It should be noted that it was not him but was his son Aditya Chola was participated in the Tirupurambiyam battle. He would have been very old during this period.

According to few scholars, he had already won Tanjore from Mutharaiyar in 846 AD.

It appears that he had built a temple for Durga (Nisumbasudhani) in Tanjore.

It is not known what was his father's name. However, few scholars assume it would be Kumaraan Kusan.

It is said that he had fought 32 battles and have 96 brave marks in his body.

It is not known about his wife. He had a sone named Aditya Chola.

Cholas during Kalappirar (Kalabhras) Period

 Tamil Nadu was ruled by Kalappirar aka Kalabhras for about three centuries from 3^rd or 4^th century AD. After their decline it was ruled by Pallavas and Pandyas for the next three centuries. Cholas came to limelight again in the middle of 9^th century AD during Vijayalayala Chola.

There is nothing much known about Cholas for about six centuries except for some references about them in some books such as Periya Puranam. It appears that some of them moved to Andhra area and called as Telugu Cholas and there were others who lived on the banks of river Kaveri. They either worked for Pandyas and Pallavas or married their women to them.

It is not clearly known who were Kalappirars actually. They appeared to be bandit group. It appears it was due to them that the Cholas declined in the 3rd century AD. They were defeated by Pandyas and Pallavas in the 6^th century AD. There are references about a Kalappirar king named Achchutavikkandan who claimed to have won Cholas, Cheras and Pandyas. He was a Buddhist. The reference was found in a book written by Buddhadatta (period: probably 450 AD).

 Although there are some records about Telugu Cholas, there are no much records about Tamil Cholas during Kalappirar period and Pallava/Pandya period. Only few references and records are available. Various Chalukya, Pandya, and Pallava kings claimed that they have won Cholas or captured Chola kingdoms. However, it is unknown how much truth was there in those records.

As per Periya Puranam, the Pandya king who lived during the period of Tirugnana Sambanda had a Chola princess named Mangaiyarkarasi as his wife. There was a Chola king named Pugal Chola Nayanar who won Karoor. When Sundarar went to Madurai along with Seraman Perumal, he saw a Chola prince who had married a Pandya princess. Uraiyur Nachchiyar who married Lord Ranganath was the daughter of the Chola king Dharmavarman.

Kanaikkal Irumborai Chera

Kanaikkal Irumborai was an early Chera king lived during the Tamil Sangam age.

Kochchenganan defeated the Chera king Kanaikkal Irumborai in a place called Kazhumalam near Karur. Kanaikkal was arrested and put behind the bars. Kanaikkal was a poet too. As per his poems found in the old Tamil work 'Pura Nanoonuru', he had to beg the soldiers for water. The poet Poigaiyaar intervened and got his released from the prison.

Kochchenganan Chola

Kochchenganan Chola was an early Chola king who probably lived during the Tamil Sangam age. Similar to Karikala Chola, this king also has a lot of mythological stories more than historical records.

There are references to Kochchenganan in old Tamil works such as Kalingaththu Barani, Vikrama Chola Ula, Pura Nanooru and Periya Puranam. Unfortunately, most of them could be categorized only as myth and not as history. As per the mythology, this king was a spider in his previous birth.

Kochchenganan defeated the Chera king Kanaikkal Irumborai in a place called Kazhumalam near Karur. Kanaikkal was arrested and put behind the bars. Kanaikkal was a poet too. As per his poems found in the old Tamil work 'Pura Nanoonuru', he had to beg the soldiers for water. The poet Poigaiyaar intervened and got his released from the prison.

Kochchenganan built many Shiva temples. The prominent Shiva temple that was built by him is Tiruvanaikal temple.

Nambi Nedunchezhiyan

Nambi Nedunchezhiyan was a Chola prince who lived during the Tamil Sangam age. Nothing much is known about him.

Nalluruddhiran Chola

Nalluruddhiran Chola was an early Chola prince lived during the Tamil Sangam period. There is no much information available about him in the history. This king was also a poet. His poems are found in 'Kaliththogai'.

Pervai Kopperunarkilli

Pervai Kopperunarkilli was an early Chola king who lived during the Tamil Sangam period. Pervai Kopperunarkilli was sung in Agananooru. He had troubles with his father Tiththan and he was ruling from Uraiyur. He had a sister named Aiyai.

He was believed to be the son of Thiththan.

Tiththan

Tiththan was an early Chola king who believe to have lived even before the famous Karikala Chola. He had a son named Pervai Kopperunarkilli and a daughter named Aiyai. He was ruling from Uraiyur. He had problems with his son. Tiththan defeated Katti and Bana king who conquered Chola kingdom.

He was also a poet; his poem is found in 'Aga Nanoonuru'.

Kudakko Neduncheralathan

Kudakko Neduncheralathan  was an early Chera king who lived during the Tamil Sangam period. Verpakradakkai Perunar Killi and the Chera king Kudakko Neduncheralathan fought. Both of them died in the battlefield. The reference is found in Pura Nanoonuru.

Verpakradakkai Perunar Killi

Verpakradakkai Perunar Killi was an early Chola king who lived during the Tamil Sangam period. Verpakradakkai Perunar Killi and the Chera king Kudakko Neduncheralathan fought. Both of them died in the battlefield. In the battle, he got help from the Tirukovalur king Malayaman. The reference is found in Pura Nanoonuru.

This king was also called as 'Rasasooyam Vetta Perunar Killi'. He had good relationship with his contemporary Chera king Mari Venko and Pandian king Kanaper Thandha Ukkira Peruvazhuthi.

Tirumavalavan

Tirumavalavan was an early Chola prince who lived during the Tamil Sangam period.

Peruvazhuthi Chera

Peruvazhuthi was an early Chera king who lived during the Tamil Sangam age. He was the friend of the Chola king Perum Tirumavalavan.

Perum Tirumavalavan Chola

Perum Tirumavalavan was an early Chola prince who lived during the Tamil Sangam age. He was the friend of Chera king Peruvazhuthi.

Kopperu Narkilli Chola

Kopperu Narkilli was an early Chola prince who ruled a small region in Chola kingdom during the Sangam period. There is no information availabel about him except for a poem in which it was written that once he was riding an elephant and the elephant carrying him ran away to Karur.

Cheruppazhiyerinda Inanchet Chenni Chola

Period: Probably 290-270 BC
Cheruppazhiyerinda Inanchet Chenni was a Tamil prince who belonged to Chola dynasty during the Sangam period.

As per one version, it was during his period the Mauryans invaded Tamil Nadu. As per the poems from Mamoolanar and few poems in ancient books such as Pura Nanoonuru and Aga Nanooru, it is believed that Mauryans got help from Vadugars and Kosars to invade Tamil Nadu. It was probably Bindusara, the father of Asoka, who had already captured the land of Kosars and Vadugars made them to accompany them in the battle.

It appears that Vadugars (possibly Telugu and Kannada people) and Kosars (probably Bengalis) helped Mauryan army. All the three armies invaded Tamil land. Kosars captured Tulu country; the king Nannan ran away to forest; they stayed in his city named 'Pazhi'. The Kosars also attacked Pittan Kottraan, the captain of Cheras. Then, they also fought with 'Sellur' king Ezhini and killed him. The Kosars invaded Chola kingdom and were defeated by Tidiyan.

Meantime, the Mauryan army attacked Mogur. Ultimately, all the three armies were probably defeated by Ilanchet Chenni. He ran after the enemies till Pazhi and got the title 'Cheruppazhi Erinda Ilanchet Chenni'.

Neithalankanal Ilanchet Chenni Chola

Period: Not known; Must be Tamil Sangam period

Neithalankanal Ilanchet Chenni was a prince who ruled during the Sangam period. He belonged to Chola dynasty. He fought with Chera king and captured Chera fort Pamaloor.

Pichirandaiyaar

Pichirandaiyaar was a poet lived during the Sangam age. He was part of advisory council of the Pandya king named Arivudai Nambi. Although he never met Kopperun Cholan, he considered him as his best friend. The same was true with the Chola king also. When Kopperun Cholan planned to sacrifice his life by 'vadakkiruththal', he went all the way to Uraiyur and sacrificied his life along with Chola. The friendship between Pichirandaiyaar and Kopperun Cholan is very popular in ancient Tamil literature.

Arivudai Nambi Pandya

Arivudai Nambi Pandian was an early Pandya king who was a contemporary of the famous Kopperun Cholan and lived during the Sangam age.

Kopperun Chola

Period: 1st century BC or 1st century AD

Kopperun Chola was a early Chola king and was very popular. He was also a good poet. He lived during Sangam period.

The king named Arivudai Nambi was ruling the Pandya kingdom. There was a poet named Pichirandaiyaar who was in the advisory council of Pandya king. Although he had never met Kopperun Cholan, both of them considered the other one as his best friend.

Kopperun Cholan also had another best friend, again a poet. This poet named Poththiyaar was from Uraiyur, the capital city of Chola kingdom.

Due to problem with his two sons, Kopperun Chola decided to commit suicide by a method called 'Vadakkiruththal' which was followed during the ancient times in Tamil Nadu. By knowing this, Pichirandaiyaar came all the way to Uraiyur and sacrificed his life along with Chola. The friendship between Kopperun Cholan and Pichirandaiyaar is very popular among old Tamil literature. The other friend of Kopperun Cholan, Poththaiyaar also wanted to sacrifice his life. However, as his wife was expecting, he was advised not to do so.

Killivalavan Chola

Period: Probably 1st century BC

Killivalavan was a early Chola king who ruled the kingdom from Uraiyur city. He was the contemporary of Nalankilli, the son of Karikala Chola. Kovvor Kizhar, the poet who sung about Nalankilli, has also sung about Killivalavan. There are references about Killivalavan in the ancient Tamil script 'Pura Nanooru'.

Killivalavan conquered and captured Karur city, the capital of Cheras. Killivalavan was defeated by the Pandya general Pazhaya Maran in another battle. There was another battle fought by Killivalavan against Malai Nadu king Tirumudikkari. Kari was one of famous philanthropists. As per the request by the poet Kovoor Kizhar, Killivalan left Kari's children without killing them after his victory over Kari in the battle.

Nalankilli Chola

Period: Probably 1st century BC

Nalankilli was one of the early Cholas. He was believed to be the son of Karikala Chola. He was ruling from Puhar city.

During the same period, there was another Chola king named Nedunkilli ruled from Aavur city. He occupied Urayur city from Nalankilli. Hence, Nalankilli attacked Aavur fort. Nedunkilli was not so brave as Nalankilli. He closed the doors of fort and was inside the fortress without facing Nalankilli. Then, he somehow escaped to Uraiyur. Nalankilli came to know this and attacked Uraiyur fort also. The Sangam poet Kovoor Kizhaar tried to make peace between them in vain. Ultimately, there was a battle between both the kings in a place called Kariyaru. Nedunkilli was killed in the battle.

It seems he had also won the Pandian kingdom and captured it.

It appears that he had a good naval force as well as military.

It appears that he had a yonger brother named Mavalaththan.

There are about 10 poems in the ancient Tamil script 'Pura Nanooru' about Nalankilli. He was sung by the poet named Kovoor Kizhaar. Mudukannan Chaththanaar also sang about this king.

Elara Chola

Period: 2nd century BC

As per the ancient Sri Lankan historical book 'Mahavamsha' which was written in 6th century AD, the Tamil Chola king named Elara moved to Sri Landa in 2nd century BC. His predecessor was Asela. The Chola king Elara won Asela in a battle and captured the northern part of Sri Lanka. He ruled that region for 44 years. He was considered as a great ruler and good king by Sri Lankan people. Although he didn't belong to Buddhism, he ensured that he had a good relationship with Buddhists, the majority community of Sri Lanka.

There are many mythological stories refer to this king. As per one story, he killed his own son to give justice to a cow whose calf was overrun and accidentally killed by his son's car (rath). This story is similar to that of the mythological king Manuneedi Chola. Some people even consider that Manuneedi Chola and Elara Chola are one and the same.

Dutugemenu waged war against Elara Chola. Elara had to run to Anuradhapuram and ultimately he was killed in the battle. Dutugemenu who was with the objective to spread Buddhism did final rites to Elara king and he even constructed a tomb for him.

Mauryas and Cholas

The great Mauryan King Asoka had Cholas as his contemporaries. The reference of Cholas are available in Asoka's rock edicts. Based on that, it appears that Cholas were independent kings and they were not part of Asoka's empire.

As per the Tamil poet named Mamoolanar, it is evident that Mauryas conquered South India. They got help from Kosars, who had earlier captured the Tulu country. The Mauryas found it difficult to fight against the Mogur king and hence they got help from Vadugars to win them. As per the Tibetian historian Taranath, it can be assumed that it was Bindusara who had conquered South India. We should assume that after Bindusara, the Mauryas power reclined in South India and they probably became friends of Maurysa during Asoka's time.

Peruncheralathan Chera

The Chera king Peruncheralathan lived during the Tamil Sangam period (sometime between 2nd century BC and 2nd century AD). He along with Pandya king and 11 other princes fought against the famous Chola king Karikalan in the battle of Venni. The poet Venni Kuyaththiyar has recorded this battle in his poem in 'Pattinaththu Palai'. Karikala won the battle. The Chera king got hurt on this back. As he was following the brave culture of ancient Tamil warriors, he commited suicide due to this reason.

The battle of Venni

The battle of Venni is one of the popular battles of ancient Tamil history. The exact year of the battle is unknown. It hapenned during the Tamil Sangam period in a place named Venni near today's Tanjore city in Tamil Nadu, South India. This battle should have hapenned between 2nd century BC and 2nd century AD.

The ancient Tamil literature 'Pattinaththu Palai' talks about Karikala Chola and his great victory in the battle of Venni. In the battle of Venni, it is evident that Karikala Chola won Chera king, Pandya king and 11 other small princes together. The reason for this battle is unknown. In this battle, the Chera king got hurt on his back. The Chera king being the legendary ancient Tamil king and being the one who followed the culture of ancient Tamil warrior, committed suicide due to this. The poet Venni Kuyaththiyar, a friend of Karikalan, witnessed this battle and sung about the same.

Karikala Chola

Period: Not known; between 2nd century BC and 2nd century AD

Karikala Chola was the most popular king among the early Chola kings. Although there are lot of historical proofs and ancient poems are available to proove the existence of this king, there are a lot of mythological stories associated with this kings. It is very difficult to differentiate the historical incidents and mythological incidents in Karikala's history.

It is believed that Karikala Chola ruled around 2nd century BC or 2nd century AD during Sangam period. He was the son of the king Ilanchet Chenni. His mother was Azhundurven's daughter. As per some stories, Karikalan lost his father in his young age. His enemies put him behind the bars. While escaping from the prison, his legs got caught in the fire in the prison. Hence he got the name 'Karikalan' which means 'burnt legs' in Tamil language.

The ancient Tamil literature 'Pattinaththu Palai' talks about Karikala Chola and his great victory in the battle of Venni. Venni is a small place near Tanjore in Tamil Nadu. In the battle of Venni, it is evident that Karikala Chola won Chera king, Pandya king and 11 other small princes together. The reason for this battle is unknown. In this battle, the Chera king got hurt on his back. The Chera king Peruncheralathan, being the legendary ancient Tamil king and being the one who followed the culture of ancient Tamil warrior, committed suicide due to this. The poet Venni Kuyaththiyar, a friend of Karikalan, witnessed this battle and sung about the same.

Karikala Chola won nine princes together in the battle of Vagai Paranthalai which was sung by Paranar. Due to these victories Oviyars and Aruvalars surrendered to him.

There is a version which claims that he even won Himalayas in the north and Sri Lanka in the south.

Karikalan was a religious king. He gave importance to irrigation during his period. He built Kallanai dam near Trichy in South India, which is considered as one of the oldest water regulator structure which is still in use. He converted many forests into fields.

As per some stories, he married a Velir princess from a place called Nangur. His daughter Adimanti married the Chera princess Attanathi. As Attanathi died in Kaveri flood, Adimanti committed suicide.

As per the old Tamil literature Silappatikaram, this king invaded till Himalayas and won Magada, Vajra and Avanti kings.

Nalankilli who ruled from Puhar city and fought with Nedunkilli is believed to be the son of Karikala Chola. Karikala also had another son named Mavalathan.

There are some legends without proof such as the elephant choosing him as the king by putting garland, his invasion to Kanchipuram and the movement of Velirs to Tondaimandalam by him.

There are some scholars who believe that there were two Karikalans and not just one.

Karikalan was definitely a powerful king. Not only Vijayalaya Chola, but even Telugu Cholas and few princes from Kannda land used to claim that they belonged to Karikalan dynasty.

The references about this king are found in ancient Tamil books such as Silappadhikaram, Porunar Aattruppadai, Pattinapalai, Ettu Thokai, Periya Puranam and Kalingaththu Barani.

The king supported Tamil literature. His uncle Irumbidar Thalaiyar was a poet. During his period, Uruthiran Kannanar sang him in Pattina Palai; Mudaththamak Kanniyaar sang him in Porunar Aattru Padai; also, poets like Kaviripoompattinaththu Karikkannnaar, Konattu Erichalur Madalan Madurai Kumaranaar and Maruththuvan Damodaranaar sang his praises.

Manu Needhi Chola

Period: 2nd century BC

Manu Needhi Chola was a mythological king. He was believed to be a ruler during Sangam age and considered as an early Chola king. As his son killed a calf by his car (rath), he killed his own son to provide justice to cow.

He ruled the Chola kingdom from Tiruvarur and was a great devotee of Lord Shiva.

The old Tamil books such as Silappadhikaram, Manimegalai and Periya Puranam written much later call this king as 'Manu Needhi Chola'. Otherwise, there is no name mentioned for this king. As per Maha Vamsam, there was Chola king named Elaran who ruled Sri Lanka for 45 years. The same story was told about him too in Mahavamsam. There is a possibility that both Elaran and Mand Needhi Chola were the same person.

Sibi

Period: Before 3rd century BC; no proper historical records

Sibi was a mythological king. There is no historical record about this king. However, the reference about this king is found in various ancient Sanskrit and Tamil books such as Ramayana, Mahabharata, Buddhist Jataka stories, Periya Puranam, Pura Nanoonuru, Silappathikaram, Kalingaththu Barani, Vikiram Cholan Ula, etc.

The Tamil books claim that he was an early Chola king and also called him as 'Sembian'. Even the medieval Cholas claimed that they belonged to Sibi's dynasty and hence each Chola king had the surname 'Sembian'.

Sibi was a mythological king who was believed to have sacrificed his own body's flesh to protect a dove from a hawk. Popularly known as Sibi Chakravarthy, he was a well known philanthropist. The devas (as per Hindu mythology) wanting to test the compasionate nature of Sibi, took the form of a hawk and a pigeon. The pigeon chased by the hawk fell on Sibi's lap seeking his protection. When Sibi wanted to protect the pigeon, he was faced by the logical argument by the hawk. The hawk claimed that it was its right to have pigeon as its food. Sibi offered to compensate the pigeon with his own flesh.

Thoongeyil Erinda Toditol Sembian Chola

Period: Before 3rd century BC; no historical records

"Thoongeyil Erinda Toditol" Sembian was a mythological Chola king who is considered as one of the early Chola kings during Sangam period. As per the advice by the sage Agastya, he started celebrating the festival for Indra (Indra vizha). The festival was celebrated for 28 days. He celebrated this festival in Poompuhar aka Kaveripoompattinam. Since then, all his successors celebrated Indra vizha every year.

As per the mythology, he destroyed the magical flying fort.

The reference of this king are found in Silappathikaram, Manimegalai, Pazhamozhi, Chiru Pannattrupadai, Pura Nanoonuru, Kalingaththu Barni, Muvarula, etc.

Kakandan Chola

Period: Before 3rd century BC; no historical record

The Chola king Kakandan was a mythological early Chola king. There is no historical proof about this king. He ruled the Chola kingdom and had Poompuhar or Kaverpoompattinam as his capital. He was the illegitimate son of the king Kantamanan. As Parasuram, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, was killing all the Indian kings due to his vow, Kantamanan made him as the king and ran away from his kingdome. It is also believed that he was made as the king only for a short period.

Kakandan was a king during the Sangam period. He was contemporary of sage Agastya and Parasuram.

Kantaman Chola

Period: Before 3rd century BC; no historical records

Kantaman Chola was a mythological Chola king. There is no historical proof about this king. As per the mythological stories, Kantaman was supposed to be the contemporary of the sage Agastya. With the help of Agastya, he brought the river Kaveri (aka Cauvery) to Tamil Nadu region of South India.

As per another mythological story, Lord Parasuram, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, was killing all the kings in India due to his vow. In order to escape from Parasuram, he made his illegitimate son Kakandan as the ruler of his kingdom for a short time and ran away from his kingdom.

Kantaman and Kakandan ruled the Chola kingdom from Poompuhar aka Kaveripoompattinam. They are considered as the early Chola kings who probably ruled Chola kingdom during Sangam period.

Chola Dynasty

The Chola dynasty was one of the powerful dynasties who ruled some parts of South India for a long period. The most popular Chola king was Rajaraja Chola who became famous not only due to his rule spread across the entire South India and even beyond India, but also due to the magnificent Brahadeeswarar temple he built in Tanjore.


The period of the Chola dynasty can be majorly classified into four parts:
1) Tamil Sangam period
2) The period between Sangam age and the beginning of Vijayalaya Chola's rule
3) The period of Vijayalaya Chola and his successors (9th century AD onwards)
4) The period of Chalukya-Chola king Kulothunga Chola and his successors (the later part of 11th century AD to mid of 13th century AD)


Apart from the four major classifications mentioned above, there were many princes who claimed that they belonged to Karikala Chola's dynasty. However, there is no proper historical proof for those claims. Even two centuries before Vijayalaya Chola's rule, there were Telugu Cholas who ruled the regions of Kadappa, Karnool and Anantpur in Andhra Pradesh state.

Since Sangam period, the Cholas claimed that they belonged to the Sun dynasty. They continued to claim this in their stone inscriptions in the later period also.

Apart from the old Tamil poems, the references about Cholas are found in many old books and ancient inscriptions of other regions too. Asoka's rock edicts have references to Cholas. As per the ancient book named 'Periplus' authored by Greek merchant of Alexandria (81-96 AD), the Cholas had Puhar and Uraiyur as their capital cities. The 2nd century historian Talami has written about various Chola cities and ports. The 1st century AD book 'The questions of Milind King' and several other ancient Buddhist books have references to Chola cities and ports.

As per the Sangam literature, the Chola kings used to wear Aththi (Bauhinia) flowers. It is considered as the symbolic garland for Chola kings.

The Sangam period Chola kings ruled the country from Uraiyur and Kaveripoompattinam. During the period between Sangam age and the beginning of Vijayalaya Chola's era (the dark age of Tamil Nadu), when the Cholas were merely small princes under the rules of Pallavas and others, Pazhaiyarai was their capital. It had a prominent position even during the period of later Cholas. Tanjore and Gangai Konda Cholapuram served as the capital cities for later Chola kings.