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Vikrama Chola

2026-10-13T08:20:12Z

2401:4900:CCED:735A:70A6:DDFF:FEE0:5954: Fixed errors

{{Short description|Chola emperor from 1122 to 1135}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2015}}
{{Infobox royalty
| name = Vikrama Chola விக்கிரம சோழன்
| title = KoParakesarivarman, Tyagasamudra
| image = vikrama territories.png
| alt =
| caption = Chola Territories c. 1126
| succession = [[Chola Empire|Chola Emperor]]
| reign = 1122 – 1135
| succession1 = [[Co-regent]] of the [[Chola Empire]]
| reign1 = 29 June 1118 – 1122
| predecessor = [[Kulothunga Chola I]]
| successor = [[Kulothunga Chola II]]
| spouse = Mukkōkilānadigal Tyagapataka
| spouse-type = Empress
| issue = [[Kulothunga Chola II]]
| house = [[Chalukya Cholas]]
| father = [[Kulothunga Chola I]]
| mother = Madhurandhagi
| birth_date =
| birth_place =
| death_date = 1135
| death_place =
| burial_place =
| religion =
| dynasty = [[Chola]]
}}
{{Chola history}}
'''Vikrama Chola''' (r. 1118–1135<ref name="The Cōḷas">''The Cōḷas.'' 62-63.</ref>), known as '''Kō Parakēsari Varman,''' was the [[Chola Empire|Chola emperor]] from 1118 to 1135. He succeeded his father [[Kulothunga Chola I|Kulothunga I]] (r. 1070–1122) to the throne.<ref name="The History and Culture of the Indian People: The struggle for empire, page 245">''The History and Culture of the Indian People: The struggle for empire, page 245''</ref> Vikrama Chola was crowned as the heir-apparent by his father early in his life. He was appointed as viceroy of the [[Vengi]] province in 1089 CE, succeeding his brother Rajaraja Chodaganga. Vikrama during his tenure successfully managed to check the ambitions of the Western Chalukya Vikramaditya VI on the [[Vengi|Vengi kingdom]].Vikrama Chola inherited the territories which included [[Tamil Nadu]] and some parts of Andhra Pradesh.

In 1118, the aging Kulothunga recalled Vikrama Chola from Vengi to the south to appoint him as his co-regent. He assumed many of the titles of his father including Rajakesari when he was a co-regent. He subsequently switched to Parakesari when he ascended the throne.<ref name="History of Indian administration: Volume 2">''History of Indian administration: Volume 2''</ref><ref name="The Cōḷas" /> This took place on 29 June 1118.<ref name="The Cōḷas" /> Vikrama continued to rule joinltly with his father until the latter's death in 1122. However the Western Chalukyas, utilising the opportunity of proper leadership in Vengi, invaded and captured the Eastern Chalukyan provinces.

==Early life==

Vikrama Chola was the fourth son of [[Kulothunga Chola I|Kulothunga I]]. He was a younger brother of Vira Chola, who was the third son of Kulothunga I. The [[Tamil language|Tamil]] inscriptions of Vikrama Chola confirm that he left the north for the south (of the Chola kingdom) before he was crowned king.<ref name="Epigraphy By Archaeological Survey of India. Southern Circle, page 4">''Epigraphy'' by Archaeological Survey of India. Southern Circle, page 4.</ref>

==Accession==
Vikrama Chola was crowned as the heir-apparent by his father early in his life. He was appointed as viceroy of the Vengi province in 1089, succeeding his brother Rajaraja Chodaganga. Vikrama during his tenure successfully managed to check the ambitions of the Western Chalukya Vikramaditya VI on the Vengi kingdom.

In 1118, the aging Kulothunga recalled Vikrama Chola from [[Vengi]] to the south to appoint him as his co-regent. He assumed many of the titles of his father including ''Rajakesari'' when he was a co-regent. He subsequently switched to ''Parakesari'' when he ascended the throne.<ref name="History of Indian administration: Volume 2" /><ref name="The Cōḷas" /> This took place on 29 June 1118.<ref name="The Cōḷas" /> Vikrama continued to rule jointly with his father until the latter's death in 1122. However the Western Chalukyas, utilising the opportunity of proper leadership in Vengi, invaded and captured the Eastern Chalukyan provinces.

==Military campaigns==

===Kalinga expedition===

While he was still a crown prince, Vikrama led an expedition to the [[Odisha|Kalinga]] country on behalf of his father in 1110. The Kalinga war is also referred to in inscriptions and in the epic ''Vikkiramacholan Ula''. Generally, his inscriptions contain the introduction "svasti sri Pū-mādu Punara Puvi-mādu valara Nā-mādu vilanga". An excerpt of a Tamil inscription in the Grantha script from [[Chintamani (town)|Chintamani]], [[Karnataka]], mentions the decimation of Kalinga while he was still a co-regent of his father. The same inscription also mentions the conquest of Kadal Malai, the seaport at the very edge of Mahabalipuram. The inscription describes:

{{Cquote|{{center|''In the 5th of the reign of Kōv-Irajakesarivarman alias the emperor Sri-Vikkirama Sola Deva, who while the goddess of fortune wedded him; while the goddess of the earth increased[in size]; while the goddess of speech became conspicuous; while the goddess of victory moved abroad; while kings placed on their head his sacred lotus-feet; while Kalingam was destroyed;..while his sceptre went and swayed over every region; and while the cruel Kali having disappeared-true virtue flourished..and was graciously seated on the throne of heroes.<ref name="Epigraphia Carnatica, Volume 10, Part 1, page 270">''Epigraphia Carnatica, Volume 10, Part 1, page 270''</ref>''}}
}}

He seems to have ascended the throne sometime prior to his 10th year for we have a similar [[Tamil language|Tamil]] inscription of his from [[Srinivaspur]], [[Karnataka]] that gives him the title ''Parakesari''. The title of his chief queen Mukkōkilānadigal (''Queen of the Three Worlds'') is also mentioned. We also have the [[Saka Era|Saka]] date 1049:

{{Cquote|{{center|''In the 10th year of the reign of Kōpparakēsarivanmar alias the emperor of the three worlds, Sri-Vikkirama Sola Deva, who was graciously seated along with his queen Mukkōkilānadigal-.''<ref name="Epigraphia Carnatica, Volume 10, Part 1, page 280">''Epigraphia Carnatica, Volume 10, Part 1, page 280''</ref>}}}}

===Recovery of Vengi===

Vikrama Chola was crowned as the heir-apparent by his father early in his life. He was appointed as viceroy of the Vengi province in 1089, succeeding his brother Rajaraja Chodaganga. Vikrama during his tenure successfully managed to check the ambitions of the Western Chalukya Vikramaditya VI on the Vengi kingdom.

In 1118, the aging Kulothunga recalled Vikrama Chola from [[Vengi]] to the south to appoint him as his co-regent. He assumed many of the titles of his father including ''Rajakesari'' when he was a co-regent. He subsequently switched to ''Parakesari'' when he ascended the throne.<ref name="History of Indian administration: Volume 2" /><ref name="The Cōḷas" /> This took place on 29 June 1118.<ref name="The Cōḷas" /> Vikrama continued to rule jointly with his father until the latter's death in 1122. However the Western Chalukyas, utilising the opportunity of proper leadership in Vengi, a brief occupation of the Vengi territories between 1118 and 1126, allied with Prince [[Vikramaditya VI]].<ref>''Ancient India: Collected Essays on the Literary and Political History of Southern India'' by Sakkottai Krishnaswami Aiyangar p.233</ref> After Vikramaditya's death in 1126, the Cholas began a slow process of encroachment over Vengi. By 1133 Vikrama Chola was able to re-capture Vengi from Vikramaditya VI's mild son [[Someshvara III]].<ref name="soma">Sastri (1955), pp.175-176</ref><ref name="inscribe">Kamath (1980), p.105</ref><ref name="vengi">Sen (1999), pp.386-387</ref>

===Recovery of Gangavadi===
This period coincided with the Hoysalas’ efforts to establish themselves as a power. During the transition from Chalukya rule to Hoysala rule, the Hoysalas wrested the Gangavadi region from the Cholas. Vikrama Chola therefore waged a campaign against the Hoysalas and recovered the Gangavadi region.<ref>{{cite book |last=Sastri |first=K. A. Nilakanta |title=History of South India |page=186 |url=https://archive.org/details/in.gov.ignca.16035/page/185/mode/1up |access-date=2026-09-26}}</ref>

Vikrama Chola Sedirayan (c. 1100–1133 CE) is thought to have possibly succeeded Rajaraja Sedirayan I, also known as Periyudaiyan, who was a feudatory of Kulottunga Chola I. Ottakkoothar’s Vikrama Cholan Ula mentions a Malaiyaman chieftain called “Chittrunadar Sevakan,” who is said to have conquered the Karnatas. M. S. Govindasamy suggests that this chieftain may have participated in Vikrama Chola’s campaign to re-establish Chola rule in Gangavadi and that he may be identified with Vikrama Chola Sedirayan.<ref>{{cite book|last=Govindasamy|first=M. S.|title=The Role of Feudatories in Later Chola History|page=171}}</ref>

=== Recovery of Kerala ===
Vikrama Chola also oversaw the Chola recovery of the medieval [[Chera Perumals of Makotai|Chera]]kingdom (in present-day [[Kerala]]) between c. 1102 and c. 1118.<ref name=":0" /> It seems that Jatavarman Parakrama, the Pandya, carried out the Kerala campaigns for his Chola overlord. The Cholas captured the [[Ay dynasty|Ay country]] and [[Venad|Venadu (the Kupaka)]], and defeated and levied tribute from the Chera king.<ref name=":0">Narayanan, M. G. S. ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=0YDCngEACAAJ&q=perumals+of+kerala Perumals of Kerala].'' Thrissur (Kerala): CosmoBooks, 2013 [1972]. 125-28.</ref>The last Chera ruler of Kerala, [[Rama Varma Kulashekhara|Rama Kulashekhara]], is fondly remembered by a Chera princess in a record dated in the regnal years of Vikrama Chola from the [[Thiruvalanjuli]] temple (1122).
== Personal life ==

Vikrama Chola was a great devotee of [[Shiva|Siva]] and greatly patronised the temple at [[Chidambaram]]. In 1128 he signaled his devotion by allocating the entire revenue of the year to the upgrade and extension of the temple. He had the main ''Vimana'' of the temple and the roofs of the passages around the main deity covered with gold. He had a palace built near the temple and spent much of his time there. We have many important people making donations to various temples during his reign. The most characteristic title of Vikrama Chola was ''Tyagasamudra'' – the ocean of sacrifice, which is found in his inscriptions and in ''Vikramacholan Ula''. We know the titles of three of his queens: Mukkōkilānadigal, Tyagapataka and Neriyan Madeviyar. Of his sons we only know of [[Kulothunga Chola II]] who succeeded him on the throne.

== Religious contribution ==
Vikrama Chola built a Siva temple at Ulagalanda Chola Mangalam (now renamed as Kalavai in Vellore district). This temple sivan is suyambu. A nataraja statue was made by pancha-loha, similar to Chithambaram Nataraja statue. Kovil's outer wall was constructed using green stones (patchai kal).<ref>{{Cite news |date=2014-10-16 |title=To sport a new look |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/history-and-culture/to-sport-a-new-look/article6506910.ece |access-date=2024-11-08 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

== Officials ==
General [[Naralokaviran]] alias Ponnambalakuttan continued to serve Vikrama Chola after Kulottunga I.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Colas Volume II, Part II|author=K.A. Nilakanta Sastri, Professor of Indian History and Archaeology, University of Madras|page=614}}</ref> One of the vassals in the Andhra country was Madhurantaka Pottapi Chola, the son of Siddharasa. The officer claimed descent from the [[Karikala Chola]] who raised the banks of Kaveri in epigraphs (Carana saroruha etc.).<ref>{{cite book|title=The Colas Volume II, Part II|author=K.A. Nilakanta Sastri, Professor of Indian History and Archaeology, University of Madras|page=621}}</ref>

== Epigraphs ==
A Tamil inscription of the king from [[Sidlaghatta]] district, dated in the second year of his reign and beginning with ''Pumagal Punara'', states that Udayamartanda Brahmamarayan, an officer of the king with his residence in Arulmolideva Chaturvedimangalam, and who was well versed in Tamil, built the temple of Somesvarar in the village of Sugattur in Kaivara nadu. Vikrama Chola is called Pulivendan [[Koliyar]] kula Pati alias Rajayyar Vikrama Choladeva.<ref>{{cite book|title=Later Chola Temples: Kulottunga I to Rajendra III (A.D. 1070-1280), Parts 1070-1280|author=S. R. Balasubrahmanyam, B. Natarajan, Balasubrahmanyan Ramachandran|publisher=Mudgala Trust, 1979|page=164}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}
* Nilakanta Sastri, K. A. (1935). ''The Cōḷas,'' University of Madras, Madras (Reprinted 1984).
* Nilakanta Sastri, K. A. (1955). ''A History of South India,'' OUP, New Delhi (Reprinted 2002).
*''The History and Culture of the Indian People: The Struggle for Empire'' By Ramesh Chandra Majumdar, Bhāratīya Itihāsa Samiti
*''Epigraphia Carnatica'', Volume 10, Part 1 by Benjamin Lewis Rice, Mysore (India: State). Archaeological Dept, Mysore Archaeological Survey
*''Epigraphy'' By Archaeological Survey of India. Southern Circle
*''History of Indian Administration'': Volume 2 by Baij Nath Puri

[[Category:12th-century Indian monarchs]]
[[Category:12th-century regents]]
[[Category:Chola emperors]]
[[Category:1135 deaths]]

Vikrama Chola

2026-10-13T08:17:42Z

2401:4900:CCED:735A:70A6:DDFF:FEE0:5954: Fix mistake

{{Short description|Chola emperor from 1122 to 1135}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2015}}
{{Infobox royalty
| name = Vikrama Chola விக்கிரம சோழன்
| title = KoParakesarivarman, Tyagasamudra
| image = vikrama territories.png
| alt =
| caption = Chola Territories c. 1126
| succession = [[Chola Empire|Chola Emperor]]
| reign = 1122 – 1135
| succession1 = [[Co-regent]] of the [[Chola Empire]]
| reign1 = 29 June 1118 – 1122
| predecessor = [[Kulothunga Chola I]]
| successor = [[Kulothunga Chola II]]
| spouse = Mukkōkilānadigal Tyagapataka
| spouse-type = Empress
| issue = [[Kulothunga Chola II]]
| house = [[Chalukya Cholas]]
| father = [[Kulothunga Chola I]]
| mother = Madhurandhagi
| birth_date =
| birth_place =
| death_date = 1135
| death_place =
| burial_place =
| religion =
| dynasty = [[Chola]]
}}
{{Chola history}}
'''Vikrama Chola''' (r. 1118–1135<ref name="The Cōḷas">''The Cōḷas.'' 62-63.</ref>), known as '''Kō Parakēsari Varman,''' was the [[Chola Empire|Chola emperor]] from 1118 to 1135. He succeeded his father [[Kulothunga Chola I|Kulothunga I]] (r. 1070–1122) to the throne.<ref name="The History and Culture of the Indian People: The struggle for empire, page 245">''The History and Culture of the Indian People: The struggle for empire, page 245''</ref> Vikrama Chola was crowned as the heir-apparent by his father early in his life. He was appointed as viceroy of the [[Vengi]] province in 1089 CE, succeeding his brother Rajaraja Chodaganga. Vikrama during his tenure successfully managed to check the ambitions of the Western Chalukya Vikramaditya VI on the [[Vengi|Vengi kingdom]].Vikrama Chola inherited the territories which included [[Tamil Nadu]] and some parts of Andhra Pradesh.

In 1118, the aging Kulothunga recalled Vikrama Chola from Vengi to the south to appoint him as his co-regent. He assumed many of the titles of his father including Rajakesari when he was a co-regent. He subsequently switched to Parakesari when he ascended the throne.<ref name="History of Indian administration: Volume 2">''History of Indian administration: Volume 2''</ref><ref name="The Cōḷas" /> This took place on 29 June 1118.<ref name="The Cōḷas" /> Vikrama continued to rule joinltly with his father until the latter's death in 1122. However the Western Chalukyas, utilising the opportunity of proper leadership in Vengi, invaded and captured the Eastern Chalukyan provinces.

==Early life==

Vikrama Chola was the fourth son of [[Kulothunga Chola I|Kulothunga I]]. He was a younger brother of Vira Chola, who was the third son of Kulothunga I. The [[Tamil language|Tamil]] inscriptions of Vikrama Chola confirm that he left the north for the south (of the Chola kingdom) before he was crowned king.<ref name="Epigraphy By Archaeological Survey of India. Southern Circle, page 4">''Epigraphy'' by Archaeological Survey of India. Southern Circle, page 4.</ref>

==Accession==
Vikrama Chola was crowned as the heir-apparent by his father early in his life. He was appointed as viceroy of the Vengi province in 1089, succeeding his brother Rajaraja Chodaganga. Vikrama during his tenure successfully managed to check the ambitions of the Western Chalukya Vikramaditya VI on the Vengi kingdom.

In 1118, the aging Kulothunga recalled Vikrama Chola from [[Vengi]] to the south to appoint him as his co-regent. He assumed many of the titles of his father including ''Rajakesari'' when he was a co-regent. He subsequently switched to ''Parakesari'' when he ascended the throne.<ref name="History of Indian administration: Volume 2" /><ref name="The Cōḷas" /> This took place on 29 June 1118.<ref name="The Cōḷas" /> Vikrama continued to rule jointly with his father until the latter's death in 1122. However the Western Chalukyas, utilising the opportunity of proper leadership in Vengi, invaded and captured the Eastern Chalukyan provinces.

==Military campaigns==

===Kalinga expedition===

While he was still a crown prince, Vikrama led an expedition to the [[Odisha|Kalinga]] country on behalf of his father in 1110. The Kalinga war is also referred to in inscriptions and in the epic ''Vikkiramacholan Ula''. Generally, his inscriptions contain the introduction "svasti sri Pū-mādu Punara Puvi-mādu valara Nā-mādu vilanga". An excerpt of a Tamil inscription in the Grantha script from [[Chintamani (town)|Chintamani]], [[Karnataka]], mentions the decimation of Kalinga while he was still a co-regent of his father. The same inscription also mentions the conquest of Kadal Malai, the seaport at the very edge of Mahabalipuram. The inscription describes:

{{Cquote|{{center|''In the 5th of the reign of Kōv-Irajakesarivarman alias the emperor Sri-Vikkirama Sola Deva, who while the goddess of fortune wedded him; while the goddess of the earth increased[in size]; while the goddess of speech became conspicuous; while the goddess of victory moved abroad; while kings placed on their head his sacred lotus-feet; while Kalingam was destroyed;..while his sceptre went and swayed over every region; and while the cruel Kali having disappeared-true virtue flourished..and was graciously seated on the throne of heroes.<ref name="Epigraphia Carnatica, Volume 10, Part 1, page 270">''Epigraphia Carnatica, Volume 10, Part 1, page 270''</ref>''}}
}}

He seems to have ascended the throne sometime prior to his 10th year for we have a similar [[Tamil language|Tamil]] inscription of his from [[Srinivaspur]], [[Karnataka]] that gives him the title ''Parakesari''. The title of his chief queen Mukkōkilānadigal (''Queen of the Three Worlds'') is also mentioned. We also have the [[Saka Era|Saka]] date 1049:

{{Cquote|{{center|''In the 10th year of the reign of Kōpparakēsarivanmar alias the emperor of the three worlds, Sri-Vikkirama Sola Deva, who was graciously seated along with his queen Mukkōkilānadigal-.''<ref name="Epigraphia Carnatica, Volume 10, Part 1, page 280">''Epigraphia Carnatica, Volume 10, Part 1, page 280''</ref>}}}}

===Recovery of Vengi===

Vikrama Chola was crowned as the heir-apparent by his father early in his life. He was appointed as viceroy of the Vengi province in 1089, succeeding his brother Rajaraja Chodaganga. Vikrama during his tenure successfully managed to check the ambitions of the Western Chalukya Vikramaditya VI on the Vengi kingdom.

In 1118, the aging Kulothunga recalled Vikrama Chola from [[Vengi]] to the south to appoint him as his co-regent. He assumed many of the titles of his father including ''Rajakesari'' when he was a co-regent. He subsequently switched to ''Parakesari'' when he ascended the throne.<ref name="History of Indian administration: Volume 2" /><ref name="The Cōḷas" /> This took place on 29 June 1118.<ref name="The Cōḷas" /> Vikrama continued to rule jointly with his father until the latter's death in 1122. However the Western Chalukyas, utilising the opportunity of proper leadership in Vengi, a brief occupation of the Vengi territories between 1118 and 1126, allied with Prince [[Vikramaditya VI]].<ref>''Ancient India: Collected Essays on the Literary and Political History of Southern India'' by Sakkottai Krishnaswami Aiyangar p.233</ref> After Vikramaditya's death in 1126, the Cholas began a slow process of encroachment over Vengi. By 1133 Vikrama Chola was able to re-capture Vengi from Vikramaditya VI's mild son [[Someshvara III]].<ref name="soma">Sastri (1955), pp.175-176</ref><ref name="inscribe">Kamath (1980), p.105</ref><ref name="vengi">Sen (1999), pp.386-387</ref>

===Recovery of Gangavadi===
This period coincided with the Hoysalas’ efforts to establish themselves as a power. During the transition from Chalukya rule to Hoysala rule, the Hoysalas wrested the Gangavadi region from the Cholas. Vikrama Chola therefore waged a campaign against the Hoysalas and recovered the Gangavadi region.<ref>{{cite book |last=Sastri |first=K. A. Nilakanta |title=History of South India |page=186 |url=https://archive.org/details/in.gov.ignca.16035/page/185/mode/1up |access-date=2026-09-26}}</ref>

Vikrama Chola Sedirayan (c. 1100–1133 CE) is thought to have possibly succeeded Rajaraja Sedirayan I, also known as Periyudaiyan, who was a feudatory of Kulottunga Chola I. Ottakkoothar’s Vikrama Cholan Ula mentions a Malaiyaman chieftain called “Chittrunadar Sevakan,” who is said to have conquered the Karnatas. M. S. Govindasamy suggests that this chieftain may have participated in Vikrama Chola’s campaign to re-establish Chola rule in Gangavadi and that he may be identified with Vikrama Chola Sedirayan.<ref>{{cite book |last=Govindasamy |first=M. S. |title=The Role of Feudatories in Later Chola History |page=171}}</ref

=== Recovery of Kerala ===
''Corrections by [[M. G. S. Narayanan]] (1972) on [[K. A. Nilakanta Sastri]] (1955, revised ed.) are employed.''

Vikrama Chola also oversaw the Chola recovery of the medieval [[Chera Perumals of Makotai|Chera]] kingdom (in present-day [[Kerala]]) between c. 1102 and c. 1118.<ref name=":0" /> It seems that Jatavarman Parakrama, the Pandya, carried out the Kerala campaigns for his Chola overlord.<ref name=":0" /> The Cholas captured the [[Ay dynasty|Ay country]] and [[Venad|Venadu (the Kupaka)]], and defeated and levied tribute from the Chera king.<ref name=":0">Narayanan, M. G. S. ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=0YDCngEACAAJ&q=perumals+of+kerala Perumals of Kerala].'' Thrissur (Kerala): CosmoBooks, 2013 [1972]. 125-28.</ref>

The last Chera ruler of Kerala, [[Rama Varma Kulashekhara|Rama Kulashekhara]], is fondly remembered by a Chera princess in a record dated in the regnal years of Vikrama Chola from the [[Thiruvalanjuli]] temple (1122).

== Personal life ==

Vikrama Chola was a great devotee of [[Shiva|Siva]] and greatly patronised the temple at [[Chidambaram]]. In 1128 he signaled his devotion by allocating the entire revenue of the year to the upgrade and extension of the temple. He had the main ''Vimana'' of the temple and the roofs of the passages around the main deity covered with gold. He had a palace built near the temple and spent much of his time there. We have many important people making donations to various temples during his reign. The most characteristic title of Vikrama Chola was ''Tyagasamudra'' – the ocean of sacrifice, which is found in his inscriptions and in ''Vikramacholan Ula''. We know the titles of three of his queens: Mukkōkilānadigal, Tyagapataka and Neriyan Madeviyar. Of his sons we only know of [[Kulothunga Chola II]] who succeeded him on the throne.

== Religious contribution ==
Vikrama Chola built a Siva temple at Ulagalanda Chola Mangalam (now renamed as Kalavai in Vellore district). This temple sivan is suyambu. A nataraja statue was made by pancha-loha, similar to Chithambaram Nataraja statue. Kovil's outer wall was constructed using green stones (patchai kal).<ref>{{Cite news |date=2014-10-16 |title=To sport a new look |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/history-and-culture/to-sport-a-new-look/article6506910.ece |access-date=2024-11-08 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

== Officials ==
General [[Naralokaviran]] alias Ponnambalakuttan continued to serve Vikrama Chola after Kulottunga I.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Colas Volume II, Part II|author=K.A. Nilakanta Sastri, Professor of Indian History and Archaeology, University of Madras|page=614}}</ref> One of the vassals in the Andhra country was Madhurantaka Pottapi Chola, the son of Siddharasa. The officer claimed descent from the [[Karikala Chola]] who raised the banks of Kaveri in epigraphs (Carana saroruha etc.).<ref>{{cite book|title=The Colas Volume II, Part II|author=K.A. Nilakanta Sastri, Professor of Indian History and Archaeology, University of Madras|page=621}}</ref>

== Epigraphs ==
A Tamil inscription of the king from [[Sidlaghatta]] district, dated in the second year of his reign and beginning with ''Pumagal Punara'', states that Udayamartanda Brahmamarayan, an officer of the king with his residence in Arulmolideva Chaturvedimangalam, and who was well versed in Tamil, built the temple of Somesvarar in the village of Sugattur in Kaivara nadu. Vikrama Chola is called Pulivendan [[Koliyar]] kula Pati alias Rajayyar Vikrama Choladeva.<ref>{{cite book|title=Later Chola Temples: Kulottunga I to Rajendra III (A.D. 1070-1280), Parts 1070-1280|author=S. R. Balasubrahmanyam, B. Natarajan, Balasubrahmanyan Ramachandran|publisher=Mudgala Trust, 1979|page=164}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}
* Nilakanta Sastri, K. A. (1935). ''The Cōḷas,'' University of Madras, Madras (Reprinted 1984).
* Nilakanta Sastri, K. A. (1955). ''A History of South India,'' OUP, New Delhi (Reprinted 2002).
*''The History and Culture of the Indian People: The Struggle for Empire'' By Ramesh Chandra Majumdar, Bhāratīya Itihāsa Samiti
*''Epigraphia Carnatica'', Volume 10, Part 1 by Benjamin Lewis Rice, Mysore (India: State). Archaeological Dept, Mysore Archaeological Survey
*''Epigraphy'' By Archaeological Survey of India. Southern Circle
*''History of Indian Administration'': Volume 2 by Baij Nath Puri

[[Category:12th-century Indian monarchs]]
[[Category:12th-century regents]]
[[Category:Chola emperors]]
[[Category:1135 deaths]]

Vikrama Chola

2026-10-13T08:16:34Z

2401:4900:CCED:735A:70A6:DDFF:FEE0:5954: Added information based on M. S. Govindasamy and K. A. Nilakanta Sastri on Vikrama Chola Sedirayan, his possible identification with a Malaiyaman chieftain mentioned in Vikrama Cholan Ula, and Vikrama Chola’s campaign to recover Gangavadi from the Hoysalas.

{{Short description|Chola emperor from 1122 to 1135}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2015}}
{{Infobox royalty
| name = Vikrama Chola விக்கிரம சோழன்
| title = KoParakesarivarman, Tyagasamudra
| image = vikrama territories.png
| alt =
| caption = Chola Territories c. 1126
| succession = [[Chola Empire|Chola Emperor]]
| reign = 1122 – 1135
| succession1 = [[Co-regent]] of the [[Chola Empire]]
| reign1 = 29 June 1118 – 1122
| predecessor = [[Kulothunga Chola I]]
| successor = [[Kulothunga Chola II]]
| spouse = Mukkōkilānadigal Tyagapataka
| spouse-type = Empress
| issue = [[Kulothunga Chola II]]
| house = [[Chalukya Cholas]]
| father = [[Kulothunga Chola I]]
| mother = Madhurandhagi
| birth_date =
| birth_place =
| death_date = 1135
| death_place =
| burial_place =
| religion =
| dynasty = [[Chola]]
}}
{{Chola history}}
'''Vikrama Chola''' (r. 1118–1135<ref name="The Cōḷas">''The Cōḷas.'' 62-63.</ref>), known as '''Kō Parakēsari Varman,''' was the [[Chola Empire|Chola emperor]] from 1118 to 1135. He succeeded his father [[Kulothunga Chola I|Kulothunga I]] (r. 1070–1122) to the throne.<ref name="The History and Culture of the Indian People: The struggle for empire, page 245">''The History and Culture of the Indian People: The struggle for empire, page 245''</ref> Vikrama Chola was crowned as the heir-apparent by his father early in his life. He was appointed as viceroy of the [[Vengi]] province in 1089 CE, succeeding his brother Rajaraja Chodaganga. Vikrama during his tenure successfully managed to check the ambitions of the Western Chalukya Vikramaditya VI on the [[Vengi|Vengi kingdom]].Vikrama Chola inherited the territories which included [[Tamil Nadu]] and some parts of Andhra Pradesh.

In 1118, the aging Kulothunga recalled Vikrama Chola from Vengi to the south to appoint him as his co-regent. He assumed many of the titles of his father including Rajakesari when he was a co-regent. He subsequently switched to Parakesari when he ascended the throne.<ref name="History of Indian administration: Volume 2">''History of Indian administration: Volume 2''</ref><ref name="The Cōḷas" /> This took place on 29 June 1118.<ref name="The Cōḷas" /> Vikrama continued to rule joinltly with his father until the latter's death in 1122. However the Western Chalukyas, utilising the opportunity of proper leadership in Vengi, invaded and captured the Eastern Chalukyan provinces.

==Early life==

Vikrama Chola was the fourth son of [[Kulothunga Chola I|Kulothunga I]]. He was a younger brother of Vira Chola, who was the third son of Kulothunga I. The [[Tamil language|Tamil]] inscriptions of Vikrama Chola confirm that he left the north for the south (of the Chola kingdom) before he was crowned king.<ref name="Epigraphy By Archaeological Survey of India. Southern Circle, page 4">''Epigraphy'' by Archaeological Survey of India. Southern Circle, page 4.</ref>

==Accession==
Vikrama Chola was crowned as the heir-apparent by his father early in his life. He was appointed as viceroy of the Vengi province in 1089, succeeding his brother Rajaraja Chodaganga. Vikrama during his tenure successfully managed to check the ambitions of the Western Chalukya Vikramaditya VI on the Vengi kingdom.

In 1118, the aging Kulothunga recalled Vikrama Chola from [[Vengi]] to the south to appoint him as his co-regent. He assumed many of the titles of his father including ''Rajakesari'' when he was a co-regent. He subsequently switched to ''Parakesari'' when he ascended the throne.<ref name="History of Indian administration: Volume 2" /><ref name="The Cōḷas" /> This took place on 29 June 1118.<ref name="The Cōḷas" /> Vikrama continued to rule jointly with his father until the latter's death in 1122. However the Western Chalukyas, utilising the opportunity of proper leadership in Vengi, invaded and captured the Eastern Chalukyan provinces.

==Military campaigns==

===Kalinga expedition===

While he was still a crown prince, Vikrama led an expedition to the [[Odisha|Kalinga]] country on behalf of his father in 1110. The Kalinga war is also referred to in inscriptions and in the epic ''Vikkiramacholan Ula''. Generally, his inscriptions contain the introduction "svasti sri Pū-mādu Punara Puvi-mādu valara Nā-mādu vilanga". An excerpt of a Tamil inscription in the Grantha script from [[Chintamani (town)|Chintamani]], [[Karnataka]], mentions the decimation of Kalinga while he was still a co-regent of his father. The same inscription also mentions the conquest of Kadal Malai, the seaport at the very edge of Mahabalipuram. The inscription describes:

{{Cquote|{{center|''In the 5th of the reign of Kōv-Irajakesarivarman alias the emperor Sri-Vikkirama Sola Deva, who while the goddess of fortune wedded him; while the goddess of the earth increased[in size]; while the goddess of speech became conspicuous; while the goddess of victory moved abroad; while kings placed on their head his sacred lotus-feet; while Kalingam was destroyed;..while his sceptre went and swayed over every region; and while the cruel Kali having disappeared-true virtue flourished..and was graciously seated on the throne of heroes.<ref name="Epigraphia Carnatica, Volume 10, Part 1, page 270">''Epigraphia Carnatica, Volume 10, Part 1, page 270''</ref>''}}
}}

He seems to have ascended the throne sometime prior to his 10th year for we have a similar [[Tamil language|Tamil]] inscription of his from [[Srinivaspur]], [[Karnataka]] that gives him the title ''Parakesari''. The title of his chief queen Mukkōkilānadigal (''Queen of the Three Worlds'') is also mentioned. We also have the [[Saka Era|Saka]] date 1049:

{{Cquote|{{center|''In the 10th year of the reign of Kōpparakēsarivanmar alias the emperor of the three worlds, Sri-Vikkirama Sola Deva, who was graciously seated along with his queen Mukkōkilānadigal-.''<ref name="Epigraphia Carnatica, Volume 10, Part 1, page 280">''Epigraphia Carnatica, Volume 10, Part 1, page 280''</ref>}}}}

===Recovery of Vengi===

Vikrama Chola was crowned as the heir-apparent by his father early in his life. He was appointed as viceroy of the Vengi province in 1089, succeeding his brother Rajaraja Chodaganga. Vikrama during his tenure successfully managed to check the ambitions of the Western Chalukya Vikramaditya VI on the Vengi kingdom.

In 1118, the aging Kulothunga recalled Vikrama Chola from [[Vengi]] to the south to appoint him as his co-regent. He assumed many of the titles of his father including ''Rajakesari'' when he was a co-regent. He subsequently switched to ''Parakesari'' when he ascended the throne.<ref name="History of Indian administration: Volume 2" /><ref name="The Cōḷas" /> This took place on 29 June 1118.<ref name="The Cōḷas" /> Vikrama continued to rule jointly with his father until the latter's death in 1122. However the Western Chalukyas, utilising the opportunity of proper leadership in Vengi, a brief occupation of the Vengi territories between 1118 and 1126, allied with Prince [[Vikramaditya VI]].<ref>''Ancient India: Collected Essays on the Literary and Political History of Southern India'' by Sakkottai Krishnaswami Aiyangar p.233</ref> After Vikramaditya's death in 1126, the Cholas began a slow process of encroachment over Vengi. By 1133 Vikrama Chola was able to re-capture Vengi from Vikramaditya VI's mild son [[Someshvara III]].<ref name="soma">Sastri (1955), pp.175-176</ref><ref name="inscribe">Kamath (1980), p.105</ref><ref name="vengi">Sen (1999), pp.386-387</ref>

===Recovery of Gangavadi===
This period coincided with the Hoysalas’ efforts to establish themselves as a power. During the transition from Chalukya rule to Hoysala rule, the Hoysalas wrested the Gangavadi region from the Cholas. Vikrama Chola therefore waged a campaign against the Hoysalas and recovered the Gangavadi region.<ref>{{cite book |last=Sastri |first=K. A. Nilakanta |title=History of South India |page=186 |url=https://archive.org/details/in.gov.ignca.16035/page/185/mode/1up |access-date=2026-09-26}}</ref>

Vikrama Chola Sedirayan (c. 1100–1133 CE) is thought to have possibly succeeded Rajaraja Sedirayan I, also known as Periyudaiyan, who was a feudatory of Kulottunga Chola I. Ottakkoothar’s Vikrama Cholan Ula mentions a Malaiyaman chieftain called “Chittrunadar Sevakan,” who is said to have conquered the Karnatas. M. S. Govindasamy suggests that this chieftain may have participated in Vikrama Chola’s campaign to re-establish Chola rule in Gangavadi and that he may be identified with Vikrama Chola Sedirayan.<ref>{{cite book |last=Govindasamy |first=M. S. |title=The Role of Feudatories in Later Chola History |page=171}}</ref

=== Recovery of Kerala ===
''Corrections by [[M. G. S. Narayanan]] (1972) on [[K. A. Nilakanta Sastri]] (1955, revised ed.) are employed.''

Vikrama Chola also oversaw the Chola recovery of the medieval [[Chera Perumals of Makotai|Chera]] kingdom (in present-day [[Kerala]]) between c. 1102 and c. 1118.<ref name=":0" /> It seems that Jatavarman Parakrama, the Pandya, carried out the Kerala campaigns for his Chola overlord.<ref name=":0" /> The Cholas captured the [[Ay dynasty|Ay country]] and [[Venad|Venadu (the Kupaka)]], and defeated and levied tribute from the Chera king.<ref name=":0">Narayanan, M. G. S. ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=0YDCngEACAAJ&q=perumals+of+kerala Perumals of Kerala].'' Thrissur (Kerala): CosmoBooks, 2013 [1972]. 125-28.</ref> The last Chera ruler of Kerala, [[Rama Varma Kulashekhara|Rama Kulashekhara]], is fondly remembered by a Chera princess in a record dated in the regnal years of Vikrama Chola from the [[Thiruvalanjuli]] temple (1122).<ref name=":0" />

== Personal life ==

Vikrama Chola was a great devotee of [[Shiva|Siva]] and greatly patronised the temple at [[Chidambaram]]. In 1128 he signaled his devotion by allocating the entire revenue of the year to the upgrade and extension of the temple. He had the main ''Vimana'' of the temple and the roofs of the passages around the main deity covered with gold. He had a palace built near the temple and spent much of his time there. We have many important people making donations to various temples during his reign. The most characteristic title of Vikrama Chola was ''Tyagasamudra'' – the ocean of sacrifice, which is found in his inscriptions and in ''Vikramacholan Ula''. We know the titles of three of his queens: Mukkōkilānadigal, Tyagapataka and Neriyan Madeviyar. Of his sons we only know of [[Kulothunga Chola II]] who succeeded him on the throne.

== Religious contribution ==
Vikrama Chola built a Siva temple at Ulagalanda Chola Mangalam (now renamed as Kalavai in Vellore district). This temple sivan is suyambu. A nataraja statue was made by pancha-loha, similar to Chithambaram Nataraja statue. Kovil's outer wall was constructed using green stones (patchai kal).<ref>{{Cite news |date=2014-10-16 |title=To sport a new look |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/history-and-culture/to-sport-a-new-look/article6506910.ece |access-date=2024-11-08 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

== Officials ==
General [[Naralokaviran]] alias Ponnambalakuttan continued to serve Vikrama Chola after Kulottunga I.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Colas Volume II, Part II|author=K.A. Nilakanta Sastri, Professor of Indian History and Archaeology, University of Madras|page=614}}</ref> One of the vassals in the Andhra country was Madhurantaka Pottapi Chola, the son of Siddharasa. The officer claimed descent from the [[Karikala Chola]] who raised the banks of Kaveri in epigraphs (Carana saroruha etc.).<ref>{{cite book|title=The Colas Volume II, Part II|author=K.A. Nilakanta Sastri, Professor of Indian History and Archaeology, University of Madras|page=621}}</ref>

== Epigraphs ==
A Tamil inscription of the king from [[Sidlaghatta]] district, dated in the second year of his reign and beginning with ''Pumagal Punara'', states that Udayamartanda Brahmamarayan, an officer of the king with his residence in Arulmolideva Chaturvedimangalam, and who was well versed in Tamil, built the temple of Somesvarar in the village of Sugattur in Kaivara nadu. Vikrama Chola is called Pulivendan [[Koliyar]] kula Pati alias Rajayyar Vikrama Choladeva.<ref>{{cite book|title=Later Chola Temples: Kulottunga I to Rajendra III (A.D. 1070-1280), Parts 1070-1280|author=S. R. Balasubrahmanyam, B. Natarajan, Balasubrahmanyan Ramachandran|publisher=Mudgala Trust, 1979|page=164}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}
* Nilakanta Sastri, K. A. (1935). ''The Cōḷas,'' University of Madras, Madras (Reprinted 1984).
* Nilakanta Sastri, K. A. (1955). ''A History of South India,'' OUP, New Delhi (Reprinted 2002).
*''The History and Culture of the Indian People: The Struggle for Empire'' By Ramesh Chandra Majumdar, Bhāratīya Itihāsa Samiti
*''Epigraphia Carnatica'', Volume 10, Part 1 by Benjamin Lewis Rice, Mysore (India: State). Archaeological Dept, Mysore Archaeological Survey
*''Epigraphy'' By Archaeological Survey of India. Southern Circle
*''History of Indian Administration'': Volume 2 by Baij Nath Puri

[[Category:12th-century Indian monarchs]]
[[Category:12th-century regents]]
[[Category:Chola emperors]]
[[Category:1135 deaths]]