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Vikrama Chola

2026-10-16T15:12:23Z

Vanniyar.khasatriya: Additional information and a source were added linking the Kadava chief who fought against the Rattas with his possible participation in Vikrama Chola’s military campaigns.

{{Short description|Chola emperor from 1122 to 1135}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2015}}
{{Infobox royalty
| name = Vikrama Chola<br />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<br />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>

According to an inscription at Vriddhachalam, Aras Narayana Kachchiyarayan is said to have conquered the southern hill regions, defeated the Rattas, and captured Vatapi. According to M. S. Govindasamy, Chola sources provide no clear evidence of major wars of this kind during the reigns of Kulottunga Chola II and Rajaraja Chola II. However, Ottakkuttar’s Takkayagapparani and Rajarajacholan Ula mention that Rajaraja Chola II fought against the Cheras and Pandyas. The author suggests that the Kadava chief who fought against the Rattas mentioned in this inscription may also have participated alongside Vikrama Chola in the campaigns to reconquer Gangavadi and The Vengi .Furthermore, Rajarajacholan Ula, verse 593, mentions a Chola military campaign at Vatapi.<ref>{{cite book |last=Govindasamy |first=M. S. |title=The Role of Feudatories in Later Chola History |pages=107–108}}</ref><ref>{{cite book
|title=Mūvarulā
|editor=Pandit A. Gopalaiyer
|publisher=Adyar Library, Madras
|page=76 |url=https://archive.org/details/tdl.tdl_5591df-nuul-muuvrulaa/page/76/mode/1up
}}</ref><ref>{{cite book
|editor-last=Krishnamacharlu
|editor-first=C. R.
|title=South Indian Inscriptions, Volume XII: Pallava Inscriptions
|publisher=Government Press
|location=Madras
|year=1943
|page=166 |url=https://archive.org/details/dli.ernet.107391/page/166/mode/1up
}}</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]]

Kadava dynasty

2026-10-13T16:46:07Z

Vanniyar.khasatriya: Fixed

{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2019}}
'''Kadava''' was the name of a [[Tamil people|Tamil]] ruling dynasty who ruled parts of the Tamil country during the thirteenth and the fourteenth century. Kadavas were related to the [[Pallava dynasty]] and ruled from Kudalur near [[Cuddalore]] in [[Tamil Nadu]]. [[Hiranyavarman]], the father of [[Nandivarman II]] Pallavamalla is said to have belonged to the Kadavakula in epigraphs.<ref name=kadavakula>{{cite book|title=History of Kongu, Volume 1|author=V. Ramamurthy|publisher=International Society for the Investigation of Ancient Civilization, 1986|page=172}}</ref> Nandivarman II himself is described as "one who was born to raise the prestige of the Kadava family".<ref>{{cite book|title=South Indian Inscriptions, Volume 12|author=Eugen Hultzsch|publisher=Manager of Publications, 1986|page=viii}}</ref> Chiefs bearing the Kadava title figure as feudatories of the [[Chola]]s as early as the 12th century. During the reign of [[Kulothunga Chola II]], there was a vassal called Alappirandan Elisaimohan alias Kulottungasola Kadavaradittan.<ref>{{cite book|title=The role of feudatories in later Chōḷa history|author=M. S. Govindasamy|publisher=Annamalai University, 1979|page=162}}</ref> The Kadava kingdom was at the height of their power briefly during the reigns of [[Kopperunchinga I]] and [[Kopperunchinga II]]. These two rulers were powerful enough to challenge the waning [[Chola dynasty]] during the reign of [[Rajaraja Chola III]] and [[Rajendra Chola III]]. The two Kopperunchingas have left a large number of inscriptions mostly in the North and South [[Arcot]] districts and in the [[Chingleput]] district.

==Origins==
The title ''Kadava'' is found among the several titles assumed by [[Mahendravarman I]], [[Narasimhavarman I]] and [[Narasimhavarman II]]. The ''Kadava'' name with Kadavarayar is found in [[Tamil literature]] to refer to the [[Pallavas]]. The relationship of the Kadavas to the main Pallava dynasty is documented in an inscription in [[Kanchipuram]]. The kings of the collateral line of the Pallavas who were descended from Bhimavarman, the brother of [[Simhavishnu]], are called the ''Kadavas''. The Pallava king [[Nandivarman II]] (Pallavamalla) is praised as "one who was born to raise the prestige of the Kadava family."<ref>Nilakanta Sastri, K.A. (1955). A History of South India, OUP, New Delhi (Reprinted 2002).</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Archaeological Survey|first=of India|title=A.R. No. 232 of 1916 and A.R. No. 137 of 1900|url=http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/south_indian_inscriptions/volume_12/appendix_b.html|publisher=Archaeological Survey of India|accessdate=5 June 2011}}</ref>

The term Kadava has been linked by some historians to Kaduvetti (also rendered Kanduvethi), an epithet associated with the Pallava ruler Narasimhavarman I in the Sri Lankan chronicle Cūḷavaṃsa. Eugen Hultzsch argued that Kaduvetti or Kaduvetti was synonymous with Kadava, suggesting a connection between the Pallavas and the later Kadava chiefs.<ref>Wilhelm Geiger (trans.), ''The Culavamsa: Being the More Recent Part of the Mahavamsa'', Part I, pp. 103–104; E. Hultzsch, ''Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society'' (1913), p. 527.</ref>

The term Kaduvetti, which has been associated with the Pallava rulers of Kanchi and Tondaimandalam, also occurs in Kannada inscriptions relating to the Western Ganga dynasty. According to M. V. Krishna Rao, references to Ganga rulers such as Durvinita, Sripurusha and Rakkasa Ganga use the title Kaduvetti in connection with the Pallavas. Rao also notes the use of Kaduve Maharaya and Kadava Mahadevi for Pallava kings and queens, respectively. These usages have been cited as evidence of a historical association between the title Kadava and the Pallavas.<ref>M. V. Krishna Rao, ''The Gangas of Talkad'', p. 56.</ref>

== Kadava Rulers ==

According to an inscription at Vriddhachalam, Aras Narayana Kachchiyarayan is said to have conquered the southern hill regions, defeated the Rattas, and captured Vatapi. According to M. S. Govindasamy, Chola sources provide no clear evidence of major wars of this kind during the reigns of Kulottunga Chola II and Rajaraja Chola II. However, Ottakkuttar’s Takkayagapparani and Rajarajacholan Ula mention that Rajaraja Chola II fought against the Cheras and Pandyas. The author suggests that the Kadava chief who fought against the Rattas mentioned in this inscription may also have participated alongside Vikrama Chola in the campaigns to reconquer Gangavadi and The Vengi .Furthermore, Rajarajacholan Ula, verse 593, mentions a Chola military campaign at Vatapi.<ref>{{cite book |last=Govindasamy |first=M. S. |title=The Role of Feudatories in Later Chola History |pages=107–108}}</ref><ref>{{cite book
|title=Mūvarulā
|editor=Pandit A. Gopalaiyer
|publisher=Adyar Library, Madras
|page=76 |url=https://archive.org/details/tdl.tdl_5591df-nuul-muuvrulaa/page/76/mode/1up
}}</ref><ref>{{cite book
|editor-last=Krishnamacharlu
|editor-first=C. R.
|title=South Indian Inscriptions, Volume XII: Pallava Inscriptions
|publisher=Government Press
|location=Madras
|year=1943
|page=166 |url=https://archive.org/details/dli.ernet.107391/page/166/mode/1up
}}</ref>

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/ South Indian Inscriptions]

[[Category:Tamil monarchs]]
[[Category:Dynasties of India]]
[[Category:Empires and kingdoms of India]]
[[Category:Pallava kings]]
[[Category:History of Tamil Nadu]]

Kadava dynasty

2026-10-13T16:44:31Z

Vanniyar.khasatriya: Additional information and a source were added linking the Kadava chief who fought against the Rattas with his possible participation in Vikrama Chola’s military campaigns.

{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2019}}
'''Kadava''' was the name of a [[Tamil people|Tamil]] ruling dynasty who ruled parts of the Tamil country during the thirteenth and the fourteenth century. Kadavas were related to the [[Pallava dynasty]] and ruled from Kudalur near [[Cuddalore]] in [[Tamil Nadu]]. [[Hiranyavarman]], the father of [[Nandivarman II]] Pallavamalla is said to have belonged to the Kadavakula in epigraphs.<ref name=kadavakula>{{cite book|title=History of Kongu, Volume 1|author=V. Ramamurthy|publisher=International Society for the Investigation of Ancient Civilization, 1986|page=172}}</ref> Nandivarman II himself is described as "one who was born to raise the prestige of the Kadava family".<ref>{{cite book|title=South Indian Inscriptions, Volume 12|author=Eugen Hultzsch|publisher=Manager of Publications, 1986|page=viii}}</ref> Chiefs bearing the Kadava title figure as feudatories of the [[Chola]]s as early as the 12th century. During the reign of [[Kulothunga Chola II]], there was a vassal called Alappirandan Elisaimohan alias Kulottungasola Kadavaradittan.<ref>{{cite book|title=The role of feudatories in later Chōḷa history|author=M. S. Govindasamy|publisher=Annamalai University, 1979|page=162}}</ref> The Kadava kingdom was at the height of their power briefly during the reigns of [[Kopperunchinga I]] and [[Kopperunchinga II]]. These two rulers were powerful enough to challenge the waning [[Chola dynasty]] during the reign of [[Rajaraja Chola III]] and [[Rajendra Chola III]]. The two Kopperunchingas have left a large number of inscriptions mostly in the North and South [[Arcot]] districts and in the [[Chingleput]] district.

==Origins==
The title ''Kadava'' is found among the several titles assumed by [[Mahendravarman I]], [[Narasimhavarman I]] and [[Narasimhavarman II]]. The ''Kadava'' name with Kadavarayar is found in [[Tamil literature]] to refer to the [[Pallavas]]. The relationship of the Kadavas to the main Pallava dynasty is documented in an inscription in [[Kanchipuram]]. The kings of the collateral line of the Pallavas who were descended from Bhimavarman, the brother of [[Simhavishnu]], are called the ''Kadavas''. The Pallava king [[Nandivarman II]] (Pallavamalla) is praised as "one who was born to raise the prestige of the Kadava family."<ref>Nilakanta Sastri, K.A. (1955). A History of South India, OUP, New Delhi (Reprinted 2002).</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Archaeological Survey|first=of India|title=A.R. No. 232 of 1916 and A.R. No. 137 of 1900|url=http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/south_indian_inscriptions/volume_12/appendix_b.html|publisher=Archaeological Survey of India|accessdate=5 June 2011}}</ref>

The term Kadava has been linked by some historians to Kaduvetti (also rendered Kanduvethi), an epithet associated with the Pallava ruler Narasimhavarman I in the Sri Lankan chronicle Cūḷavaṃsa. Eugen Hultzsch argued that Kaduvetti or Kaduvetti was synonymous with Kadava, suggesting a connection between the Pallavas and the later Kadava chiefs.<ref>Wilhelm Geiger (trans.), ''The Culavamsa: Being the More Recent Part of the Mahavamsa'', Part I, pp. 103–104; E. Hultzsch, ''Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society'' (1913), p. 527.</ref>

The term Kaduvetti, which has been associated with the Pallava rulers of Kanchi and Tondaimandalam, also occurs in Kannada inscriptions relating to the Western Ganga dynasty. According to M. V. Krishna Rao, references to Ganga rulers such as Durvinita, Sripurusha and Rakkasa Ganga use the title Kaduvetti in connection with the Pallavas. Rao also notes the use of Kaduve Maharaya and Kadava Mahadevi for Pallava kings and queens, respectively. These usages have been cited as evidence of a historical association between the title Kadava and the Pallavas.<ref>M. V. Krishna Rao, ''The Gangas of Talkad'', p. 56.</ref>

== Kadava Rulers ==

According to an inscription at Vriddhachalam, Aras Narayana Kachchiyarayan is said to have conquered the southern hill regions, defeated the Rattas, and captured Vatapi. According to M. S. Govindasamy, Chola sources provide no clear evidence of major wars of this kind during the reigns of Kulottunga Chola II and Rajaraja Chola II. However, Ottakkuttar’s Takkayagapparani and Rajarajacholan Ula mention that Rajaraja Chola II fought against the Cheras and Pandyas. The author suggests that the Kadava chief who fought against the Rattas mentioned in this inscription may also have participated alongside Vikrama Chola in the campaigns to reconquer Gangavadi and The Vengi And that Kachchiyarayan may have participated in these campaigns. Furthermore, Rajarajacholan Ula, verse 593, mentions a Chola military campaign at Vatapi.<ref>{{cite book |last=Govindasamy |first=M. S. |title=The Role of Feudatories in Later Chola History |pages=107–108}}</ref><ref>{{cite book
|title=Mūvarulā
|editor=Pandit A. Gopalaiyer
|publisher=Adyar Library, Madras
|page=76 |url=https://archive.org/details/tdl.tdl_5591df-nuul-muuvrulaa/page/76/mode/1up
}}</ref><ref>{{cite book
|editor-last=Krishnamacharlu
|editor-first=C. R.
|title=South Indian Inscriptions, Volume XII: Pallava Inscriptions
|publisher=Government Press
|location=Madras
|year=1943
|page=166 |url=https://archive.org/details/dli.ernet.107391/page/166/mode/1up
}}</ref>

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/ South Indian Inscriptions]

[[Category:Tamil monarchs]]
[[Category:Dynasties of India]]
[[Category:Empires and kingdoms of India]]
[[Category:Pallava kings]]
[[Category:History of Tamil Nadu]]

Kadava dynasty

2026-10-13T14:57:02Z

Vanniyar.khasatriya: Expanded the Kadava rulers section using M. S. Govindasamy’s The Role of Feudatories in Later Chola History, Mūvarulā, and South Indian Inscriptions, Volume XII: Pallava Inscriptions, adding details about Kachchiyarayan’s military campaigns and the references to Vatapi.

{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2019}}
'''Kadava''' was the name of a [[Tamil people|Tamil]] ruling dynasty who ruled parts of the Tamil country during the thirteenth and the fourteenth century. Kadavas were related to the [[Pallava dynasty]] and ruled from Kudalur near [[Cuddalore]] in [[Tamil Nadu]]. [[Hiranyavarman]], the father of [[Nandivarman II]] Pallavamalla is said to have belonged to the Kadavakula in epigraphs.<ref name=kadavakula>{{cite book|title=History of Kongu, Volume 1|author=V. Ramamurthy|publisher=International Society for the Investigation of Ancient Civilization, 1986|page=172}}</ref> Nandivarman II himself is described as "one who was born to raise the prestige of the Kadava family".<ref>{{cite book|title=South Indian Inscriptions, Volume 12|author=Eugen Hultzsch|publisher=Manager of Publications, 1986|page=viii}}</ref> Chiefs bearing the Kadava title figure as feudatories of the [[Chola]]s as early as the 12th century. During the reign of [[Kulothunga Chola II]], there was a vassal called Alappirandan Elisaimohan alias Kulottungasola Kadavaradittan.<ref>{{cite book|title=The role of feudatories in later Chōḷa history|author=M. S. Govindasamy|publisher=Annamalai University, 1979|page=162}}</ref> The Kadava kingdom was at the height of their power briefly during the reigns of [[Kopperunchinga I]] and [[Kopperunchinga II]]. These two rulers were powerful enough to challenge the waning [[Chola dynasty]] during the reign of [[Rajaraja Chola III]] and [[Rajendra Chola III]]. The two Kopperunchingas have left a large number of inscriptions mostly in the North and South [[Arcot]] districts and in the [[Chingleput]] district.

==Origins==
The title ''Kadava'' is found among the several titles assumed by [[Mahendravarman I]], [[Narasimhavarman I]] and [[Narasimhavarman II]]. The ''Kadava'' name with Kadavarayar is found in [[Tamil literature]] to refer to the [[Pallavas]]. The relationship of the Kadavas to the main Pallava dynasty is documented in an inscription in [[Kanchipuram]]. The kings of the collateral line of the Pallavas who were descended from Bhimavarman, the brother of [[Simhavishnu]], are called the ''Kadavas''. The Pallava king [[Nandivarman II]] (Pallavamalla) is praised as "one who was born to raise the prestige of the Kadava family."<ref>Nilakanta Sastri, K.A. (1955). A History of South India, OUP, New Delhi (Reprinted 2002).</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Archaeological Survey|first=of India|title=A.R. No. 232 of 1916 and A.R. No. 137 of 1900|url=http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/south_indian_inscriptions/volume_12/appendix_b.html|publisher=Archaeological Survey of India|accessdate=5 June 2011}}</ref>

The term Kadava has been linked by some historians to Kaduvetti (also rendered Kanduvethi), an epithet associated with the Pallava ruler Narasimhavarman I in the Sri Lankan chronicle Cūḷavaṃsa. Eugen Hultzsch argued that Kaduvetti or Kaduvetti was synonymous with Kadava, suggesting a connection between the Pallavas and the later Kadava chiefs.<ref>Wilhelm Geiger (trans.), ''The Culavamsa: Being the More Recent Part of the Mahavamsa'', Part I, pp. 103–104; E. Hultzsch, ''Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society'' (1913), p. 527.</ref>

The term Kaduvetti, which has been associated with the Pallava rulers of Kanchi and Tondaimandalam, also occurs in Kannada inscriptions relating to the Western Ganga dynasty. According to M. V. Krishna Rao, references to Ganga rulers such as Durvinita, Sripurusha and Rakkasa Ganga use the title Kaduvetti in connection with the Pallavas. Rao also notes the use of Kaduve Maharaya and Kadava Mahadevi for Pallava kings and queens, respectively. These usages have been cited as evidence of a historical association between the title Kadava and the Pallavas.<ref>M. V. Krishna Rao, ''The Gangas of Talkad'', p. 56.</ref>

== Kadava Rulers ==

According to an inscription at Vriddhachalam, Aras Narayana Kachchiyarayan is said to have conquered the southern hill regions, defeated the Rattas, and captured Vatapi. According to M. S. Govindasamy, Chola sources provide no clear evidence of major wars of this kind during the reigns of Kulottunga Chola II and Rajaraja Chola II. However, Ottakkuttar’s Takkayagapparani and Rajarajacholan Ula mention that Rajaraja Chola II fought against the Cheras and Pandyas. The author suggests that Kachchiyarayan may have participated in these campaigns. Furthermore, Rajarajacholan Ula, verse 593, mentions a Chola military campaign at Vatapi.<ref>{{cite book |last=Govindasamy |first=M. S. |title=The Role of Feudatories in Later Chola History |pages=107–108}}</ref><ref>{{cite book
|title=Mūvarulā
|editor=Pandit A. Gopalaiyer
|publisher=Adyar Library, Madras
|page=76 |url=https://archive.org/details/tdl.tdl_5591df-nuul-muuvrulaa/page/76/mode/1up
}}</ref><ref>{{cite book
|editor-last=Krishnamacharlu
|editor-first=C. R.
|title=South Indian Inscriptions, Volume XII: Pallava Inscriptions
|publisher=Government Press
|location=Madras
|year=1943
|page=166 |url=https://archive.org/details/dli.ernet.107391/page/166/mode/1up
}}</ref>

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/ South Indian Inscriptions]

[[Category:Tamil monarchs]]
[[Category:Dynasties of India]]
[[Category:Empires and kingdoms of India]]
[[Category:Pallava kings]]
[[Category:History of Tamil Nadu]]

Kadava dynasty

2026-10-13T14:46:06Z

Vanniyar.khasatriya: Added sourced discussion of the proposed linguistic and historical association between the Kadava designation and the Pallavas, drawing on the Culavamsa, Hultzsch, and M. V. Krishna Rao.

{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2019}}
'''Kadava''' was the name of a [[Tamil people|Tamil]] ruling dynasty who ruled parts of the Tamil country during the thirteenth and the fourteenth century. Kadavas were related to the [[Pallava dynasty]] and ruled from Kudalur near [[Cuddalore]] in [[Tamil Nadu]]. [[Hiranyavarman]], the father of [[Nandivarman II]] Pallavamalla is said to have belonged to the Kadavakula in epigraphs.<ref name=kadavakula>{{cite book|title=History of Kongu, Volume 1|author=V. Ramamurthy|publisher=International Society for the Investigation of Ancient Civilization, 1986|page=172}}</ref> Nandivarman II himself is described as "one who was born to raise the prestige of the Kadava family".<ref>{{cite book|title=South Indian Inscriptions, Volume 12|author=Eugen Hultzsch|publisher=Manager of Publications, 1986|page=viii}}</ref> Chiefs bearing the Kadava title figure as feudatories of the [[Chola]]s as early as the 12th century. During the reign of [[Kulothunga Chola II]], there was a vassal called Alappirandan Elisaimohan alias Kulottungasola Kadavaradittan.<ref>{{cite book|title=The role of feudatories in later Chōḷa history|author=M. S. Govindasamy|publisher=Annamalai University, 1979|page=162}}</ref> The Kadava kingdom was at the height of their power briefly during the reigns of [[Kopperunchinga I]] and [[Kopperunchinga II]]. These two rulers were powerful enough to challenge the waning [[Chola dynasty]] during the reign of [[Rajaraja Chola III]] and [[Rajendra Chola III]]. The two Kopperunchingas have left a large number of inscriptions mostly in the North and South [[Arcot]] districts and in the [[Chingleput]] district.

==Origins==
The title ''Kadava'' is found among the several titles assumed by [[Mahendravarman I]], [[Narasimhavarman I]] and [[Narasimhavarman II]]. The ''Kadava'' name with Kadavarayar is found in [[Tamil literature]] to refer to the [[Pallavas]]. The relationship of the Kadavas to the main Pallava dynasty is documented in an inscription in [[Kanchipuram]]. The kings of the collateral line of the Pallavas who were descended from Bhimavarman, the brother of [[Simhavishnu]], are called the ''Kadavas''. The Pallava king [[Nandivarman II]] (Pallavamalla) is praised as "one who was born to raise the prestige of the Kadava family."<ref>Nilakanta Sastri, K.A. (1955). A History of South India, OUP, New Delhi (Reprinted 2002).</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Archaeological Survey|first=of India|title=A.R. No. 232 of 1916 and A.R. No. 137 of 1900|url=http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/south_indian_inscriptions/volume_12/appendix_b.html|publisher=Archaeological Survey of India|accessdate=5 June 2011}}</ref>

The term Kadava has been linked by some historians to Kaduvetti (also rendered Kanduvethi), an epithet associated with the Pallava ruler Narasimhavarman I in the Sri Lankan chronicle Cūḷavaṃsa. Eugen Hultzsch argued that Kaduvetti or Kaduvetti was synonymous with Kadava, suggesting a connection between the Pallavas and the later Kadava chiefs.<ref>Wilhelm Geiger (trans.), ''The Culavamsa: Being the More Recent Part of the Mahavamsa'', Part I, pp. 103–104; E. Hultzsch, ''Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society'' (1913), p. 527.</ref>

The term Kaduvetti, which has been associated with the Pallava rulers of Kanchi and Tondaimandalam, also occurs in Kannada inscriptions relating to the Western Ganga dynasty. According to M. V. Krishna Rao, references to Ganga rulers such as Durvinita, Sripurusha and Rakkasa Ganga use the title Kaduvetti in connection with the Pallavas. Rao also notes the use of Kaduve Maharaya and Kadava Mahadevi for Pallava kings and queens, respectively. These usages have been cited as evidence of a historical association between the title Kadava and the Pallavas.<ref>M. V. Krishna Rao, ''The Gangas of Talkad'', p. 56.</ref>

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/ South Indian Inscriptions]

[[Category:Tamil monarchs]]
[[Category:Dynasties of India]]
[[Category:Empires and kingdoms of India]]
[[Category:Pallava kings]]
[[Category:History of Tamil Nadu]]