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{{Short description|Chola emperor from 973 to 985}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2017}}
{{Use Indian English|date=March 2017}}
{{Use Indian English|date=March 2017}}
{{Infobox royalty
{{Infobox royalty
| name        = Emperor Uttama Chola <br />
| name        = Uttama
| title        = Parakesari
| title        = Parakesari Varman
| image        = Chola coin with legend "Uttama".png
| image        = Chola coin with legend "Uttama".png
| alt          = Coin from the period of Uttama Chola
| alt          = Coin from the period of Uttama.
| succession  = [[Chola Empire|Chola Emperor]]
| succession  = [[Chola Empire|Chola Emperor]]
| reign        = 973 CE – 987 CE
| reign        = 973–985
| predecessor  = Emperor [[Parantaka II]]
| predecessor  = [[Parantaka II]]
| successor    = Emperor [[Rajaraja I]]
| successor    = [[Rajaraja I]]
| spouse      = Sorabbaiyar Tribhuvana Mahadevi,<br /> Kaduvettigal Nandippottairaiyar <br />Siddhavadavan Suttiyar
| spouse      = Sorabbaiyar Tribhuvana Mahadevi,<br /> Kaduvettigal Nandippottairaiyar <br />Siddhavadavan Suttiyar
| spouse-type  = Queen
| spouse-type  = Empress
| issue        = *Madhuranthaga Gandaradithan
| issue        = *Madhuranthaga Gandaradithan
| house        = [[Cholas]]
| house        =  
| father      = [[Gandaraditya]]
| father      = [[Gandaraditya]]
| mother      = [[Sembiyan Mahadevi]]
| mother      = [[Sembiyan Mahadevi]]
Line 19: Line 20:
| birth_date  =  
| birth_date  =  
| birth_place  = [[Chola Empire]] <br/> (modern day [[ Ariyalur]], [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]])
| birth_place  = [[Chola Empire]] <br/> (modern day [[ Ariyalur]], [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]])
| death_date  = 987 CE
| death_date  = 985
| death_place  = [[Thanjavur]], [[Chola Empire]] (modern day [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]])
| death_place  = [[Thanjavur]], [[Chola Empire]] (modern day [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]])
| burial_place =  
| burial_place =  
| religion    = [[Hinduism]]
| religion    = [[Hinduism]]
| succession2  = Co-Regent of the [[Chola Empire]]
| succession2  = Co-Regent of the [[Chola Empire]]
| reign2      = 971 CE – 980 CE
| reign2      = 971–980
| cor-type2    = Emperor
| cor-type2    = Emperor
| coronation2  = [[Parantaka II]]
| coronation2  = [[Parantaka II]]
| predecessor2 = [[Aditya II]]
| predecessor2 = [[Aditya II]]
| dynasty      = [[Chola]]
| dynasty      = [[Chola dynasty|Chola]]
}}
}}
{{Chola history}}
{{Chola history}}


'''Uttama Chola''', also known as Madhurantaka, was a [[Cholas|Chola]] Emperor who ruled from 970 CE to 985 CE in present-day [[Tamil Nadu]], India. According to Tiruvalangadu plates of [[Rajendra Chola]], Madhurantaka Uttama Chola's reign is placed after Aditya II. The latter may have been a co-regent of [[Sundara Chola|Parantaka II]] and seems to have died before he could formally ascend the throne.<ref name="raosahib" /> Uttama was the cousin of [[Sundara Chola|Parantaka II]] and was the son of the illustrious [[Sembiyan Mahadevi]] and [[Gandaraditya]].<ref name=bhakti>{{cite book|title=The Embodiment of Bhakti|author=Karen Pechilis Prentiss|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=2000|page=97|isbn=978-0195128130}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/ancientindiacoll00skri|title=Ancient India: Collected Essays on the Literary and Political History of Southern India|author=Sakkottai Krishnaswami Aiyangar|publisher=Asian Educational Services|year=1911|page=103}}</ref>
'''Uttama''', also known as '''Madhurantaka,''' was a [[Chola Empire|Chola]] Emperor who ruled from 971 to 985 in present-day [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]]. According to Tiruvalangadu plates of [[Rajendra Chola]], Madhurantaka Uttama's reign is placed after Aditya II. The latter may have been a co-regent of [[Sundara Chola|Parantaka II]] and seems to have died before he could formally ascend the throne.<ref name="raosahib" /> Uttama was the cousin of Parantaka II and was the son of [[Sembiyan Mahadevi]] and [[Gandaraditya]].<ref name=bhakti>{{cite book|title=The Embodiment of Bhakti|author=Karen Pechilis Prentiss|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=2000|page=97|isbn=978-0195128130}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/ancientindiacoll00skri|title=Ancient India: Collected Essays on the Literary and Political History of Southern India|author=Sakkottai Krishnaswami Aiyangar|publisher=Asian Educational Services|year=1911|page=103}}</ref>


== Controversial ascension ==
== Controversial ascension ==


The circumstances under which Uttama ascended the Chola throne is surrounded by controversy and mystery. At the time of Gandaraditya's death Uttama must have been a very young child. Due to his young age, his rights to the Chola throne were probably set aside and Gandaraditya's younger brother [[Arinjaya]] was crowned king.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Great Chola Temples: Thanjavur, Gangaikondacholapuram, Darasuram|url=https://archive.org/details/greatcholatemple00siva|author=C. Sivaramamurti|publisher=Archaeological Survey of India|year=2007|page=[https://archive.org/details/greatcholatemple00siva/page/11 11]|isbn=9788187780441 }}</ref>
The circumstances in which Uttama ascended the Chola throne is surrounded by controversy and mystery. At the time of Gandaraditya's death, Uttama must have been a very young child. Due to his young age, his rights to the Chola throne were probably set aside and Gandaraditya's younger brother [[Arinjaya]] was crowned king.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Great Chola Temples: Thanjavur, Gangaikondacholapuram, Darasuram|url=https://archive.org/details/greatcholatemple00siva|author=C. Sivaramamurti|publisher=Archaeological Survey of India|year=2007|page=[https://archive.org/details/greatcholatemple00siva/page/11 11]|isbn=9788187780441}}</ref>


Arinjaya ruled for a very short time – possibly for less than a year and on his death, his son Parantaka II ([[Parantaka Chola II|Sundara Chola]]) succeeded him.<ref>{{cite book|title=A handbook of Tamil Nadu|isbn=9788185692203|author=K. M. Venkataramaiah|publisher=International School of Dravidian Linguistics|year= 1996 |page=359}}</ref> By the time Madhurantaka was old enough to claim the crown, Sundara Chola had two sons – [[Aditha Karikalan]] (the one who took the head of the Vira Pandya) and [[Rajaraja Chola I|Arulmozhi Varman]].
Arinjaya ruled for a very short time – possibly for less than a year and on his death, his son Parantaka II ([[Parantaka Chola II|Sundara Chola]]) succeeded him.<ref>{{cite book|title=A handbook of Tamil Nadu|isbn=9788185692203|author=K. M. Venkataramaiah|publisher=International School of Dravidian Linguistics|year= 1996 |page=359}}</ref> By this time, Uttama was old enough to claim the crown. Sundara Chola had two sons – [[Aditha Karikalan]] (who beheaded [[Vira Pandyan I]] in battle) and [[Rajaraja Chola I|Arulmozhi Varman]].


During the reign of [[Parantaka Chola II]], his son, Aditha II, was made the co-regent and heir apparent to the Chola throne even though Uttama Chola,  had more right to throne. [[Aditha Karikalan]] was assassinated {{Circa|971 CE}} under mysterious circumstances.<ref name=udaiyargudi1>{{cite book|title=Annals of Oriental Research, Volume 25|publisher=University of Madras|year=1975|page=600}}</ref><ref name=udaiyargudi2>{{cite book|title=Early Indian land grants and state economy|author=Om Prakash|publisher=Excellence Publishers|year= 1988 |page=175}}</ref> As per the Thiruvalangadu plates of [[Rajendra Chola I]] there was question on ascension and Arulmozhivarman, the future [[Rajaraja I]], chose to step aside for his paternal uncle Madhurantaka Uttama Chola. According to the [[Tamil Copper-plate inscriptions|Tiruvalangadu plates]], after the death of [[Aditha Chola II]], the people wanted [[Rajaraja Chola I|Arulmozhivarman]] - [[Aditha Chola II]]'s brother to be their king, but the prince refused.<ref name=raosahib>{{cite book|title=South Indian Inscriptions, Volume III, Miscellaneous inscriptions from the Tamil Country|author=Rao Sahib H. Krishna Sastri|publisher=The Director General, Archaeological Survey On India, Janpath, New Delhi|year=1987|pages=413–426|url=https://indianhistorybooks4.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/99999990040081-south-indian-inscriptions-vol-3-pt-3-and-pt-4-360p-inscriptions-south-india-english-1987.pdf}}</ref>
During the reign of Parantaka Chola II, his son Aditha Karikalan was appointed co-regent and heir apparent to the Chola throne, despite Uttama having a stronger claim. Aditha Karikalan was assassinated in 971 under mysterious circumstances.<ref name=udaiyargudi1>{{cite book|title=Annals of Oriental Research, Volume 25|publisher=University of Madras|year=1975|page=600}}</ref><ref name=udaiyargudi2>{{cite book|title=Early Indian land grants and state economy|author=Om Prakash|publisher=Excellence Publishers|year= 1988 |page=175}}</ref>
 
The [[Tamil Copper-plate inscriptions|Tiruvalangadu plates]] of [[Rajendra Chola I]] reveal that following Aditha Karikalan’s death, questions arose regarding succession. Although the people favoured Arulmozhi Varman, he chose to step aside in favour of his paternal uncle, Uttama.<ref name=raosahib>{{cite book|title=South Indian Inscriptions, Volume III, Miscellaneous inscriptions from the Tamil Country|author=Rao Sahib H. Krishna Sastri|publisher=The Director General, Archaeological Survey On India, Janpath, New Delhi|year=1987|pages=413–426|url=https://indianhistorybooks4.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/99999990040081-south-indian-inscriptions-vol-3-pt-3-and-pt-4-360p-inscriptions-south-india-english-1987.pdf}}</ref>


== Role in Aditya II’s Assassination ==
== Role in Aditya II’s Assassination ==
We learn from an inscription dated during Rajaraja's time that the properties of some persons were confiscated as they had been convicted for treason. It is
also shown that these persons were involved in the conspiracy to kill Aditya II. The inscription from Udaiyargudi dated in the second regnal year of [[Rajaraja Chola]] states that the government confiscated the lands of a few people and their relatives, namely Soman, Ravidasan alias Panchavan Brahmadhirajan, Parameswaran alias Irumudichola Brahmadhirajan and Malaiyanur Revadasa Kramavittan and the properties of his son and mother for treason and for their hand in the murder of ''Karikala chola who took the head of the Pandya''. Among these Ravidasan and Parameswaran were government officials<ref name=southindiahistory>{{cite book|title=Proceedings of the Annual Conference, Volume 18|author=South Indian History Congress|year=1999|page=157}}</ref><ref name=udaiyargudi1/><ref name=udaiyargudi2/> We can safely gather that although Aditya II was killed in 969 C.E., no action had been taken by Uttama during his reign to bring justice to the perpetrators. K.A.N. Sastry in his authoritative ''Colas'' says that based on an inscription at the temple at Udayarkudi, circumstantial evidence pointed to Uttama's culpability in the assassination.


However, later research indicates that Sastry may be wrong in this claim, and possibly interpreted the Tamil inscriptions incorrectly. It seems reasonable to conclude that if there was any evidence against Uttama Chola, Rajaraja's son Rajendra would not have assumed the coronation name of Madhurathaka II.
An inscription from the reign of Rajaraja I reveals that the properties of certain individuals were confiscated after they were convicted of treason. The inscription also indicates that these individuals were involved in the conspiracy to assassinate Aditya II. Dated to the second regnal year of [[Rajaraja Chola]], the Udaiyargudi inscription records that the government seized the lands of several people and their relatives, including Soman, Ravidasan (alias Panchavan Brahmadhirajan), Parameswaran (alias Irumudichola Brahmadhirajan), and Malaiyanur Revadasa Kramavittan, along with the property of Kramavittan’s son and mother. This action was taken in response to their role in the murder of ''Karikala chola who took the head of the Pandya''. Notably, Ravidasan and Parameswaran held government positions.<ref name=southindiahistory>{{cite book|title=Proceedings of the Annual Conference, Volume 18|author=South Indian History Congress|year=1999|page=157}}</ref><ref name=udaiyargudi1/><ref name=udaiyargudi2/>
 
Despite Aditya II’s assassination in 971, no action appears to have been taken by Uttama Chola during his reign to bring the perpetrators to justice. In his authoritative work ''The Cholas'', historian K.A.N. Sastry submitted that circumstantial evidence—based on an inscription at the Udayarkudi temple—implicates Uttama in the conspiracy.
 
However, subsequent research has challenged Sastry’s interpretation, suggesting he may have misread the inscriptions. It seems reasonable to conclude that if any credible evidence had existed against Uttama, Rajaraja’s son, Rajendra Chola, would not have adopted the coronation title of Madhurantaka II.


There is every indication Uttama was religious and upstanding. An ardent Shiva devotee (as seen by inscriptions in Konnerirajapuram aka Thirunallam or in Kanchipuram), it was Uttama, under the guidance of his mother, who codified the temple patterns, epigraphy, art, sculpture, and the keeping of administrative records.
All indications point to Uttama being a devout and upright ruler. An ardent devotee of Shiva, inscriptions from Konnerirajapuram (also known as Thirunallam) and Kanchipuram reflect his piety. Under the guidance of his mother, Uttama played a significant role in codifying temple patterns, epigraphy, art, sculpture, and administrative record-keeping.


== Chola army and campaigns ==
== Chola army and campaigns ==
Not much is known about the military conquests of Uttama Chola, but by his time most of Thondaimandalam had been recovered from the Rashtrakuta.<ref>{{cite book|title=A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India: From the Stone Age to the 12th Century|author=Upinder Singh|publisher=Pearson Education India|year= 2008|isbn=9788131716779|page=559}}</ref> His dominions included [[Kanchi]] and [[Tiruvannamalai]] to the north.<ref>{{cite book|title=History and Culture of the Tamils: From Prehistoric Times to the President's Rule|author=Raju Kalidos|publisher=Vijay Publications|year=1976|page=128}}</ref> Many of his inscriptions are found in around [[Chengalpattu]] and North [[Arcot]] districts. The Chola army seems to have been in continued battles with the Pandyas and their ally the Sinhalas in Eelam or Sri Lanka. Several Chola coins of Uttama have been found in the Pandya country and in Eelam as proof of Uttama's activities there. We have a [[Indian copper plate inscriptions|copper-plate inscription]] of him, now at the Government Museum Chennai. It bears the symbol of a seated tiger with two fish beside it and bears the line ''This is the matchless edict of the King who taught justice to all the Kings in his realm''. But the genealogical section of the plates was lost. However, we do have the appendix portion at the end.<ref>{{cite book|title=Social and cultural history of Tamilnad, Volume 1|author=N. Subrahmanian|publisher=Ennes|year=1993|page=134}}</ref>
Not much is known about the military conquests of Uttama, but by his time most of Thondaimandalam had been recovered from the Rashtrakuta.<ref>{{cite book|title=A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India: From the Stone Age to the 12th Century|author=Upinder Singh|publisher=Pearson Education India|year= 2008|isbn=9788131716779|page=559}}</ref> His dominions included [[Kanchi]] and [[Tiruvannamalai]] to the north.<ref>{{cite book|title=History and Culture of the Tamils: From Prehistoric Times to the President's Rule|author=Raju Kalidos|publisher=Vijay Publications|year=1976|page=128}}</ref> Many of his inscriptions are found in around [[Chengalpattu]] and North [[Arcot]] districts. The Chola army seems to have been in continued battles with the Pandyas and their ally the Sinhalas in Eelam or Sri Lanka. Several Chola coins of Uttama have been found in the Pandya country and in Eelam as proof of Uttama's activities there. We have a [[Indian copper plate inscriptions|copper-plate inscription]] of him, now at the Government Museum Chennai. It bears the symbol of a seated tiger with two fish beside it and bears the line ''This is the matchless edict of the King who taught justice to all the Kings in his realm''. But the genealogical section of the plates was lost. However, we do have the appendix portion at the end.<ref>{{cite book|title=Social and cultural history of Tamilnad, Volume 1|author=N. Subrahmanian|publisher=Ennes|year=1993|page=134}}</ref>


There are indications he upgraded the army, not just in troop levels but also in quality and organization. It is known through inscriptions that, at least from Uttama Chola's time, warriors were provided with waistcoats of armour.
There are indications he upgraded the army, not just in troop levels but also in quality and organization. It is known through inscriptions that, at least from Uttama's time, warriors were provided with waistcoats of armour.


An important general during his reign was [[Paluvettaraiyar]] Maravan Kandanar, who also served under Sundara Chola. His son Kumaran Maravan also served Uttama Chola.<ref>{{cite book|title=A Panorama of Indian Culture: Professor A. Sreedhara Menon Felicitation Volume|author=K. K. Kusuman|publisher=Mittal Publications|year=1990 |page=300|isbn=9788170992141}}</ref>
An important general during his reign was [[Paluvettaraiyar]] Maravan Kandanar, who also served under Sundara Chola. His son Kumaran Maravan also served Uttama.<ref>{{cite book|title=A Panorama of Indian Culture: Professor A. Sreedhara Menon Felicitation Volume|author=K. K. Kusuman|publisher=Mittal Publications|year=1990 |page=300|isbn=9788170992141}}</ref>


== Personal life ==
== Personal life ==


Uttama Chola was the son of Sembiyan Mahadevi and [[Gandaraditya]] Chola. Sembiyan Mahadevi was the daughter of a [[Mazhavaraayas|Malavarayar]] chieftain.<ref>{{cite book|title=Early Chola Temples: Parantaka I to Rajaraja I, A.D. 907-985|author=S. R. Balasubrahmanyam|publisher=Orient Longman|year= 1971 |url=https://indianculture.gov.in/ebooks/early-chola-temple-parantaka-i-rajaraja-i-ad907-985|page=210}}</ref>
Uttama was the son of [[Gandaraditya]] Chola and Sembiyan Mahadevi, who was the daughter of a [[Mazhavaraayas|Malavarayar]] chieftain.<ref>{{cite book|title=Early Chola Temples: Parantaka I to Rajaraja I, A.D. 907-985|author=S. R. Balasubrahmanyam|publisher=Orient Longman|year= 1971 |url=https://indianculture.gov.in/ebooks/early-chola-temple-parantaka-i-rajaraja-i-ad907-985|page=210}}</ref> Uttama had several queens, some of whose names are known. His chief queen was Orattanan (Urattayana) Sorabbaiyar Tribhuvana-Mahadeviyar. Other queens included Kaduvettigal Nandippottairaiyar, likely a Pallava princess, and Siddhavadavan Suttiyar, who was related to Vikramasola-Miladudaiyar, a prominent feudal king ruling over Miladu (part of present-day South Arcot District).<ref>{{cite book|title=A Topographical List of Inscriptions in the Tamil Nadu and Kerala States: Thanjavur District|author=T. V. Mahalingam|publisher=Indian Council of Historical Research|year=1992|page=364}}</ref>
Uttama Chola had several queens. The names of some of them are known; Orattanan (Urattayana) Sorabbaiyar Tribhuvana-Mahadeviyar (chief queen), Kaduvettigal Nandippottairaiyar (probably a Pallava princess), and Siddhavadavan Suttiyar (related to Vikramasola-Miladudaiyar a prominent feudal king who ruled over Miladu part of present South Arcot District).<ref>{{cite book|title=A Topographical List of Inscriptions in the Tamil Nadu and Kerala States: Thanjavur District|author=T. V. Mahalingam|publisher=Indian Council of Historical Research|year=1992|page=364}}</ref> His father named him  Gandan Madhurantakan alias Uttama Chola after his paternal uncles.<ref>{{cite book|title=Early Chola Temples: Parantaka I to Rajaraja I, A.D. 907-985|author=S. R. Balasubrahmanyam|publisher=Orient Longman|year= 1971|url=https://indianculture.gov.in/ebooks/early-chola-temple-parantaka-i-rajaraja-i-ad907-985|page=158}}</ref> Unlike some of the other kings of the Chola empire, he took after his mother and was very pious. It was due to his pious nature and support that his mother Sembiyan Madevi was able to continue with her own work of rebuilding temples.<ref>{{cite book|title=Śrīnidhiḥ: perspectives in Indian archaeology, art, and culture : Shri K.R. Srinivasan festschrift|author1=K. V. Raman|author2=K. R. Srinivasan|publisher=New Era Publications|year=1983|page=364}}</ref> He is known to have shown compassion to even his enemies.
 
Uttama was named Gandan Madhurantakan, also known as Uttama, by his father after his paternal uncles.<ref>{{cite book|title=Early Chola Temples: Parantaka I to Rajaraja I, A.D. 907-985|author=S. R. Balasubrahmanyam|publisher=Orient Longman|year= 1971|url=https://indianculture.gov.in/ebooks/early-chola-temple-parantaka-i-rajaraja-i-ad907-985|page=158}}</ref> Unlike some other Chola kings, Uttama took after his mother and was known for his piety. His devout nature and support allowed Sembiyan Mahadevi to continue her temple restoration work.<ref>{{cite book|title=Śrīnidhiḥ: perspectives in Indian archaeology, art, and culture : Shri K.R. Srinivasan festschrift|author1=K. V. Raman|author2=K. R. Srinivasan|publisher=New Era Publications|year=1983|page=364}}</ref> Uttama is remembered for his compassion, even towards his enemies.


As with most ancient Indian kings, Uttama Chola was religiously tolerant. Although a Saivaite (worshipper of [[Shiva|Siva]]), he also donated to temples dedicated for [[Vishnu]] especially to the Ullagaladar temple. He also granted large degrees of autonomy to his districts. He brought in best talent from other kingdoms. Kachipeedu (modern Kanchipuram) is also mentioned as one of his prominent cities. He is known to have contributed money, cattle, sheep to temples in modern Kumbakonam, Thirunallam (modern Konnerirajapuram), Thiruvallarai, Thirupatturai, Thirunedugalam, Thiruvisalur, Thirunaraiyur, Thiruvalangadu, Thirukkodika, etc.
As with most ancient Indian kings, Uttama was religiously tolerant. Although a Saivite (worshipper of [[Shiva|Siva]]), he also donated to temples dedicated to [[Vishnu]], especially to the Ullagaladar temple. He also granted large degrees of autonomy to his districts. He brought in the best talent from other kingdoms. Kachipeedu (modern Kanchipuram) is also mentioned as one of his prominent cities. He is known to have contributed money, cattle, sheep to temples in modern Kumbakonam, Thirunallam (modern Konnerirajapuram), Thiruvallarai, Thirupatturai, Thirunedugalam, Thiruvisalur, Thirunaraiyur, Thiruvalangadu, Thirukkodika, etc.


Uttama Chola's mother pioneered the process of kalpani—converting brick, mortar, and wooden structures into granite and there is inscriptional evidence to show that he actively funded his mother in this work. She made a conscious effort to copy the older inscriptions before she re-built the temple, for example in a temple in Aavatuturai which was sung by the ''Moovar'', that is the Saivite saints, [[Appar]], [[Sundarar]] and [[Sambandhar]] there is an older inscription from the time before the temple was rebuilt. At other places like the Choleeswara temple at Kurralam which was sung by [[Appar]] and [[Sundarar]], there is an inscription that says it was built by Sembiyan Mahadevi<ref name=bhakti/> She survived this king and lived on for another 16 years into the reign of Rajaraja I.<ref>{{cite book|title=A Topographical List of Inscriptions of the Madras Presidency, Volume II, with Notes and References|author=V. Rangacharya|publisher=Asian Educational Services, New Delhi|year=1985|page=1357}}</ref>
Uttama's mother pioneered the process of kalpani—converting brick, mortar, and wooden structures into granite, and there is inscriptional evidence to show that he actively funded his mother in this work. She made a conscious effort to copy the older inscriptions before she re-built the temple, for example in a temple in Aavatuturai which was sung by the ''Moovar'', that is the Saivite saints, [[Appar]], [[Sundarar]] and [[Sambandhar]] there is an older inscription from the time before the temple was rebuilt. At other places like the Choleeswara temple at Kurralam which was sung by [[Appar]] and [[Sundarar]], there is an inscription that says it was built by Sembiyan Mahadevi<ref name=bhakti/> She survived this king and lived on for another 16 years into the reign of Rajaraja I.<ref>{{cite book|title=A Topographical List of Inscriptions of the Madras Presidency, Volume II, with Notes and References|author=V. Rangacharya|publisher=Asian Educational Services, New Delhi|year=1985|page=1357}}</ref>


Two sculptures of Uttama Chola (Madhuranthaka Devar) and his mother can be found in the Southern wall of the inner Prakara of the Konnerirajapuram (aka Thirunallam) temple near Kumbakonam. The inscription under the sculpture identifying Sembiyan Mahadevi identifies her and the Archaeological Survey of India interprets the bearded man behind her as Gandaraditya Chola.
Two sculptures of Uttama (Madhuranthaka Devar) and his mother can be found in the Southern wall of the inner ''Prakara'' of the Konnerirajapuram (aka Thirunallam) temple near Kumbakonam. The inscription under the sculpture identifying Sembiyan Mahadevi identifies her, and the Archaeological Survey of India interprets the bearded man behind her as Gandaraditya Chola.


== Death and succession ==
== Death and succession ==
Uttama died {{Circa|985 CE}}. Although he had at least one son (Madhurantaka Gandaraditya), the line of succession passed back to [[Parantaka Chola II|Parantaka II's]] family. [[Rajaraja Chola I]] succeeded as the Chola Emperor. Madhurantaka served as an official in Rajaraja's court.
Uttama died in 985. Although he had at least one son (Madhurantaka Gandaraditya), the line of succession passed back to [[Parantaka Chola II|Parantaka II's]] family. [[Rajaraja Chola I]] succeeded as the Chola Emperor. Madhurantaka served as an official in Rajaraja's court.


== Inscriptions ==
== Inscriptions ==


The following is an inscription of Uttama Chola from the Umamaheswaraswami temple in [[Konerirajapuram]],
The following is an inscription of Uttama from the Umamaheswaraswami temple in [[Konerirajapuram]],


{{Cquote|quote=<div style="text-align: center;">''A record of the Chola king Madhurantakadeva alias Uttama Chola.''
{{Cquote|quote=<div style="text-align: center;">''A record of the Chola king Madhurantakadeva alias Uttama Chola.''
Line 92: Line 98:
{{s-end}}
{{s-end}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Chola, Uththama}}
[[Category:Chola emperors]]
[[Category:Chola kings]]
[[Category:980s deaths]]
[[Category:980s deaths]]
[[Category:Year of birth unknown]]
[[Category:Year of birth unknown]]
[[Category:10th-century Indian monarchs]]
[[Category:10th-century Indian monarchs]]
[[Category:10th-century Hindus]]
[[Category:10th-century Hindus]]

Latest revision as of 16:41, 17 January 2026


Uttama
Parakesari Varman
Coin from the period of Uttama.
Chola Emperor
Reign973–985
PredecessorParantaka II
SuccessorRajaraja I
Co-Regent of the Chola Empire
Reign971–980
EmperorParantaka II
PredecessorAditya II
BornMadurantaka
Chola Empire
(modern day Ariyalur, Tamil Nadu, India)
Died985
Thanjavur, Chola Empire (modern day Tamil Nadu, India)
EmpressSorabbaiyar Tribhuvana Mahadevi,
Kaduvettigal Nandippottairaiyar
Siddhavadavan Suttiyar
Issue
  • Madhuranthaga Gandaradithan
DynastyChola
FatherGandaraditya
MotherSembiyan Mahadevi
ReligionHinduism
List of Chola kings and emperors
Early Cholas
Interregnum (c. 200 – c. 848)
Medieval Cholas
Vijayalaya 848–871(?)
Aditya I 871–907
Parantaka I 907–950
Gandaraditya 950–957
Arinjaya 956–957
Sundara (Parantaka II) 957–970
Aditya II (co-regent)
Uttama 970–985
Rajaraja I 985–1014
Rajendra I 1012–1044
Rajadhiraja 1044–1054
Rajendra II 1054–1063
Virarajendra 1063–1070
Athirajendra 1070–1070
Later Cholas
Kulothunga I 1070–1120
Vikrama 1118–1135
Kulothunga II 1133–1150
Rajaraja II 1146–1173
Rajadhiraja II 1166–1178
Kulothunga III 1178–1218
Rajaraja III 1216–1256
Rajendra III 1246–1279
Related dynasties
Telugu Chodas of Andhra
Chodagangas of Kalinga
Nidugal Cholas of Karnataka
Rajahnate of Cebu
Chola society

Uttama, also known as Madhurantaka, was a Chola Emperor who ruled from 971 to 985 in present-day Tamil Nadu, India. According to Tiruvalangadu plates of Rajendra Chola, Madhurantaka Uttama's reign is placed after Aditya II. The latter may have been a co-regent of Parantaka II and seems to have died before he could formally ascend the throne.[1] Uttama was the cousin of Parantaka II and was the son of Sembiyan Mahadevi and Gandaraditya.[2][3]

Controversial ascension[edit | edit source]

The circumstances in which Uttama ascended the Chola throne is surrounded by controversy and mystery. At the time of Gandaraditya's death, Uttama must have been a very young child. Due to his young age, his rights to the Chola throne were probably set aside and Gandaraditya's younger brother Arinjaya was crowned king.[4]

Arinjaya ruled for a very short time – possibly for less than a year and on his death, his son Parantaka II (Sundara Chola) succeeded him.[5] By this time, Uttama was old enough to claim the crown. Sundara Chola had two sons – Aditha Karikalan (who beheaded Vira Pandyan I in battle) and Arulmozhi Varman.

During the reign of Parantaka Chola II, his son Aditha Karikalan was appointed co-regent and heir apparent to the Chola throne, despite Uttama having a stronger claim. Aditha Karikalan was assassinated in 971 under mysterious circumstances.[6][7]

The Tiruvalangadu plates of Rajendra Chola I reveal that following Aditha Karikalan’s death, questions arose regarding succession. Although the people favoured Arulmozhi Varman, he chose to step aside in favour of his paternal uncle, Uttama.[1]

Role in Aditya II’s Assassination[edit | edit source]

An inscription from the reign of Rajaraja I reveals that the properties of certain individuals were confiscated after they were convicted of treason. The inscription also indicates that these individuals were involved in the conspiracy to assassinate Aditya II. Dated to the second regnal year of Rajaraja Chola, the Udaiyargudi inscription records that the government seized the lands of several people and their relatives, including Soman, Ravidasan (alias Panchavan Brahmadhirajan), Parameswaran (alias Irumudichola Brahmadhirajan), and Malaiyanur Revadasa Kramavittan, along with the property of Kramavittan’s son and mother. This action was taken in response to their role in the murder of Karikala chola who took the head of the Pandya. Notably, Ravidasan and Parameswaran held government positions.[8][6][7]

Despite Aditya II’s assassination in 971, no action appears to have been taken by Uttama Chola during his reign to bring the perpetrators to justice. In his authoritative work The Cholas, historian K.A.N. Sastry submitted that circumstantial evidence—based on an inscription at the Udayarkudi temple—implicates Uttama in the conspiracy.

However, subsequent research has challenged Sastry’s interpretation, suggesting he may have misread the inscriptions. It seems reasonable to conclude that if any credible evidence had existed against Uttama, Rajaraja’s son, Rajendra Chola, would not have adopted the coronation title of Madhurantaka II.

All indications point to Uttama being a devout and upright ruler. An ardent devotee of Shiva, inscriptions from Konnerirajapuram (also known as Thirunallam) and Kanchipuram reflect his piety. Under the guidance of his mother, Uttama played a significant role in codifying temple patterns, epigraphy, art, sculpture, and administrative record-keeping.

Chola army and campaigns[edit | edit source]

Not much is known about the military conquests of Uttama, but by his time most of Thondaimandalam had been recovered from the Rashtrakuta.[9] His dominions included Kanchi and Tiruvannamalai to the north.[10] Many of his inscriptions are found in around Chengalpattu and North Arcot districts. The Chola army seems to have been in continued battles with the Pandyas and their ally the Sinhalas in Eelam or Sri Lanka. Several Chola coins of Uttama have been found in the Pandya country and in Eelam as proof of Uttama's activities there. We have a copper-plate inscription of him, now at the Government Museum Chennai. It bears the symbol of a seated tiger with two fish beside it and bears the line This is the matchless edict of the King who taught justice to all the Kings in his realm. But the genealogical section of the plates was lost. However, we do have the appendix portion at the end.[11]

There are indications he upgraded the army, not just in troop levels but also in quality and organization. It is known through inscriptions that, at least from Uttama's time, warriors were provided with waistcoats of armour.

An important general during his reign was Paluvettaraiyar Maravan Kandanar, who also served under Sundara Chola. His son Kumaran Maravan also served Uttama.[12]

Personal life[edit | edit source]

Uttama was the son of Gandaraditya Chola and Sembiyan Mahadevi, who was the daughter of a Malavarayar chieftain.[13] Uttama had several queens, some of whose names are known. His chief queen was Orattanan (Urattayana) Sorabbaiyar Tribhuvana-Mahadeviyar. Other queens included Kaduvettigal Nandippottairaiyar, likely a Pallava princess, and Siddhavadavan Suttiyar, who was related to Vikramasola-Miladudaiyar, a prominent feudal king ruling over Miladu (part of present-day South Arcot District).[14]

Uttama was named Gandan Madhurantakan, also known as Uttama, by his father after his paternal uncles.[15] Unlike some other Chola kings, Uttama took after his mother and was known for his piety. His devout nature and support allowed Sembiyan Mahadevi to continue her temple restoration work.[16] Uttama is remembered for his compassion, even towards his enemies.

As with most ancient Indian kings, Uttama was religiously tolerant. Although a Saivite (worshipper of Siva), he also donated to temples dedicated to Vishnu, especially to the Ullagaladar temple. He also granted large degrees of autonomy to his districts. He brought in the best talent from other kingdoms. Kachipeedu (modern Kanchipuram) is also mentioned as one of his prominent cities. He is known to have contributed money, cattle, sheep to temples in modern Kumbakonam, Thirunallam (modern Konnerirajapuram), Thiruvallarai, Thirupatturai, Thirunedugalam, Thiruvisalur, Thirunaraiyur, Thiruvalangadu, Thirukkodika, etc.

Uttama's mother pioneered the process of kalpani—converting brick, mortar, and wooden structures into granite, and there is inscriptional evidence to show that he actively funded his mother in this work. She made a conscious effort to copy the older inscriptions before she re-built the temple, for example in a temple in Aavatuturai which was sung by the Moovar, that is the Saivite saints, Appar, Sundarar and Sambandhar there is an older inscription from the time before the temple was rebuilt. At other places like the Choleeswara temple at Kurralam which was sung by Appar and Sundarar, there is an inscription that says it was built by Sembiyan Mahadevi[2] She survived this king and lived on for another 16 years into the reign of Rajaraja I.[17]

Two sculptures of Uttama (Madhuranthaka Devar) and his mother can be found in the Southern wall of the inner Prakara of the Konnerirajapuram (aka Thirunallam) temple near Kumbakonam. The inscription under the sculpture identifying Sembiyan Mahadevi identifies her, and the Archaeological Survey of India interprets the bearded man behind her as Gandaraditya Chola.

Death and succession[edit | edit source]

Uttama died in 985. Although he had at least one son (Madhurantaka Gandaraditya), the line of succession passed back to Parantaka II's family. Rajaraja Chola I succeeded as the Chola Emperor. Madhurantaka served as an official in Rajaraja's court.

Inscriptions[edit | edit source]

The following is an inscription of Uttama from the Umamaheswaraswami temple in Konerirajapuram,

A record of the Chola king Madhurantakadeva alias Uttama Chola.

Records that the temple of Tirunallamudaiyar was built of stone by Madevadigalar alias Sembiyan Madeviyar queen of Gandaradittadeva and mother of the king[18]

Yet another inscription of him from the Masilamanisvara temple in Tirumullaivayil,

Dated in the reign of the Chola king Parakesarivarman alias Uttama Chola deva;

records in his fourteenth year, gift of land by Sembiyan Madeviyar, queen of Gandaraditta Perumal and daughter of Malavarayar. The lands were purchased from the villagers in Ambattur in Ambattur-nadu, a district of Pular kottam [19]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Rao Sahib H. Krishna Sastri (1987). South Indian Inscriptions, Volume III, Miscellaneous inscriptions from the Tamil Country (PDF). The Director General, Archaeological Survey On India, Janpath, New Delhi. pp. 413–426.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Karen Pechilis Prentiss (2000). The Embodiment of Bhakti. Oxford University Press. p. 97. ISBN 978-0195128130.
  3. ↑ Sakkottai Krishnaswami Aiyangar (1911). Ancient India: Collected Essays on the Literary and Political History of Southern India. Asian Educational Services. p. 103.
  4. ↑ C. Sivaramamurti (2007). The Great Chola Temples: Thanjavur, Gangaikondacholapuram, Darasuram. Archaeological Survey of India. p. 11. ISBN 9788187780441.
  5. ↑ K. M. Venkataramaiah (1996). A handbook of Tamil Nadu. International School of Dravidian Linguistics. p. 359. ISBN 9788185692203.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Annals of Oriental Research, Volume 25. University of Madras. 1975. p. 600.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Om Prakash (1988). Early Indian land grants and state economy. Excellence Publishers. p. 175.
  8. ↑ South Indian History Congress (1999). Proceedings of the Annual Conference, Volume 18. p. 157.
  9. ↑ Upinder Singh (2008). A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India: From the Stone Age to the 12th Century. Pearson Education India. p. 559. ISBN 9788131716779.
  10. ↑ Raju Kalidos (1976). History and Culture of the Tamils: From Prehistoric Times to the President's Rule. Vijay Publications. p. 128.
  11. ↑ N. Subrahmanian (1993). Social and cultural history of Tamilnad, Volume 1. Ennes. p. 134.
  12. ↑ K. K. Kusuman (1990). A Panorama of Indian Culture: Professor A. Sreedhara Menon Felicitation Volume. Mittal Publications. p. 300. ISBN 9788170992141.
  13. ↑ S. R. Balasubrahmanyam (1971). Early Chola Temples: Parantaka I to Rajaraja I, A.D. 907-985. Orient Longman. p. 210.
  14. ↑ T. V. Mahalingam (1992). A Topographical List of Inscriptions in the Tamil Nadu and Kerala States: Thanjavur District. Indian Council of Historical Research. p. 364.
  15. ↑ S. R. Balasubrahmanyam (1971). Early Chola Temples: Parantaka I to Rajaraja I, A.D. 907-985. Orient Longman. p. 158.
  16. ↑ K. V. Raman; K. R. Srinivasan (1983). Śrīnidhiḥ: perspectives in Indian archaeology, art, and culture : Shri K.R. Srinivasan festschrift. New Era Publications. p. 364.
  17. ↑ V. Rangacharya (1985). A Topographical List of Inscriptions of the Madras Presidency, Volume II, with Notes and References. Asian Educational Services, New Delhi. p. 1357.
  18. ↑ V. Rangacharya (1985). A Topographical List of Inscriptions of the Madras Presidency, Volume II, with Notes and References. Asian Educational Services, New Delhi. p. 1387.
  19. ↑ V. Rangacharya (1985). A Topographical List of Inscriptions of the Madras Presidency, Volume I, with Notes and References. Asian Educational Services, New Delhi. p. 423.
Preceded by
Sundara Chola 		Chola
970–985 CE 		Succeeded by
Rajaraja Chola I
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