Athirajendra Chola
Athirajendra Chola was a king who ruled for a very short period probably between 1067-1070 CE. He was born in 1020 CE in Gangaikondacholapuram to Virarajendra Chola and Arulmolinagai.
After Virarajendra Chola died in early 1070 CE after a short but extremely victorious rule, he was succeeded by his son and heir apparent Athirajendra Chola. As Athirajendra Chola ruled for a very short period, he could not contribute much to the empire. He died probably due to the religious clashes in his kingdom.
THE VENGI SUCCESSION DISPUTE
Athirajendra Chola and his father Virarajendra Chola interfered in the Vengi succession dispute after the death of the Vengi king Rajaraja Narendra in 1061 CE. He was the son of Kundavai, the daughter of Rajaraja Chola. After the matrimonial alliance between the Cholas and the Chalukyas was established, the Cholas took active part in the enthroning of the Chalukyan kings.
After the death of Rajaraja Narendra, the Vengi throne was acquired by Shaktivarman II. However, he died soon after and the throne was assumed by his father Vijayaditya who accepted to remain a Chola subordinate.
However, the son of Rajaraja Narendra, prince Rajendra Chalukya also known as Kulothunga Chola I waited for the right opportunity and carved out for himself a small territory near Chhattisgarh. Soon after the demise of Virarajendra Chola he moved quickly and captured the Chola throne.
DEATH AND A NEW LINEAGE
Athirajendra Chola was probably assassinated in 1070 CE. His death is linked to religious reasons. It is assumed that he had persecuted Ramanuja and his followers and as a result was assassinated by the Vaishnavites. He did not contribute much to the Chola Empire as his rule was very short. He was succeeded by Kulothunga Chola I with whom began the Chola Chalukya dynasty. With the death of Athirajendra, the dynasty of Vijayalaya Chola came to an end.
