Kulothunga Chola II - A peaceful ruler
Kulothunga Chola II was appointed the co-regent by his father Vikrama Chola in 1133 CE. Also known as Tiruchirru Chola he ascended the Chola throne in 1135 CE. His chief queen was Tyagavalli also known as Bhuvanamulududaiyal and the other one was Mukkokilan. He was the father of Rajaraja Chola II who succeeded him in 1150 CE.
EXTENT OF EMPIRE AND MILITARY CAMPAIGNS
Kulothunga Chola II was successful in maintaining the vast Chola empire that he inherited from his father, Vikrama Chola. The Yadava chiefs of Devagiri and the Hoysalas of Dwarasamudra were able to overthrow the Western Chalukyas. Taking advantage of the chaos, Kulothunga Chola II captured Vengi and some other territories of the Eastern Chalukyas. However, Vengi was recaptured by the Eastern Chalukyas later, and the province captured by his ancestors was lost again. Although no new conquests were made by him, he was able to maintain the vast area that he inherited from Vikrama Chola.
CHIDAMBARAM TEMPLE AND THE CONTROVERSIES
Kulothunga Chola II like his predecessors was a Shaivite. He celebrated his coronation at the Chidambaram temple and is said to have gilded the temple with gold. However, according to some sources he is mentioned as a staunch opponent of the Vaishnavas. It is said that while the renovation of the Chidambaram temple was being done by Kulothunga Chola II, a Vishnu temple called the Govindaraja temple was found inside. The idol had to be removed temporarily to continue the work. It is mentioned that this move was opposed by the Vaishnavas and the leader of the rebellion was chained to the idol and thrown in the sea.
This incident is said to be a rumour created by the Vaishnavites as there is no other incident or source that mentions this episode or the king being an anti-Vaishnavite.
LITERATURE
Kulothunga Chola II was the patron of Sekkizhar and Ottakoothar. The famous Periyapuranam which is a religious treaty on Shaivism was composed during his reign. Ottakoothar composed the Kulothunga Cholan Ula and the Kulothunga Cholan Pillai Tamil that contain the description of the king’s childhood.
Kulothunga Chola II died in 1150 CE after a reign of 15 years. He was succeeded by his son Rajaraja Chola II whom he had appointed the co-regent and heir apparent in 1146 CE.
