Parantaka Chola II or Sundara Chola
Parantaka Chola II, also known as Uttama Chola, was a prominent ruler of the Chola dynasty in South India. He ascended the throne around the 10th century CE and ruled until his death. He was the son of Arinjaya Chola and Kalyani who was a princess of the Vaidumba family. Parantaka Chola II is regarded as one of the great Chola kings who significantly expanded the empire's territorial boundaries and enhanced its cultural and economic influence. Parantaka Chola II's reign is estimated to have begun around 957 CE and lasted until his death, possibly in 970 CE. He succeeded his father Arinjaya Chola, and continued the policies of expansion and conquest initiated by his predecessors. Parantaka Chola II engaged in numerous military campaigns and succeeded in expanding the Chola Empire’s boundaries. He is known for his victories over the Pandyan dynasty, the Rashtrakutas, and Sri Lanka's conquest. He is particularly famous for his successful conquest of the Pandyan kingdom, which greatly enhanced the Chola Empire’s power and influence. Parantaka Chola II brought the entire Tamil region under Chola's control and exerted his dominance over Sri Lanka as well. His legacy was carried forward by his capable son Rajaraja Chola I.
ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS
Parantaka Chola II implemented various administrative reforms to ensure efficient governance within his empire. He established a well-structured administrative system, dividing the empire into multiple administrative units known as "mandalams." Parantaka Chola II encouraged trade and commerce, which led to economic prosperity. He constructed irrigation tanks and improved agriculture, fostering economic growth in the empire. Under his rule, the Chola Empire became a significant maritime power, facilitating trade and cultural exchange with Southeast Asian kingdoms.
RELIGION
Parantaka Chola II was a devout patron of Hinduism and significantly contributed to the development and expansion of various temples. He made generous donations to several temples built by his ancestors. Parantaka Chola II extended and renovated the temples, adding new structures and embellishments. He also contributed to the expansion and development of the Chidambaram temple, dedicating resources to enhance its grandeur and religious significance.
BATTLES
The Battle of Chevur took place between the Cholas and the Pandyas at Chevur. The animosity between both kingdoms continued since the time Vira Pandya defeated Ganaraditya Chola when he tried to invade the Pandyan country. After ascending the throne Parantaka Chola II had his eyes on the Pandyan Empire which was gradually growing its power in the South. Vira Pandya was brutally defeated by Parantaka Chola II and his son Aditya Chola II. However, later Aditya Chola II later had to pay for this act with his life.
Parantaka Chola II also took revenge for the defeat of his grandfather Parantaka Chola I at the hands of the Rashtrakuta king Krishna III in the battle of Takkolam. The Rashtrakutas were a prominent dynasty in the Deccan. A war broke out between the Cholas and the Rashtrakutas in which the latter was defeated and the Cholas under Parantaka Chola II conquered a vast territory of the Rashtrakutas.
ACHIEVEMENTS
Military Expansion: Parantaka Chola II successfully expanded the Chola Empire through military campaigns and conquests. He defeated rival kingdoms, such as the Pandyas and the Rashtrakutas, and consolidated Chola control over various regions, including parts of present-day Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. His military achievements helped strengthen the Chola dynasty and extend its influence.
Irrigation and Agriculture: Parantaka Chola II paid significant attention to irrigation and agricultural development. He constructed several irrigation tanks, channels, and canals to improve water management and increase agricultural productivity. These efforts led to enhanced agricultural output, contributing to the prosperity of the kingdom and the welfare of its people.
Patronage of Temples: Parantaka Chola II continued the Chola tradition of temple patronage. He funded the construction and renovation of numerous temples, including the famous Chidambaram Temple in the Chidambaram district of Tamil Nadu. These temples not only served as religious and cultural centres but also contributed to the architectural and artistic legacy of the Chola dynasty.
Support for Literature and Poetry: While his reign is often criticized for a relative decline in cultural patronage, Parantaka Chola II still showed an interest in literature and poetry. He supported several scholars and poets, encouraging the development of Tamil literature. It is believed that he granted land and resources to poets and scholars, enabling them to continue their creative pursuits. The Buddhist work on Tamil grammar, Virasoliyam eulogises him as a patron of letters and Buddhism.
Administrative Reforms: Parantaka Chola II implemented administrative reforms aimed at improving governance and justice. He appointed efficient and capable officials in various administrative positions, focusing on meritocracy rather than hereditary appointments. These reforms aimed to ensure fair and efficient administration throughout the kingdom.
Trade and Commerce: Parantaka Chola II encouraged trade and commerce, which contributed to the economic growth of the Chola kingdom. He maintained diplomatic relations with other kingdoms and established commercial ties with distant lands, fostering trade and cultural exchange. The Chola Empire flourished as a significant maritime power during his reign, benefiting from international trade networks.
LEGACY
Parantaka Chola II is remembered as a mighty ruler who expanded the Chola Empire’s boundaries and consolidated its power in South India. His conquests and administrative reforms laid the foundation for the later Chola kings' achievements. Parantaka Chola II's contributions to temple construction and patronage left a lasting impact on the religious and architectural landscape of Tamil Nadu.
CRITICISM
Internal Revolts:
Parantaka Chola II faced several internal revolts and uprisings during his reign. These revolts were indications of discontent among the people and could be seen as a reflection of the ruler's inability to maintain stability and control over his kingdom.
Foreign Invasions:
The Chola kingdom faced external threats during Parantaka Chola II's rule. The Rashtrakutas and the Pandyas were particularly powerful opponents, and their invasions weakened the Chola Empire. These invasions suggest that Parantaka Chola II was not able to effectively defend his kingdom from external aggression.
The Decline in Maritime Trade:
The Chola dynasty was known for its thriving maritime trade, especially during the reign of Parantaka Chola I. However, during Parantaka Chola II's rule, there was a decline in maritime trade due to factors like piracy and the weakening of Chola's naval power. This decline had negative economic consequences for the kingdom.
Administrative Issues:
There were some administrative issues during Parantaka Chola II's reign. It is believed that corruption and mismanagement were prevalent in the administration, which affected governance and public welfare. Inefficient administration could have led to dissatisfaction among the people.
Neglect of Arts and Culture:
Parantaka Chola II's reign is often criticized for its relative neglect of arts and culture. The patronage and support for literature, poetry, and temple-building activities, which were prominent during the earlier Chola reigns, declined during his rule. This decline in cultural patronage might have had an impact on the overall cultural development of the kingdom.
DEATH
Parantaka Chola II died a broken-hearted man in the golden palace of Kanchipuram after the death of his beloved son Aditya Chola II. Uttama Chola forced Parantaka Chola II to make him the heir apparent. His wish was granted on the condition that after him Arulmozhivarman or Rajaraja Chola I would succeed the Chola throne and not the children of Uttama Chola. Uttama Chola appointed Arulmozhivarman as his heir apparent.
