Rajadhiraja Chola I- The last monarch of Chola Dynasty

EARLY LIFE

Rajadhiraja Chola I was born as Ilaval Sundaram in 994 CE in modern day Thanjavur to Rajendra Chola I and Mukkokilan Adigal. He grew up to become the most skilled military commander among the Cholas and was appointed the heir apparent by his father Rajendra Chola I. Despite ruling for a short time, he assisted his father in conquering several territories. He adopted various titles like his predecessors, some of them being- Parakesarivaraman, Maharajadhiraja, Yuddhamalla, Jayankonda Chola, Vijayrajendra, etc. The title Jayankonda Solan (the victorious Chola) was earned by him after several victories.

Rajadhiraja Chola was appointed the heir apparent at the age of 24 years after his father recognised the brave warrior in him. They ruled together and conquered several territories. They maintained the Chola authority over Sri Lanka, Eastern Chalukyas, and Kalinga. 

He was married to Trailokyamahadevi and became the father to Madhurandhagan and Kandaradithan.

THE LANKAN REVOLTS

After the Sri Lankan king Mahinda V was defeated and deported by the Chola king Rajendra I in 1017 CE, the years that followed were filled with revolt and uprisings by the local people against the Chola invaders. Mahinda’s son Kassapa faced a very strong Chola army of 95,000 soldiers for over six months and pushed them northwards. He later crowned himself as Vikramabahu in 1029 CE. The Sinhalas were assisted by the Pandyas, who had a very close political and marital relationship with the Sinhalas, in their war against the Cholas as they were the common enemy of both. 

The revolts became fiercer during the reign of Rajadhiraja Chola I as Vikramabahu launched a fierce attack on the Cholas to completely expel them out of the Sri Lankan territory. He was aided by the Pandya prince Vikrama Pandya. They both were killed by Rajadhiraja in the battle.

CONTINUOUS WARS WITH THE CHALUKYAS

The increasing quest of conquering a number of territories and to check the increasing power of the Western Chalukyas led to another expedition by Rajadiraja Chola I against the Western Chalukyas. A battle was fought in 1046 CE at Dannada on the banks of Krishna River. This expedition was followed by a number of raids and plunders in the Chalukyan territories. Several generals and commanders were killed and the Chalukya palace at Kampali was demolished. Later Kalyani which was the capital of the Chalukyas was sacked and victory pillars were erected at Yetagiri and Kolhapur. The coronation of Rajadhiraja I was performed at Kalyanpura after which he assumed the title of Vijayarajendra.

However, time and conditions later turned in the favour of the Chalukya king Someshwara I, who was earlier made a subordinate of the Cholas. He refused to pay the tributes to the Cholas and usurped the throne from the Chola viceroy in Kalyani. An expedition was sent by him to Vengi to re-enforce the Western Chalukyan dominion over the Eastern Chalukyas. As soon as he came to know of this, Rajadhiraja Chola I prepared himself for war against Someshwara I at Kalyani. He appointed his younger brother Rajendra Chola II as co-regent of the Chola kingdom.

A large number of Chalukyan territories like Uchangi, Nulambavadi, Kadambalige, Kogali, etc. were seized by Rajadhiraja Chola I and both the armies met at a place called Koppam on the banks of the Krishna River.

BATTLE OF KOPPAM

Fought in 1054 CE on the banks of the Krishna River, the Battle of Koppam proved to be the last battle in the life of Rajadhiraja Chola I. Although the Cholas were victorious, king Rajadhiraja Chola I died while standing on the front lines of battle. He was riding a war elephant when he was shot by the Chalukyan archers. He came to be known as Yanai-mel-thunjina-Devar (the king who died on the back of an elephant). He was succeeded by his brother Rajendra Chola II. 

RELIGION

Stepping into the shoes of his forefathers, he too was a devout follower of Shaivism. He encouraged the Shaiva Siddhant school of thought and the Bhakti poetry of the Nayanars was sang in the temples.

INSCRIPTIONS

The inscriptions of Rajadhiraja Chola I begin with the introduction tingaler-taru. The inscription from the 29th year of the king describes his military conquests in a detailed manner. An excerpt read-

“… he cut-off on the battlefield the head of Manabharanan, seized in battle Vira Kerala whose ankle rings were wide and was pleased to get him trampled down by his furious elephant. He sent the undaunted king of Venad (back) to the country of Cheras. He captured the Salai at Kandalur, when Ahavamallan became afraid, when two warriors of great courage Vikki and Vijayadityan retreated, the tribute paid without remissions by the Villavar, Minavar, the Chalukyas, Kausalar, Vanganar,Konganar, Sindurar, Pangalar and Andhirar, and other kings and the riches collected were gladly given away to those versed in the four Vedas (i.e. to the Brahmins). In order to be famed in the whole world, he followed the path of Manu and performed the horse sacrifice. In the 29th year of this king Rajakesari Deva, who was seated on the royal throne and who had obtained very great fame Jayangonda Cholan, we the great assembly of Manimangalam alias Rajachulamani Chaturvedi Mangalam, in Manganur- nadu (a subdivision) of Chengattu- Kottam, (a district) of Jayangonda Chola Mandalam.”

Rajadiraja Chola I was a great king of the Chola Empire who gave his life for his people. From the day he was chosen heir till the day he laid down his life on the battlefield, he led the life of a warrior king. With his death, the land of India lost another brave warrior.