Rajadhiraja Chola II and the continuing downfall
Rajadhiraja Chola II was born in Kanchipuram to Sangama Chola aka Neriyudaiperumal and the daughter of Vikrama Chola. His father Sangama Chola was the descendent of Virarajendra Chola. Rajadhiraja Chola II was appointed as the heir apparent by his predecessor Rajaraja Chola II because the latter had no sons when he appointed him the heir apparent. However, Rajaraja Chola II had two sons later, of whom Kulothunga Chola III succeeded Rajadhiraja Chola II after his death.
THE CIVIL WAR IN THE PANDYA KINGDOM
After Rajadhiraja Chola II ascended the Chola throne in 1174 CE, a civil war started in the Pandyan territory regarding the succession to the throne. Kulothunga Chola I had earlier invaded and captured the entire Pandyan territory and brought it under his control. He appointed Pandyan princes as viceroys who were inferior to the Cholas. However, the Cholas started losing control over the Pandyan territories. By the time of Rajadhiraja Chola, the Cholas completely lost control over the Pandyas. A succession dispute started between Parakrama Pandya and Kulasekara. Parakrama Pandya asked for the aid of the Lankan king, but he and his family were killed by Kulasekara. The Lankan king Parakramabahu I wanted to install Virapandya on the throne and a fierce battle started between him and Kulasekara. Kulasekara asked the Cholas for their aid. The Cholas and Kulasekara initially lost the battle, but they won later and drove the Lankan forces back. Kulasekara was made the king of the Pandyan territory.
The defeated Lankan king wanted to take revenge and planned to invade the Chola territory. However, the Cholas were informed of this plan earlier and attacked the Lankan Island. Parakrama Bahu I recognised Kulasekara as the king of Pandyan Empire and they both formed an alliance to crush the Cholas. A war was fought and the Chola army defeated the combined forces of Parakrama Bahu I and Kulasekara and installed Virapandya on the throne.
WEAKENING OF THE EMPIRE
A number of revolts and the growing independence of the feudatories and chieftains weakened the empire all the more. They interfered more and more in the administration, thus weakening the king’s prestige and forming alliances to convert their official positions to hereditary rights.
Rajadhiraja Chola II died in 1178 CE after a brief rule and was succeeded by Kulothunga Chola III.
