Vikrama Chola and his life
Vikrama Chola was born to Kulothuga Chola I and Madhurandhagi. He was the brother of Rajaraja Chodhaganga and Vira Chola. He was appointed as the viceroy of Vengi in 1089 CE and succeeded his brother Rajaraja Chodhaganga. He ruled Vengi very effectively without any rebellions. Later his father Kulothunga Chola I who had become old by then called him back from Vengi and appointed him as co-regent. He assumed the title of Rajakesari and later Parakesari after he became the king. The most significant title of Vikrama Chola was Tyagasamudra meaning the ocean of sacrifice.
THE KALINGA EXPEDITION
Vikrama Chola led an expedition to Kalinga on behalf of his father in 1110 CE. According to his inscriptions and the epic Vikkiramacholan Ula-
“In the 5th of the reign of Kovirajakesarivarman alias the emperor Sri- Vikkirama Sola Deva, who while the goddess of fortune wedded him; while the goddess of Earth increased[in size]; while the goddess of speech became conspicuous; while the goddess of victory moved abroad; while kings placed on their head his sacred lotus feet; while Kalingam was destroyed; while his sceptre went and swayed over every region; and while the cruel Kali having disappeared true virtue flourished… and was graciously seated on the throne of heroes.”
EXPEDITION TO VENGI
Vikrama Chola was appointed the viceroy of Vengi in 1089 CE. Vengi had always been the bone of contention between the Cholas and the Chalukyas. Vikrama Chola was able to check the ambitions of the Chalukya king Vikramaditya VI who wanted to capture Vengi at any opportunity that came his way. However, Vikrama Chola was recalled by his ailing father Kulothunga Chola I and the province of Vengi was temporarily lost to Vikramaditya VI.
After the death of Vikramaditya VI in 1126 CE, Vengi was reconquered by Vikrama Chola. He was helped by the local chieftains who preferred the Chola rule.
RECOVERY OF THE CHERA TERRITORIES
The campaigns to the Pandya country were carried out by the Chola-Pandya Jatavaraman Parakrama on behalf of Vikrama Chola. He captured the provinces of Ay and Venadu and defeated the Chera ruler. A large amount of tribute was collected from the Chera ruler.
RELIGION
Like most of his predecessors Vikrama Chola was a Shaivite and built a Shiva temple Ulagalanda Chola Mangalam in modern day Vellore. He patronised the temple of Chidambaram and got it repaired. He also donated a lot to the Ranganathswamy temple in Srirangam.
Vikrama Chola effectively ruled the huge Chola kingdom passed on to him by his father and was successful in maintaining good internal governance. He also continued conquests on neighbouring lands. His rule can be remembered as victorious. He died in 1135 CE and was succeeded by his son Kulothunga Chola II.
