Velanati Chodas

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Velanati Durjayas
1076–1216
CapitalChandole, Kammanadu
Religion
Hinduism
GovernmentMonarchy
History 
• Established
1076
• Disestablished
1216

Velanati Chodas or Velanati Durjayas were a dynasty who ruled over parts of the

Western Chalukyas and ruled over the region of Kammanadu in modern Guntur
district.

During its peak the chiefs also ruled area of Venginadu, the land between Krishna and Godavari rivers. They claimed descendant from

Karikala Chola so they were also called as Durjayas of Velanadu. Rajendra Choda II had assumed the title " Durjayakulaprakasa ".[1]

History

Later Cholas. He was defeated by Anantapalaya, the general of Vikramaditya VI of Kalyani Chalukyas in 1115 AD. Rajendra Choda I was forced to accept the suzerainty of Kalyani Chalukyas.[citation needed
]

Kulothunga II
to Vengi. Many chieftains including Velanadu Chodas joined hands with him and helped in driving out Kalyani Chalukyas in the battle of Manneru.

Rajendra Choda I died in the same year and

Kakatiyas
attacked his kingdom in 1158 AD. Chodayaraja, chief of Gonaka II killed Prola II and annexed lost regions. Gonaka II assumed many titles like Chalukyarajya MulaStambha.

Decline

While glory of Velanati Chodas continued during the next two kings

.

The last great king in the dynasty is Pruthviswara. He ruled from Pithapuram and made several attempts to regain land and lost prestige. When kakatiyas were fighting against the Yadavas, he recovered the Velanadu. However starting from 1201 AD, he lost to Kakatiyas and their subjects Nellore Chodas and was slain in a battle with Ganapatideva of Kakatiyas in 1207 AD. His son Rajendra Choda III made further attempts and lost entire kingdom to Ganapatideva.

Rulers

Culture

The region was between Krishna and Godavari rivers. According to Keyurabahu Charitram, the region witnessed prosperity and plenty. According to Palanati Charitra, war sports including cockfighting were popular. It had opulent city markets.

Religion

The region during this period witnessed both

Saivism and Vaishnavism
. Kings practiced Saivism according to books written about Velandu kings.

References

  1. ^ Ranga, N. G. (1971). Kakatiya Nayaks: Their Contribution to Dakshinapath's Independence, 1300-1370 A.D. Indian Peasant Institute.