Vikrama Chola

Vikrama Chola, known as Kō Parakēsari Varman, was a 12th-century ruler (r. c. 1118–1135 CE

In 1118 C.E., the aging Kulothunga recalled Vikrama Chola from Vengi to the south to appoint him as his co-regent. He assumed many of the titles of his father including Rajakesari when he was a co-regent. He subsequently switched to Parakesari when he ascended the throne.[3]^[1] This took place on 29 June 1118 C.E.^[1] Vikrama continued to rule joinltly with his father until the latter's death in 1122 C.E. However the Western Chalukyas, utilising the opportunity of proper leadership in Vengi, invaded and captured the Eastern Chalukyan provinces.

Early life

Vikrama Chola was the fourth son of

In 1118 C.E., the aging Kulothunga recalled Vikrama Chola from Vengi to the south to appoint him as his co-regent. He assumed many of the titles of his father including Rajakesari when he was a co-regent. He subsequently switched to Parakesari when he ascended the throne.^[3][1] This took place on 29 June 1118 C.E.^[1] Vikrama continued to rule joinltly with his father until the latter's death in 1122 C.E. However the Western Chalukyas, utilising the opportunity of proper leadership in Vengi, invaded and captured the Eastern Chalukyan provinces.

Military campaigns

Kalinga expedition

While he was still a crown prince, Vikrama led an expedition to the

In the 5th of the reign of Kōv-Irajakesarivarman alias the emperor Sri-Vikkirama Sola Deva, who while the goddess of fortune wedded him; while the goddess of the 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.[5]

He seems to have ascended the throne sometime prior to his 10th year for we have a similar

In the 10th year of the reign of Kōpparakēsarivanmar alias the emperor of the three worlds, Sri-Vikkirama Sola Deva, who was graciously seated along with his queen Mukkōkilānadigal-.^[6]

Recovery of Vengi

Vikrama Chola was crowned as the heir-apparent by his father early in his life. He was appointed as viceroy of the Vengi province in 1089 C.E., succeeding his brother Rajaraja Chodaganga. Vikrama during his tenure successfully managed to check the ambitions of the Western Chalukya Vikramaditya VI on the Vengi kingdom.

In 1118 C.E., the aging Kulothunga recalled Vikrama Chola from Vengi to the south to appoint him as his co-regent. He assumed many of the titles of his father including Rajakesari when he was a co-regent. He subsequently switched to Parakesari when he ascended the throne.^[3][1] This took place on 29 June 1118 C.E.^[1] Vikrama continued to rule joinltly with his father until the latter's death in 1122 C.E. However the Western Chalukyas, utilising the opportunity of proper leadership in Vengi, invaded and captured the Eastern Chalukyan provinces.^{[citation needed]}

Recovery of Kerala

Corrections by M. G. S. Narayanan on K. A. Nilakanta Sastri are employed.

Vikrama Chola also oversaw the Chola recovery of the

Vikrama Chola built a Siva temple at Ulagalanda Chola Mangalam (now renamed as Kalavai in Vellore district), this temple sivan is suyambu, A nataraja statue made by a pancha-loha, this is similar to Chithambaram Nataraja statue, kovil constructed using green stones (patchai kal).^[citation needed]

Officials

General

A Tamil inscription of the king from Sidlaghatta district, dated in the second year of his reign and beginning with Pumagal Punara, states that Udayamartanda Brahmamarayan, an officer of the king with his residence in Arulmolideva Chaturvedimangalam, and who was well versed in Tamil, built the temple of Somesvarar in the village of Sugattur in Kaivara nadu. Vikrama Chola is called Pulivendan Koliyar kula Pati alias Rajayyar Vikrama Choladeva.^[10]

Notes

References

• Nilakanta Sastri, K. A. (1935). The Cōḷas, University of Madras, Madras (Reprinted 1984).
• Nilakanta Sastri, K. A. (1955). A History of South India, OUP, New Delhi (Reprinted 2002).
• The History and Culture of the Indian People: The Struggle for Empire By Ramesh Chandra Majumdar, Bhāratīya Itihāsa Samiti
• Epigraphia Carnatica, Volume 10, Part 1 by Benjamin Lewis Rice, Mysore (India: State). Archaeological Dept, Mysore Archaeological Survey
• Epigraphy By Archaeological Survey of India. Southern Circle
• History of Indian Administration: Volume 2 by Baij Nath Puri