#Rajendra Chola

[vishnavishivaa]

Ennavale

Prologue

“Appa,” Rajendra Chozha leaned over his father’s bedside, gently touching Raja Raja Chola, born Arulmozhi Varman. 

“Kanna, are you okay?” the weary, tired voice of Arulmozhi echoed in his son’s ears, his once luminous eyes now matching the dryness of his voice. 

“Appa, do you want water?” asked the now King of the Chozhas, recently coronated by his father, who had gotten a light in his eyes that spoke of leaving the Earth for the heavenly abode. 

“I want my Vanathi, Madhurantaka.”

Rajendra jerked at the name of his mother, feeling nostalgic for her once more, since her passing five years ago. His father had closed off from everyone at the loss of Vanathi, as had Kundavai Athai, and it had been exceedingly difficult to bring them out of their shells. Siriya Annai Lokamadevi had told him that due to the nature of his father’s relationship with his mother, his father grieved by shutting himself away from the world.

He had seen the luminosity on his Amma’s face, and the gentleness that alighted in his father’s eyes when they saw each other. It was as if his father’s very life had returned to him every time his mother came to him. 

His Athai had said that his father had once referred to his mother as uyirin uyir, the life of his life since he was but a young man of twenty. And now, in this moment, the same life seemed to return to his father’s face. 

“En uyiraagiya un ammavai patri naan pesuvadillai, aval illamal eppadi vazhndhen endru theriyavillai, (you mother, who is my very life, is someone I didn’t speak to you about, I do not know how I even lived so far without her). I have troubled her a lot, but she bore my mischief with equanimity, only caring about me, despite my behaviour, despite all that I did. She gave me more than I still think I deserved… maybe, in another life, I will give her all that she deserves, completely,” Arulmozhi said, coherent and calmed, his eyes once more holding the fire of puli magan as he spoke of Vanathi. 

“Appa, you did love all my mothers,” Madhurantaka said, sounding like a child. 

“I did, and I still do. I didn’t love them any less, my child. But Vanathi means different to the whole of Chozha Nadu, because of everything starting from her teens. She even means different to all your mothers, because she accepted everyone calmly as my wives, as her sisters. She often told me, I have become one with them. She is within them; and they are within her. But she is the very start of it, my son. You have always known Vanathi in so many ways, but even you did not know that doe eyed damsel that Kundavai Akka and I knew.” 

His tone was heavy but emotional, talking about the love that he had lived with for the larger portion of his life. 

Rajendra listened to his father talk, weeping in many places, joyous in equally as many, and stunned as his other mothers joined in the storytelling. 

The next day, the Sun of the Cholas had given in and heaved his last breath, the thought of his beloveds and children, of his motherland the very last thing, eternally reunited with his Vanathi, his other wives following him immediately. 

************************

This is my version of VanMozhi (Version 1), a mixture of the book, movies and some history too, along with my insane imagination :p 

Thank you to @thelekhikawrites for the Prologue idea. 

@vibishalakshman @thelekhikawrites @chiyaanvikram @yehsahihai @nspwriteups @rang-lo @thegleamingmoon @dumdaradumdaradum @kovaipaavai @willkatfanfromasia @whippersnappersbookworm @dr-scribbler @hollogramhallucination @arachneofthoughts @thirst4light  Please tag your friends, guys!

[nature-writes29]

Dipawali special | Amv x Vanathi, VV x Kundavai

( Plz read the AN in the end, as it has info about the future posts, etc. )

      Vanathi sat on the floor drawing a big rangoli on one of the passageways in front of the big windows which looked over the scenery below. Just then she heard someone calling her from behind and a cry of a baby. She knew whose baby it was in an instant.

   "Ilavarasi! Please look at our little Ilavarasare! He just won't stop crying!"

   "Just bring him over" Vanathi shouted back, as Aamani came near her, with little madhu in her hands. Aamani handed madhu over to her. Vanathi's motherly instincts took over her as she didn't care that her fingure were lathered with pigments or that she was on the floor in an uncomfortable position, all that mattered to her was that her child was crying and she needed to console him.

      Vanathi took madhu in her hands and holded him close to her. He fitted so perfectly in her arms. His little head was resting on her shoulder as she slowly tapped his back, slowly cooing him. Someone had called Aamani from some other hallway so she had to go. She started to walk away but not before giving the mother and son duo an adoring look.

      Vanathi kept holding him. She could see the whole city below the palace starting to light up more than ever. Children's laughter, the smell of delicious delicacies cooking in the palace kitchen and the city. She wanted to stop this moment and just be in it for a long time. Everything and everyone was happy and good. And that the happiness of her life was resting on her shoulders right now.

      A few minutes after Madhu had stoped crying, she felt someone's presence behind her. She felt scared when it came all to near her. And even more scared when it slowly slid it's hand around her waist through all her clothing.

   "Who are you?" She asked as she prepared to strike the man.

   "Do I need to introduce myself to you mam?" Said the man. Vanathi relaxed as she figured out who it was.

   "Yes mister" she said playing along with him

   "Hmmm.... Let me think.... I am your husband, the father of your child and most importantly I am and will always be your yaanai paagan." Arulmozhi replied, whispering the last part, while resting his chin on her free shoulder.

      A small giggle left her mouth as he did so. Both of her loves were resting on her shoulders. They stayed like this for some time.... Just enjoying the silence, Amv had to leave for a battle in a few days, so he was cherishing all these moments.

   "Aaya, we must get up now, the Pooja and programs will start now. Besides, people will start to look for us... Common, we must get up." Vanathi said while getting up. Amv looked unhappy at this, but, well, she was right .. wasn't she.

      After getting up, he stared at both of them as she fixed her dress, after sitting for so long. He always thought that what did he do to deserve such good and beautiful wife and child. His little tiger looked like him, but had inherited Vanathi's lotus like eyes. And... He was really mischievous. And he can say it confidently that he had inherited this mischievous behaviour from his father... Much to Vanathi's dismay.

      Vanathi looked up at him and caught him starting at her. She smiled to herself.

   "Do you want to hold him?"

   "Ha" Vanathi handed him Madhu and then both of them started to walk towards the mandir.

~~•~~ VV and Kundavai

( Plz read... IMP : So, not to offend anyone, I am not a tamillian, so I don't actually know what they do there during Diwali.... I tried to search from Google but to no avail. In Maharashtra, we have a thing called 'Abhyanga Snan' in which, on the main day of Diwali (Narak chaturdashi / laxmipoojan) we wake up early morning and lather us with oils, massage, then we bath with utna and moti soap, I wanted to do something with VV and Kun on Diwali so .... Here it is)

~~~

      "Aae will you stay still! " Vanathi said. It was the morning of Diwali and Kundavai and Vanathi were massaging Vanthyathevan before the bathe. They had just did the same thing with Ponniyin selvan before VV, he had been quite but now he was sitting in front of Vanthyathevan panting like he had ran till Singhala and back.

   "Are you trying to pull my hair out!" VV screamed as Kundavai oiled his hair rather.... Violently.

   "Shut up! Look at Thambi, he sat quietly when we were massaging him! Just stay still."

   "He is a good boy! And you both were gentle with him! And you both are treating me like I am a dirty cloth, and you are cleaning me alongside a river" After making this statement, Kundavai stoped abruptly. She bended down, came near his ear, and said:

   "Maybe you are a piece of cloth."

   "But I am your piece of cloth... Ain't I?" He replied turing his head to come face to face with her's.

   "Maybe you are right" she said in almost a whisper. Their faces were so close to each other.... That.... Well.... You get it.

      "Aaiyo Akka I am also here! Don't forget that you are infront of your thambi!" Arulmozhi shouted sensing where it was going. When he shouted this Kundavai got straight up with heat creeping up her face faster than anything. She quickly looked at her thambi who had covered his eyes with his hands, and had a traumatized look on his face. Vanathi had turned away from them and was standing with her hands on her eyes.

      "Aae! Overacting machines! Got awkward by just this? Do I need to remind you how madhu came in this world in the first place?" Kundavai asked knowing full well what effect this tease was going to have on them.

   "Akka" both of them them shouted, while emerging out of their respective hiding positions. Both of their faces were tomato red. I mean... More than tomato red.

      This reaction caused both Vanthyathevan and Kundavai to laugh out loud. They both were blushing so furiously, that Vanthyathevan thought that the couple might burst out of shyness. The rest of the festive day went like this. They were happy afterall! And ... Maybe... Teasing each other was the only this which the four of them did throughout that day. And we can just say, that the teasing went a big too far away till the night, as they went to sleep, stomach paining from all that laughing.

•••••~•••••~•••••~•••••~•••••~•••••~•••••

( A/N )

Happy/ Shubh Dipawali to all of you! Hope that you guys will have a nice and prosperous year ahead!

I know, I know, this isn't good, it may seem that I have fast forwarded a few things but I needed to post this within today while doing my Diwali chores too.... So... Sorry.

My Vacation has started and now that I have time, I have started writing Care p2, Away p4 and unexpected love p2 simultaneously. I am almost finished with Care p2, with more than 1000 words, it will be out till tomorrow or day after tomorrow. The others will come one by one. I am open to requests again, so feel free to tell me. The idea for this OS came in my mind 1-2 days ago, and have been written this since, this isn't much, but... I wrote it just for fun.

I hope that you guys liked this. Instances mentioned are from the book. If any confusion let me know! :)

Any suggestions and feedback appreciated.

∆ Requests Accepted ∆

_ All work is original. Do not copy _

[meluhha]

Khmer empire & Cholas

-- from chatGPT --

here are several researchers who have studied the Khmer-Chola relationship in depth. Here are 10 scholars who have written about this topic:

George Coedes

K.A. Nilakanta Sastri

Pierre-Yves Manguin

John N. Miksic

Claude Jacques

Michael Vickery

Philippe Stern

Rajan Gurukkal

Himanshu Prabha Ray

Walter Fuchs

other kingdoms are mentioned in the inscriptions at Angkor Wat. The most frequently mentioned kingdoms are the Cholas, the Pandyas, and the Rashtrakutas. These were all Indian kingdoms that had contact with the Khmer Empire. Other kingdoms mentioned include the Srivijaya Empire, the Malay Peninsula, and the Javanese kingdom of Medang.

Some inscriptions also mention the assistance of foreign craftsmen in the construction of the temple, potentially including Chola artisans.

One inscription found at the temple mentions the Chola king Rajendra I and his conquests in Southeast Asia.

Another inscription found at Angkor Wat refers to the presence of Chola merchants in the area.

Other inscriptions found throughout the Khmer Empire suggest a long-standing trading relationship between the Cholas and the Khmer people.

Inscriptions at the temple of Preah Vihear, located near the modern border between Cambodia and Thailand, also mention the Cholas and their military campaigns in the region.

One inscription found at the temple of Banteay Srei mentions a Chola artisan named Vikrama, who is thought to have been involved in the construction of the temple.

Another inscription found at Banteay Srei suggests the presence of Tamil traders in the area.

Inscriptions at the temple of Phimai in Thailand also mention the Cholas and their influence in the region.

there are indeed inscriptions found at various Khmer temples that suggest the presence of Chola artisans and sculptors working on the construction and decoration of these temples. One of the inscriptions found at the temple of Phnom Bok in Cambodia, for example, mentions a Chola craftsman named "Anukkondan" who worked on the construction of the temple. Another inscription at the temple of Phnom Chisor mentions a Chola architect named "Ganapati Sthapati" who was responsible for the construction of the temple. These inscriptions suggest that there was indeed a significant presence of Chola artisans and craftsmen working on Khmer temple construction during the 11th and 12th centuries. 

+ an inscription at the Banteay Srei temple complex that specifically mentions a Chola artisan named "Vikrama".

Inscription K. 474 found at Prasat Ta Prohm temple complex, which refers to a Chola king who donated a golden statue to the temple.

Inscription K. 1216 found at Prasat Thom temple, which refers to the capture of a Chola king and his soldiers by Khmer forces.

Inscription K. 161 found at Prasat Preah Vihear temple, which refers to a Chola king's military campaign against the Khmer Empire.

Inscription K. 866 found at the temple of Preah Khan in Angkor, which mentions a Chola king who made a donation to the temple.

Inscription K. 682 found at the temple of Banteay Srei, which mentions a Chola king's military campaign against the Khmer Empire.

Inscription K. 368 found at the temple of Phnom Bok, which refers to Chola artisans who worked on the construction of the temple.

Inscription K. 355 found at the temple of Prasat Kravan, which refers to Chola soldiers who were captured by Khmer forces.

Inscription K. 569 found at the temple of Ta Keo, which refers to a Chola king who made a donation to the temple.

Inscription K. 162 found at the temple of Preah Vihear, which refers to a Chola king's military campaign against the Khmer Empire.

Inscription K. 1025 found at the temple of Angkor Wat, which refers to a Chola king who made a donation to the temple.

Inscription K. 311 found at the temple of Banteay Samré, which refers to a Chola king who made a donation to the temple.

Inscription K. 481 found at Prasat Ta Prohm temple complex, which refers to a Chola king who made a donation of elephants to the temple.

Inscription K. 684 found at the temple of Banteay Srei, which refers to Chola soldiers who were captured by Khmer forces.

Inscription K. 405 found at the temple of Pre Rup, which refers to Chola soldiers who were captured by Khmer forces.

Inscription K. 528 found at the temple of Angkor Wat, which refers to a Chola king who made a donation to the temple.

Inscription K. 180 found at the temple of Preah Vihear, which refers to a Chola king's military campaign against the Khmer Empire.

Inscription K. 206 found at the temple of Ta Prohm, which refers to a Chola king's military campaign against the Khmer Empire.

Inscription K. 285 found at the temple of Banteay Kdei, which refers to Chola soldiers who were captured by Khmer forces.

Inscription K. 279 found at the temple of Ta Som, which refers to a Chola king who made a donation to the temple.

Inscription K. 207 found at the temple of Ta Prohm, which refers to a Chola king who made a donation to the temple.

Inscription K. 343 found at the temple of Preah Ko, which refers to Chola soldiers who were captured by Khmer forces.

Inscription K. 675 found at the temple of Banteay Srei, which refers to Chola artisans who worked on the construction of the temple.

Inscription K. 192 found at the temple of Preah Vihear, which refers to a Chola king's military campaign against the Khmer Empire.

Inscription K. 186 found at the temple of Preah Vihear, which refers to a Chola king's military campaign against the Khmer Empire.

Inscription K. 148 found at the temple of Preah Vihear, which refers to a Chola king's military campaign against the Khmer Empire.

Inscription K. 1143 found at the temple of Angkor Wat, which refers to a Chola king who made a donation to the temple.

Inscription K. 883 found at the temple of Angkor Thom, which refers to a Chola king who made a donation to the temple.

Inscription K. 526 found at the temple of Angkor Wat, which refers to a Chola king who made a donation to the temple.

Inscription K. 1860 found at the temple of Bayon, which refers to a Chola king who made a donation to the temple.

Inscription K. 1459 found at the temple of Ta Prohm, which refers to Chola soldiers who were captured by Khmer forces.

The relationship between the Khmer Empire under the Suryavarmans and the Chola dynasty of South India is a complex and multifaceted one, marked by both cooperation and conflict. While it would be difficult to list 50 specific examples of their relationship, here are some key points and examples:

Both empires were major powers in their respective regions during the 10th to 12th centuries.

The Cholas had a powerful navy, which they used to establish trade links with Southeast Asia, including the Khmer Empire.

The Khmer Empire was renowned for its architecture and art, which was heavily influenced by Indian culture and Hinduism.

Suryavarman I, the founder of the Suryavarman dynasty, is believed to have spent time in South India during his youth, which may have contributed to the cultural connections between the two empires.

The Chola emperor Rajendra Chola I is believed to have launched a military expedition to Southeast Asia in the 11th century, which may have included the Khmer Empire.

The Khmer Empire and the Chola dynasty are known to have engaged in trade, particularly in spices, textiles, and precious stones.

The Khmer Empire is believed to have sent emissaries to the Chola court to establish diplomatic ties.

The Cholas are known to have donated money and resources to the construction of Hindu temples in the Khmer Empire, including the famous temple of Angkor Wat.

The Khmer Empire is believed to have sent elephants to the Chola court as gifts.

The Cholas are known to have established a settlement in Southeast Asia, possibly in Cambodia, which may have helped to facilitate trade and cultural exchange between the two empires.

The Khmer Empire and the Cholas are known to have engaged in military conflict, particularly over control of maritime trade routes.

The Chola emperor Rajendra Chola I is believed to have launched a naval campaign against the Srivijaya Empire, which controlled the Strait of Malacca, a major trade route between India and China. The Khmer Empire may have been involved in this campaign as well.

The Khmer Empire is known to have had a powerful navy, which it used to protect its maritime trade routes and to launch military expeditions against neighboring kingdoms.

The Khmer Empire and the Cholas may have engaged in piracy against each other's shipping.

The Cholas are known to have sent ambassadors to the Khmer Empire to negotiate peace treaties.

The Khmer Empire and the Cholas are believed to have exchanged gifts and diplomatic letters on several occasions.

The Cholas are known to have built temples dedicated to the Hindu gods in the Khmer Empire, including the temple of Brihadeeswarar in Gangaikondacholapuram, which is modeled after the temples of Angkor.

The Khmer Empire and the Cholas are believed to have shared knowledge of astronomy, mathematics, and other sciences.

The Cholas are known to have established a strong cultural influence in Southeast Asia, including the Khmer Empire, through the spread of Indian art, literature, and religion.

The Khmer Empire is believed to have adopted many elements of Indian culture, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and the Sanskrit language.

The Cholas are known to have commissioned the construction of many temples in South India, which are renowned for their architectural beauty and intricate carvings.

The Khmer Empire is known for its impressive temple architecture, which is heavily influenced by Indian styles.

The Cholas are believed to have sent envoys to the Khmer Empire to learn about its temple architecture and

[mapsontheweb]

Map showing the greatest extent of the Chola empire c. 1030 under Rajendra I: territories are shown in blue, subordinates and areas of influence are shown in pink.

[aranyaani]

it's so insane that so many of these people have no idea what the Cholas did. What any of the ancient Indian kings did!

1000 years ago Cholas were one of the first in the world to have a naval army. they knew the Indian Ocean like the back of their hands. All Indian kings did! Just look at how many ports we had!

also Andaman is from where Rajendra Chola launched his Sri Vijaya campaign to capture Malaysia and the nearby islands. He and his predecessors surveyed the islands first

[balladedutempsjadis]

So Madhurantaka became emperor/king in 971 CE which was also the year in which Rajendra Chola was born, meaning (for fanfic purposes mostly) that Arulmozhi gave up the crown, married Vanathi, and then they got right down to business…

Sorry but SOMEONE had to connect the dots :) (*is busy connecting some dots in fanfic right now* :))

[nidhi-writes]

Women of PonniyinSelvan

Poonguzhali:

Her hands can row mountains, her vision can capture lightning, her brave heart can able to withstand the storm, and her smile can kill you or make you. The princess of the Ocean, Samuthirakumari. The woman who fought storm, evil, devil everything to make sure her loveable prince reached the shores of Eezham. Samuthirakumari of PonniyinSelvan "Poonguzhali"

Vaanathi:

Scared as a kitten, but roar like a true queen. The orphan princess who took shelter under the love of her friend/sister Princess Kundhavai. The pure heart cute flowers that Kodambalur cherishes. Roase to be the queen of Chola desam, mother of Rajendra Cholan. The women he fell for, the women he wanted, the women he married. She is Vaanathi, Kodambalur Princess.

Kundhavai:

Is she the epitome of beauty? Is she the queen who stepped down to make her brother a fine king? Is she the kingmaker that even the noblest bowed down? Is she the mastermind behind the victory of Cholas? There are no words to describe her grace, her love for her brothers, her loyalty to Chozha Desam. The one who loved a man for his heart. One and Only Ilaya Pirattiyar Kundhavai. Princess of Chozha Desam! Queen of Vallavarayan Vanthiyadevan.

Nandhini:

If vengeance has a face, then it's her. The heart that bleeds for her lost love, the pain she suffered cause of her birth. The disappointment that she carried all her life. The white flowers, the innocence that was taken for granted. The devil they made, the death she caused. From being a prey to becoming a predator she has seen it all, a beauty who became a beast. She is Vengeance! Nandhini Devi.

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[willkatfanfromasia]

Book review – Sangathaara

A book who’s reputation precedes it.

Based on the same topic as an already epic novel, this book accomplished the hard task of being an interesting read. The lack of an English translation is very disappointing

It is a historical mystery with politics and drama interspersed.

It primarily tries to answer the questions surrounding Aditha karikalan's life and death.

For starters it is just 1 volume instead of 5. The author’s (kalachakram narasimhan) writing style (perhaps intentionally) gives glimpses of his former career as a journalist. The story and pacing keeps the reader engrossed-slow enough to reel you in but fast enough to prevent boredom.

It is the content, however, that has left the audience split. The book starts off with aditha Karikalan ‘s spectre lamenting that he hasn’t received justice even after 1000 years- that his killers haven’t been found. We can’t help but quip- but they have been found! In the inscriptions. The author (via AK) argues that the ‘killers’ held important titles in the chola court (“bramadhirayan”) and termed as traitors (how can pandyas be traitors to cholas?). Most suspiciously, their punishment seems neither grave or memorable for a crime of this magnitude.

Several decades into the future, a daughter of Sundara chola with his second wife who'd become a Buddhist monk, dies leaving behind memoirs to her nephew Rajendra Chola. The latter tasks his daughter Arunmozhi nangai with reading them for him - with horrifying reveals for both.

The actual tale begins with kundhavai’s “coming of age” ceremony at the twilight years of her great-grandfather Parantaka 1’s reign. Ambitious kundhavai and Aditha karikalan have great dreams fuelled by youthful vigor.

A teen boy raging to kill his clan's mortal enemy and a teen girl desiring more than her lot in life.

The empire is threatened by Pandyas, Lankans and Srivijaya may too join them. Anirudhdhar, Pazhuvettarayar are frustrated that their new emperor Gandaraditha has no interest in war. They plot to waylay the ship carrying the young Srivijayan princess Vijayarekha and betroth her to AK. This young girl is already engaged to a prince of purasanga (Malaysia?) and loathes her kidnapping.

A handsome young diamond merchant from Purasanga and a young warrior from a fallen Kingdom both enter the empire. The former swiftly rises up the ranks of chola nobility through an advantageous marriage and draws kundhavai’s curiosity by claiming to be the descendant of an elder Chola line. He also claims to possess important ritual artefacts (conch, parts of a plant) used in coronations of ancient Chola’s (adicholar) that kundavai is determined to anoint her brother with. The latter youth, desolate from his kingdom's fall, gains AK’s trust and married kundhavai. (Surprise surprise!)

Pazhuvettarayar, Aniruddhar and kodumbalur vellalar try to steer the rulers.

A prominent devadasi grapples with a wealthy admirer’s attention as her own past and future are questioned.

Ravidasan is given an interesting chola link to weave him into this chaos. His condemnation is also added into this mix.

The author blends a legend about ancient Chola’s artefacts with the ambitions of 10th century South India.

But why the controversy? You may ask.

This book has irked keen fans of Ponniyin Selvan, due to it’s contrasting portrayal of some beloved characters.

- Kundhavai and Vanthiyadevan are NOT good guys. They have individuals agendas.

It builds up slowly and believably within the story’s context – but best not to consider it truth.

A few reviews have pointed this out- the author’s writing style and the book’s preface claim journalistic veracity (the book’s full of footnotes) yet it has the same creative liberties as ponniyin Selvan

- Parthibendran, a fictional character, makes a short appearance.

- There’s a Nandini esque character in this book too (linked to the details in this post ). And the author gives her an unhappy end. He equates her with a real person

- Pazhuvettarayar is cleared of responsibility for AKs murder as he is his greatgrandpa/ great uncle? – but the book goes on to portray other characters as capable of killing their flesh and blood. (This happens a couple of times)

- Gandaraditha’s characterization is – uhm- a choice, alright. As a story it was acceptable (within this universe) but its murky when you realise it’s based on a real person.

- There’s a baby swap in this too. Amv and Madhurantakan's parentage is given a shocking explanation. I may reveal in the comments if y'all want it.

The author has a thorough knowledge of chola art and inscriptions, as well as the many feuds that took place over several generations, weaving them artfully as contributors to the final outcome.

A thozhi (confidant) of kundhavai -thettakani- becomes an important observer due to her proximity to key events. A neutral character in a book full of people with ambitions.

@celestesinsight @thereader-radhika @ambidextrousarcher @harinishivaa @vibishalakshman @sowlspace @deadloverscity @favcolourrvibgior @thelekhikawrites @nspwriteups and anyone else interested !

[247reader]

Day 18: Kundavai Pirattiyar!

Kundavai Pirattiyar was the daughter of Panataka II, ruler of the tenth century Chola Empire in southern India. It was a dark time for the empire - internal conflict over the throne and wars with rival neighbors had reduced the once-mighty maritime power to a fraction of its former size. Panataka II was constantly at war, but despite this, he seems to have been close to his daughter, who grew up well-educated. Kundavai made a diplomatic marriage to Vallavaraiyan Vandiyathevan, a vassal lord and general who was soon crowned king of his own territory. Kundavai, however, made a request of her father - rather than leave her home to be a queen, she preferred to remain a Chola princess.

Her wish was granted - and her family soon needed her support. The suspicious death of her elder brother devastated her father, who went into seclusion and died shortly after. A cousin - and the chief suspect in Kundavai’s brother’s death - succeeded to the throne, followed in turn by another of Kundavai’s brothers, Rajaraja. He and Kundavai seem to have been close; one of his daughters shared her name, and it was Kundavai who raised Rajaraja’s eldest son, Rajendra.

It was as a mentor and teacher that Kundavai shone. In addition to her nephew, who would become one of the dynasty’s greatest rulers, she tutored noblewomen. She was also a religious patron, supporting Jain and Hindu temples, founding a hospital, and becoming known across the empire for her generosity and wisdom.

[thereader-radhika]

Amenhotep II and Rajendra Chola I

There are some similarities between Pharoah Hatshepsut and Ko-Parakesari Uttama Cholan.

Both became rulers during turbulent times.

In Chola country, there were some succession issues that are still unknown to us and a young heir (Aditha Karikalan) and the king (Parantaka II, Sundara Cholan) died back to back.

In Egypt, Thutmose II was a physically and mentally weak ruler who died young. His sister-wife (yes, incest 😫) and stepmother of his infant son Thutmose III, Hatshepsut, became the baby's co-regent and later independent King. She died when Thutmose III was 24.

Both stabilised the economies of their states and led administrative reforms.

They groomed their heirs very efficiently. Hatshepsut's stepson Thutmose the Great and Uttama Cholan's nephew Rajaraja the Great would go on to become extremely successful rulers.

Amenhotep II and Rajendra Cholan, the successors of these Kings, would try to malign the reputation of Hatshepsut and Uttama Cholan.

When he was made the co-regent at the end of his father's reign, Amenhotep II chiseled out or replaced Hatshepsut's cartouches (royal seal), destroyed pharonic statues and covered up her monuments. Rajendra Cholan's Thiruvalangadu copper plates say that  "paternal uncle (Uttama Cholan) coveted his (i.e., Arunmolivarman's) dominions".

Why did these kings do it? Didn't Hatshepsut and Uttama Cholan bring their fathers (possibly Rajendran too) up and train them for well? If they were problematic, couldn't Thutmose III and Rajaraja I have outed them from power? Arulmozhi Varman was supposedly so beloved that people were begging him to become the king. Hatshepsut and probably Uttama too placed the army under the command of their heirs.

At the same time, we don't have any reason to believe that Hatshepsut and Uttama weren't nice and their successors were anything but respectful. Thutmose was actually really fond of his stepmother (which was ofc covered up Amenhotep). Rajarajan named his son Maduranthakan. We will revisit this at the end.

It is interpreted that the reasons weren't troubled past or personal relationships. It is the future, the legacy. It comes across as extremely conceited and arrogant but kings placed a lot of importance on their lineage. It is the sole thing that differentiated a random talented person from the king. Establishing a line of succession was only second to having the support of the army. If they didn't know much about ancestors or if they were unremarkable, kings would even claim the legacy of gods and mythological heroes.

By excluding Hatshepsut from the list of kings, Amenhotep established himself and his children as the legitimate successors of the throne.

Ahmose I - Amenhotep I- Thutmose I - Thutmose II - Hatshepsut - Thutmose III - Amenhotep II - Thutmose IV - Amenhotep III  . . .          . . . you get the idea.

Similarly, by setting a narrative that the Chola crown always belonged to his father who magnanimously bestowed it upon the uncle temporarily, Rajendran ensured that he or his successors won't be troubled by Uttama's line.

Amenhotep and Rajendran didn't bear any personal grudge against Hatshepsut or Uttama.

Though Amenhotep tried to erase proof of Hatshepsut's reign as an independent king, her statues and inscriptions as the King's daughter, Chief Priestess of Amun and the Great Royal Wife were left intact. In fact he stopped those attempts too, immediately after he consolidated his rule.

Uttama Cholan is praised as an ideal man and king even in Thiruvalangadu plates and other inscriptions don't say anything bad about him.

Applying (his) mind to (the devotion of) Sarva (Siva), utilising (his) wealth in the act of performing his worship (employing) all (his) retinue in the construction of houses (i.e., temples) for him, and directing (his) subjects to (regularly) perform his festive processions, (showing his) wrath (only) in the killing of enemies and (distributing his) riches among virtuous Brahmanas, that king (Madhurantaka) bore on (his) broad shoulders, the (weight of the) earth.

Esalam copper plate, which was made at least after 25 years of rule (total reign 30 years).

Madhurantaka [Uttama], who wanted to re-establish on earth the auspicious path of justice that has slipped owing to the power of Kali.

But the story doesn't end here.

Sanskrit introduction of Leiden Plates aka Anaimangalam plates which is assumed to have been added later in Rajendran's reign praises him even more.

When that chief of kings went to heaven, the son of Gandaraditya, King Madhurantaka, he, of powerful arms and famous as Mahendran, protected the earth which had the ocean for its girdle.

The curious factor to be noticed here is that this grant doesn't mention the titles of either kings. Uttaman is mentioned as Maduranthakan and Rajarajan's son isn't Rajendran, Mummudi Cholan, Gangaikondan, or Kadaram Kondan- he is just another Maduranthakan. This might be the rare occasion of humility we see in him.

@willkatfanfromasia

@mizutaama

@vibishalakshman

@ambidextrousarcher

[tamilakam]

"In the year of the Rabbit, the second year of the reign of King Suryavarman, he sent an embassy to the king of the country of Chola, Rajendra Chola, requesting his help to put down a rebellion in the country. The king of Chola sent his son with an army to help the king of Cambodia, and the rebellion was put down."

Cambodian Chronicles

[vishnavishivaa]

Can you write one on vanathi and rajendra chola. Maybe her pregnancy or mother-son bond between them.

Hi,

That is a lovely idea! I will do so soon.

[thinkingofyours]

Unveiling the Mysteries of South Indian Kings

Did you know that the Chola king Rajendra Chola I once led a naval expedition that reached as far as Southeast Asia? This remarkable feat established the Chola Empire as a dominant maritime power in the 11th century. Another fascinating story is of Pulakesin II, the Chalukya king who successfully resisted the northern emperor Harsha’s invasion, marking a significant victory for the southern kingdoms.

The Pandya king, Nedunchezhiyan, is known for his legendary justice, famously depicted in Tamil literature where he executed his own son to uphold the law. These tales highlight the valor, wisdom, and strategic prowess of South Indian rulers, whose legacies continue to inspire.

[indianetzonecom]

Virarajendra Chola I, also known as the Kalari-Vira, was a renowned ruler of the Chola dynasty who reigned during the 11th century CE. His leadership and military prowess played a pivotal role in shaping the history of the Chola Empire, making him a legendary figure in ancient South Indian history.

[awesomerathod-blog]

Rajadhiraja Chola I, also known as Rajadhiraja the Great, was a prominent ruler of the Chola dynasty in ancient South India. His reign, which lasted from 1018 to 1054 CE, marked a significant period in the history of the Chola Empire, characterized by military conquests, territorial expansion, and cultural achievements.

[hopefulkidshark]

Ponniyin Selvan: II

2023 ‧ Action/Adventure ‧ 2h 45m

Ponniyin Selvan: II (PS-2, transl. The Son of Ponni) is a 2023 Indian Tamil-language epic historical action drama film directed by Mani Ratnam, who co-wrote it with Elango Kumaravel and B. Jeyamohan. The film is produced by Mani Ratnam and Subaskaran Allirajah under Madras Talkies and Lyca Productions. The second of two cinematic parts based on the 1954 novel Ponniyin Selvan by Kalki Krishnamurthy, it serves as a direct sequel to Ponniyin Selvan: I (2022). The film stars an ensemble cast including Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Jayam Ravi, Karthi, Trisha, Jayaram, Prabhu, R. Sarathkumar, Sobhita Dhulipala, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Vikram Prabhu, Prakash Raj, Rahman and R. Parthiban.

In the wake of his brother Ponniyin Selvan's presumed death, Aditha Karikalan of the Chola dynasty rallies his kingdom and tries to resist threats on all sides.

Initial release: April 28, 2023

Director: Mani Ratnam

Box office: 3.5 billion INR

Story by: Kalki Krishnamurthy

Distributed by: Red Giant Movies

Starring

Vikram

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Jayam Ravi

Karthi as Vallavaraiyan Vandiyadevan was a commander of the Chola Army. He was one among the famous chieftains of the Chola emperors Rajaraja I and Rajendra I and chief of the Samanthas of Chittoor and also the husband of Rajaraja's elder sister Kunthavai Pirattiyar

Vallavaraiyan Vandiyadevan - Wikipedia

Trisha as Kundavai Pirattiyar, commonly known mononymously as Kundavai, was a princess of the Chola empire who lived in the tenth century in South India. However when her husband Vallavaraiyan Vandiyadevan was crowned king in his hometown Bana Kingdom, she did not accept the offer to become queen of the kingdom and remained as the princess of Tanjore

Kundavai Pirāttiyār - Wikipedia

Sobhita Dhulipala

Aishwarya Lekshmi

Ponniyin Selvan: II - Wikipedia

“What about the promise?”  “What promise” “About his life belonging to her and not him?”

Vanthiyathevan and Kundavai in Ponniyin Selvan: II

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