Early Chola Temples

by S. R. Balasubrahmanyam | 1960 | 105,501 words

This volume of Chola Temples covers Parantaka I to Rajaraja I in the timeframe A.D. 907-985. The Cholas of Southern India left a remarkable stamp in the history of Indian architecture and sculpture. Besides that, the Chola dynasty was a successful ruling dynasty even conquering overseas regions....

Introduction

This is what the Larger Leyden grant says of Aditya II “This Lord of kings (Rajendra) i.e. Sundara Chola begot two sons. Aditya (II) (otherwise called Karikala) and Rajaraja the head-jewel of the solar race.

“When that Parantaka (II—Sundara Chola) directed his attention to protect the world of Gods (i.e. died!), Aditya (II) justly carried out the protection of the world of men. That strong boy (Aditya), the light of the family of Manu, played sportively in battle with Vira Pandya, just as a lion’s cub (does) with a rutting, mad elephant proud of its strength.

“When that chief of kings went to heaven, the son of Gandaraditya i.e. king Madhurantaka, he of powerful arms and famous as Mahendra (Indra) protected the earth which had the ocean for its girdle.”

Aditya II was the elder son of Sundara Chola alias Parantaka II. He distinguished himself in the war with the Pandyas and perhaps won his spurs in the battle of Chevur. His heroism in the field is indicated by his being compared to a lion’s cub playing sportively with a wild rutting elephant. He assumed the title of Pandiyan talaikonda Parakesari. Regarding verse 27, the editor of the Leyden grant translates the passage to imply that Sundara died and Aditya II ruled after his father but the general impression created by the study of all the sources is that Sundara might have survived the tragedy of the murder of his son. If it were so, the use of the expression ‘Suraloka paritrana’ instead of ‘Divamgate’ (in verse 29) is significant. And we will be justified in interpreting the passage that while the father devoted himself to spiritual welfare, his son carried on the secular affairs of State. Aditya II’s inscriptions are found in Tanjavur, South Arcot including Pondicherry and North Arcot and the highest regnal year so far known is fiv It seems probable that Aditya II was made heir-apparent and co-ruler even during his father’s time.

It is likely that it was at this stage that he fell a victim to a conspiracy perhaps inspired by his uncle who coveted the throne for himself. The Kattumannarkoyil (or -kudi) inscription of Rajakesarivarman i.e. Rajaraja I reveals the existence of a plot to cut off the head of this youth of heroic mould in the prime of his life, and the punishment meted out to the conspirators after the accession of Rajaraja I.

By allowing his uncle to fulfil his ambition of being a king and thereby avoiding a civil war, Rajaraja I displayed great political statesmanship and worldly wisdom; and he lived long enough to raise the glory of his dynasty to great heights.

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