Part 2 - Suraparaju (A.D. 1128-1143)

The relationship of Suraparaju to the early Malayas is not kuown. His earliest inscription is from Draksharama dated A.D. 1128 and the (second) year of Sarvalokasraya Vishnuvardhana maharaja in which the name Suraparaju, is lost. In the next inscription dated A.D. 1129 and the 2th year of Sarvalokasraya Srivishnuvardhana, the king is mentioned as Surapasaju of Venginanti Malayamandala. Surapa is described as a great warrior and a sun to the Malaya family. Though his records are not founed after A.D. 1129 nevertheless his reign may have extended upto A.D. 1243 the earliest date for his successor Bantaraja.

Surapa’s Political Relations

Suraparaja was a subordinate of the Chalukyas of Pithapur the contemporary ruler being Sarvalokasraya Vishnuvardhana maharaja who ascended the throne in AID. 1123-1124 and ruled till A.D. 1145. His two records are dated in the second and the fourth regnal years of Vishnuvardhana. Besides, Surapa had the titles Chalukya samuddharanudaina and an expert in restoring the kingdom of the Chalukyanarayana. These show that he had a great role in the enthronement of Vishnuvardhana at Pithapur. The titles cannot apply to the restoration of the Chola power in Vengi under Vikramachola for the dates do not agree no to the rule of Somesvara III of the Western chalukyas in Vengi, for the never bore Eastern Chalukya titles. Therefore, Vishnuvardhana and the Chalukyas of Surapa’s inscriptions, refer to Chalukya Vishnuvardhana of Pithapur. Surapa may have maintained friendly relations with the Kona Haibayas, the Sarenathas and other local rulers.