Can a man dwell in two different worlds at the same time?
Yes he can. If you need any proof, you must take a glimpse at Vandiya Devan.
As he was traveling through the Chola Kingdom, his eyes were admiring the beauty of the rich Chola land.
Showing posts with label raja raja cholan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label raja raja cholan. Show all posts
Sunday, 11 May 2014
Wednesday, 7 May 2014
Chapter 16 - Prince Arulmozhivarmar
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| Mark of Kingship |
About 980 years ago, when King Sundara Chola was ruling Chola Kingdom there was no other royal power in South to challenge him. The power of the Cholas was steadily rising as they expanded their territories and improved economy and trade. Prior to Sundara Chola's reign, his uncle Gandarathidathevar (Prince Madhuranthakan's father) ruled the Chola kingdom. He was a great devotee of Lord Shiva and was not interested in waging wars. Taking advantage of the situation, the Pandya king who was in hiding tried to win back his kingdom, with the help of the Sri Lankan king. Sundara Chola rallied the Chola troops and crushed their revolution and sent the Pandya king back into hiding.
After restoring order in the Pandya kingdom, the generals and commanders wanted to teach a lesson to the Elangai king, Mahindan, whose support had enabled the Pandya King to rise again and again. Sundara Chola decided to send Kodumbalur Illaya Vellar (Vanathi's father) as a commander of the troops to Sri Lanka.
Unfortunately for Kodumbalur Illaya Vellar, the Chola army arrived in batches and he had to lead a small batch towards the capital. Due to the lesser number of soldiers and limited resources, the the Chola army was defeated and Kodumbalur Illaya Vellar died bravely of grave wounds.
Learning about the defeat of the Chola army in Sri Lanka, the Pandya King who was in hiding, came out in open and started rallying an army again. But this time, he paid a terrible price for rising against the Cholas. It was Sundara Chola's eldest son Aditya Karikalan who led the army, and he won the war by beheading the Pandya king, thus earning the title - The slayer of Veera Pandiyan.
Despite these victories, the Elangai king still supported the Pandya dynasty and continued to be hostile towards the Cholas . Sundara Chola decided to send his army again, to teach him a lesson. There arose a big argument among the prominent commanders and generals in the Chola kingdom, as to who should lead the army against Eezham.
Prince Aditya Karikalan was at war with the Rashtrakutas in the border therefore Sundara Chola's youngest son Prince Arulmozhivarmar, came forward and expressed his wish to lead the army to Eelangai.
Tuesday, 6 May 2014
Chapter 15 - Vanathi's Schemes
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| Kodumbalur Vanathi |
What did the
other women in the boat do after Princess Kundavai
and Vanathi left for Kudandhai Jodhidar’s house? Let us see
that now.
“Tharakai, see how lucky this Vanathi is – Kundavai Devi seems to have some special love for her.”
“Nothing of
that sort, Varani. Vanathi has been acting strange for the
past few months - and she faints for no reason at all. That’s why Kundavai Devi has taken her to the Jodhidar.
In case a ghost or a spirit has possessed her, we need to exorcise it. Kundavai Devi is worried because Vanathi’s parents are dead, and her
uncle has appointed ‘her’ as a guardian.”
Thursday, 3 April 2014
Chapter 11 - Sudden Entry
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| Kundavai, Vanathi and Jodhidar |
Modern-day Kumbakonam (near Thanjavur) was called Kudhandhai
in those days. It was situated between Thanjavur
and Pazhaiarai, the old capital of
the Cholas. It was not only famous
for its temples but also for its astrologer Kudandhai
Jodhidar, who was
patronized by the members of the royal family and other noblemen. And that’s
probably why he had a huge collection of horoscopes of Princesses and Princes
belonging to different clans. He took out Vanathi’s
horoscope and studied it intently.
After some time
he looked up to see Vanathi’s face
then looked back at the horoscope and then looked up again…
Sunday, 16 March 2014
Chapter 10 - Kudandhai Jodhidar
When you see
the Ponni River flowing through the Chola Kingdom, you are tempted to
describe her thus -
Born in Kudaga Nadu,
when Ponni (river) attained age, she
wanted to meet her bridegroom, Samudrarajan
(the sea). In her desire to meet him, she ran wildly through the forests and
plains. As she neared him, her desire for him grew and there sprang from her,
two arms racing to reach out to him. As her desire intensified, she developed
more arms, each racing to reach out first to her lover.
Do you want to
know how our bride was bedecked to meet her groom? The women of the Chola Kingdom beautified her with
fertile green sarees and lovely flowers.
“River Ponni! Is there a young woman in our
kingdom who has not been elated by your presence? Could there be anyone in this
world who is not enamored by your beauty?”
Did you know that one of the arms of the Ponni is called Arisalaru? But not many people know that there is a river flowing there at all because of the thick grove of trees that grow on the banks. Some compare Arisalaru to a princess who is too shy to leave the anthapuram. But no one can compare her beauty with anything else in this world.
Did you know that one of the arms of the Ponni is called Arisalaru? But not many people know that there is a river flowing there at all because of the thick grove of trees that grow on the banks. Some compare Arisalaru to a princess who is too shy to leave the anthapuram. But no one can compare her beauty with anything else in this world.
Saturday, 1 March 2014
Chapter 9 - From Kadambur To Kollidai
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| Kollidam Today |
Vandiya Devan had lived most of his life in dry
regions where there was no river or large lake, which is why he never learned
how to swim. Once, while he was patrolling the border of the Chola Kingdom (near the Rashtrakuta Kingdom), he got caught in a
current in the river. The current swirled him round and round and started
dragging him down. He started losing consciousness; the current had sucked out
all his energy. Just when he thought that he would die, he miraculously
escaped, and a wave dumped him on the shore.
That night when he went back to his bed, he felt the same swirling motion in his head. But this time, he was not stuck in a river’s current, but in a very dangerous political game.
That night when he went back to his bed, he felt the same swirling motion in his head. But this time, he was not stuck in a river’s current, but in a very dangerous political game.
Sunday, 16 February 2014
Chapter 8 - Who Is In The Palanquin?
After Pazhuvetarayar’s declaration, silence
reigned in the meeting for a while and then indistinct murmurs and mutterings
were heard, as people discussed in hushed whispers amongst themselves and Vandiya Devan couldn’t hear anything.
Sambuverayar spoke up and said, “We cannot keep on
talking amongst ourselves the whole night. Does anybody here have something to
say?”
“I have a
doubt. And I am sure just like me, many others here in this group have the same
doubt. We would like to clear this up with the Pazhuvur Lord if he so permits us,” said one of them.
“If I am not
mistaken, this is Vanangamudiyar, right? Why don’t come here?” said Pazhuvetarayar.
Vanangamudiyar got up and came to the center of the courtyard, where
there was more light.
Saturday, 1 February 2014
Chapter 7 - Laughter And Anger
When
Vandiya Devan heard Pazhuvetarayar
talk about the royal throne, he decided to hear out everything that was
happening in the meeting below.
 |
| Prince Aditya Karikalan |
Who
are they to discuss or determine anything about the royal throne? I must
definitely learn what is happening here? I can just sit here and listen and
what does it matter if Azhwarkadiyan is spying on them. This is more important.
“By
a lucky chance, I have got an opportunity to know what’s happening here. Why
miss it?” he thought.
Sunday, 26 January 2014
Chapter 6 - The Midnight Conference
After the Kuravai Koothu, a big feast
was spread out for the guests. Vallavareyan
didn’t enjoy it much as he was exhausted. Nonetheless, he sat down along with
his friend who kept a steady stream of conversation about his guests.
Apart from Pazhuvetarayar, Mazhavereyar, Mazhapadi
Thanavan, Kunrathur Perunilakezhar, Mammudi Pallavareyar, Thenthongi
Kalingarayer, Vanangamudi Munnaireyar, Devasenathipati Puvareyar were some
of the prominent figures in Sambuverayar’s
guest list that night.
Vandiya Devan was aware that these noblemen were the most
influential officials of the Chola
court. It wouldn’t be wrong to call them as petty kings and powerful
chieftains. In those days, one could not be a king just by birth. Only those,
who stood by the emperor with loyalty and bravery during a war, would be
recognized and given lands and property and established as a petty king or a
lord.
Vandiya Devan realized that unless it were something of great
import these noblemen would not have gathered here.
“Why have they all come here…? What is happening here
today?”
With these questions
playing in his mind, he went with Kandanmaran
to the terrace, where he was given a bed under the stars at the far end.
Monday, 20 January 2014
Chapter 5 - Kuravai Koothu
After stepping out of the anthapuram, Vandiya Devan heard a woman’s voice
calling out for his friend from inside.
“Mother is calling me. Wait here, I
will come back soon,” said Kandan Maran
and reentered the anthapuram.
Vandiya Devan heard the women folk talking and laughing simultaneously and a garble of voices questioning his friend, who was finding it difficult to answer. He thought that they were all laughing at him. Soon Kandanmaran came out and said, “Come, I will show you our palace.”
Vandiya Devan heard the women folk talking and laughing simultaneously and a garble of voices questioning his friend, who was finding it difficult to answer. He thought that they were all laughing at him. Soon Kandanmaran came out and said, “Come, I will show you our palace.”
Friday, 3 January 2014
Chapter 3 - The Veiled Palanquin
Sometimes,
small inconsequential moments lead to momentous periods in one's life.
It is indeed life’s great mystery, or one might even call it as God’s
grand plan! One such small incident occurred in Vandiya Devan’s life.
Chapter 2 - Azhvarkadiyan Nambi
An original illustration
Riding along the banks of the lake, Vandiya Devan turned his horse towards the South. As he rode, he
wondered about his mission. He intuitively felt that he was bound on an
adventure that was destined to change his life forever. As he traveled towards the Chola
Empire, he couldn’t help but be amazed by the scenic beauty of the fertile
lands and the gurgling tributaries of the River Kaveri.
He had heard about the numerous temples that the Chola Kings had built along the banks of
the river Ponni and was excited about the fact that he would be visiting famous cities like Thanjavur the present capital of Cholas and Pazhaiarai, a former capital. Apart from
that, he was going to meet the
king! A great warrior whose handsome mien made people forget his real name ‘Paranthakan’ and led them to call him ‘Sundara Chola.' And if that was not enough, he was also going to meet
the most beautiful and intelligent woman in the Chola Empire, Elayapirati Kundavai
Devi.
He just hoped he wouldn’t have any significant hurdles to surmount to accomplish his mission. “But what if there are obstacles? As long as, I have a sword in hand, I can tackle any
hurdle,” he told himself.
Chapter 1 - Aadi Perruku
A HISTORICAL NOTE
The Chola Family Tree and other important characters
Centuries ago, the Cholas of South India rose to great heights when King Vijayalaya Chola (AD 846 - 871) conquered the Pallava Kingdom and established Thanjavur as the capital city of Cholas.
His son and successor King Aditya I (AD 871 - 907) vanquished the Pallavas and the Kongu land. Later, under the reign of his son Paranthakan I (AD 907-953), the Cholas acquired a dominion that laid the foundation for the vast empire that later Kings Rajarajan, Rajendran, and Kulothungan would establish and expand.
Paranthakan I, won significant victories over the Banas, the Gangas, the Pandyas and the King of Elangai and one can learn all about his conquests from the many inscriptions that were written about him. Towards the end of his reign, the Rashtrakutas under the command of Krishnaraja III invaded the Chola Kingdom and the Chola Crown Prince Rajadithan, who led the army, fell dead at Thakkolam (near present day Arakonam) in AD 947-948. Following this defeat the Rashtrakutas seized Tondainadu and ruled over it for about a quarter of a century, confining the sway of the Cholas to their ancestral dominion comprising of Thanjavur and Tiruchinapalli.
King Paranthakan I had three sons, the eldest Rajadhitan (who was killed in the Thakkolam battle), Prince Gandaradithan and Prince Arizhayan. After the demise of King Paranthakan, Gandaradithan ascended the throne, but he was a widower who had no intention of marrying again or siring heirs. Instead, he proclaimed his nephew, young Paranthakan, his brother Prince Arizhayan’s son, as his heir apparent.
However, unexpectedly a few years before his death, KingGandaradithan got married to Sembiyanmadevi and begot Prince Madhuranthakan. Despite the birth of his own son, he willed that his nephew would remain the crown prince and his heir apparent. After his death, his Queen Sembiyanmadevi upheld her husband’s wishes, as her own.
Paranthakan II ascended the throne after his uncle’s death and ruled the Kingdom wisely. He was so attractive and handsome that he came to be known as King Sundara Chola, by his subjects. King Sundara Chola had two sons and one daughter. He made his eldest son, Prince Aditya Karikalan, a peerless warrior, his heir apparent.
His son and successor King Aditya I (AD 871 - 907) vanquished the Pallavas and the Kongu land. Later, under the reign of his son Paranthakan I (AD 907-953), the Cholas acquired a dominion that laid the foundation for the vast empire that later Kings Rajarajan, Rajendran, and Kulothungan would establish and expand.
Paranthakan I, won significant victories over the Banas, the Gangas, the Pandyas and the King of Elangai and one can learn all about his conquests from the many inscriptions that were written about him. Towards the end of his reign, the Rashtrakutas under the command of Krishnaraja III invaded the Chola Kingdom and the Chola Crown Prince Rajadithan, who led the army, fell dead at Thakkolam (near present day Arakonam) in AD 947-948. Following this defeat the Rashtrakutas seized Tondainadu and ruled over it for about a quarter of a century, confining the sway of the Cholas to their ancestral dominion comprising of Thanjavur and Tiruchinapalli.
King Paranthakan I had three sons, the eldest Rajadhitan (who was killed in the Thakkolam battle), Prince Gandaradithan and Prince Arizhayan. After the demise of King Paranthakan, Gandaradithan ascended the throne, but he was a widower who had no intention of marrying again or siring heirs. Instead, he proclaimed his nephew, young Paranthakan, his brother Prince Arizhayan’s son, as his heir apparent.
However, unexpectedly a few years before his death, KingGandaradithan got married to Sembiyanmadevi and begot Prince Madhuranthakan. Despite the birth of his own son, he willed that his nephew would remain the crown prince and his heir apparent. After his death, his Queen Sembiyanmadevi upheld her husband’s wishes, as her own.
Paranthakan II ascended the throne after his uncle’s death and ruled the Kingdom wisely. He was so attractive and handsome that he came to be known as King Sundara Chola, by his subjects. King Sundara Chola had two sons and one daughter. He made his eldest son, Prince Aditya Karikalan, a peerless warrior, his heir apparent.
This is where our story begins.
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