Vijayalaya Chola was a South Indian king who established the imperial Chola Empire (r. 850–870 CE). He ruled over the region to the north of the Kaveri River. He was initially a feudatory of the Pallavas. In AD 850, he conquered Tanjore. By the end of the ninth century, the Cholas had defeated both the Pallavas of Kanchi (Tondaimandalam) and the Pandyas, bringing the southern Tamil country under their control. In this article, we will discuss Vijayalaya (850 CE) which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

Cholas - History

• After around 300 CE, the ancient Chola kingdom, which was once famous in Tamil literature and in the writings of Greek merchants and geographers, faded into obscurity.
• During this time, the Cholas almost completely vanished from their homeland. They appear to have clung to their former capital city of Urayur.
• With the rise of the Pandyas and Pallavas, this "dark" period in Tamil history came to an end.
• The Cholas had to wait three centuries until Vijayalaya's accession in the second quarter of the ninth century to re-establish their dynasty.

Vijayalaya - Background

• Vijayalaya, the first medieval Chola ruler, re-established Chola rule in 848 AD. Thanjaur was his capital. Vijayalaya reaped the benefits of the Pandya-Pallava rivalry.
• He may have taken Thanjaur in 848 AD by driving out the Mutharaiyars, a family that belonged to the Pandya Clan or was a feudatory of the Pandyas. Vijayalaya was a feudatory of the Pallavas.
• As a result of this victory, the Cholas grew in power, and Vijayalaya wiped out the Pandyas and Pallavas from the Thanjaur region.
• Vijayalaya renovated Thanjaur and constructed the Padukottai Solesvara Temple.
• The rise of Chola power irritated both the Pallavas and the Pandyas. To counter the rising Chola power, Pandya King Varagunavarman II and Pallava King Nandivarman III formed an alliance.

Rise of Vijayalaya Chola

• Vijayalaya arose from obscurity and captured Thanjavur during a war between the Pandyas and the Pallavas. However, there is no substantiate proof to back up the claim about his obscure beginnings.
• For a long time, historians were unable to trace the ancestors of Vijayalaya Chola, who is regarded as the founder of the Medieval Chola dynasty.
• However, in the aftermath of the Eastern Chalukyan king's Copper plate grants, Anbil plates of Parantaka Chola II, and Velanjeri plates of Parantaka I, historians and epigraphists believe that Vijayalaya chola may have belonged to the Telugu Cholas lineage, who can trace their ancestry back to the ancient Tamil King, Karikala Cholan.
• At the time, there was a fierce battle for political supremacy in South India between the Pallavas and the Pandyas.
• In this chaotic state of affairs, Vijayalaya appears to have spotted an excellent opportunity to defeat the Pandyas and establish himself as ruler of Thanjavur and the surrounding Chola country. He also triumphed over the Pallavas.
• Elango Mutharaiyar, the final ruler of the Mutharaiyar dynasty, was conquered by Vijayalaya Chola. According to legend, in 852 CE, Vijayalaya Chola waged war on the Pandyas and defeated them.
• Taking advantage of a conflict between the Pandyas and the Pallavas, Vijayalaya rose and established the Chola kingdom at Thanjavur with the assistance of Muttaraiyar king Sattan Paliyilli (826–852 CE).
• The Cholas grew so powerful that the Pallavas were eventually driven out of the Thanjavur region.

Pandyan Invasion

• Following the capture of Thanjavur by Vijayalaya, the Pandyan king Varagunavarman II (c. 862 – 885 CE) became a subordinate ally of the Pallava Nandivarman III (c. 846 – 869 CE).
• Nandivarman wished to limit the growing influence of Chola power under Vijayalaya and requested the Varagunavarman's assistance in suppressing Vijayalaya. Varaguna commanded an expedition into Chola territory.
• The Pandyan army reached the north bank of the Kaveri near Thanjavur, and the Chola revival appeared to be short-lived. Vijayalaya, a veteran of many battles by this point, was ageing and had become an invalid.
• Aditya I, the crown prince, took command of the army in defence of the Chola kingdom. Aditya I, Vijayalaya's son, succeeded him after his death in 871 CE.

Inscriptions of Vijayalaya

• According to the Tiruvalangadu plates, Vijayalaya captured Tanjavur and made it his capital, as well as building a temple to the goddess Nisumbasuthani (Durga) there.
• According to the Kanyakumari inscription, he renovated Tanjore.
• Vijayalaya was given the title Parakesarivarman.
• Chola kings who succeeded him were given the titles of Parakesari and Rajakesari in turn. This is most likely to honour their ancestors, Parakesari and Rjakesari.
• A solesvara temple dedicated to Vijayalaya can be found in Narttamalai, Pudukkottai.

Temples Built During Vijayalaya’s Reign

Vijayalaya Choleeshwaram Temple, Pudukkottai

• The Vijayalaya Choleeshwaram temple is one of the Cholas' first mountain cave temples.
• Vijayalaya Chola, the Chola king, renovated this temple.
• Sri Raja Raja Chola's ancestor, Vijayalaya Chola, envisioned the grand Chola Empire.
• Approximately 1300 years ago, [between 7 and 9 AD], the Thanjavur Mutharaiyar kingdom took direct control of the Pallava kingdom.
• The Pazhuvoor fighters who mock Vandhiya Devan's horse belong to the same Mutharaiyar lineage as Vandhiya Devan in the first part of the Ponniyin Selvan tamil novel.
• Narthamalai was annexed to the Chola empire in the 9th century after Vijayalaya Chola defeated the Mutharaiyars.

Nisumbasuthani Temple in Thanjavur

• The Nisumbasuthani Temple is a Hindu temple located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India. Vijayalaya Chola, the Chola Dynasty's founder, built it in the 9th century.
• Vijayalaya was originally a feudatory of the Kanchi Pallavas. In 850 AD, he conquered Tanjore. It is named after the goddess Nishumbhasudini (Durga).
• Nisumbasuthani is the presiding deity. She is also known as Rakukala Kaliamman and Vada Badrakali. She is in a sitting position.
• This temple was built during the Chola period, according to Thiruvalangadu copper plates.

Conclusion

After the early Cholas vanished from the political map of South India around 300 AD, the Cholas became feudals to other kingdoms. Previously, Vijayalaya was a feudal prince who ruled under the authority of the Pallava kingdom, which was based in Uaraiyur (capital of early Cholas). Pandya and Pallava empires were very powerful and dominating in south India at the time. A conflict erupted between the Pandyas and the Pallavas. No one saw a greater opportunity in that war than Vijayalaya Chola. This was the thought that altered the course of South Indian history and the Chola empire.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Who was Vijayalaya Chola?

A) A Gupta ruler
B) A significant ruler of the Chola Dynasty
C) A Mauryan emperor
D) A Mughal emperor

2. What was one of Vijayalaya Chola's key achievements?

A) Establishing the Mauryan Empire
B) Construction of grand temples
C) Introducing Buddhism in South India
D) Developing the Indus Valley Civilization

3. Which temple is associated with Vijayalaya Chola's reign?

A) Brihadeeswarar Temple
B) Sun Temple of Konark
C) Meenakshi Temple
D) Ajanta Caves

4. What was a major challenge faced by Vijayalaya Chola?

A) Expansion of the Gupta Empire
B) Rivalry with the Pallavas and Pandyas
C) Establishing trade routes
D) Cultural assimilation

5. What impact did Vijayalaya Chola have on South Indian politics?

A) Strengthened the Chola Dynasty
B) Decreased political power
C) Eliminated local chieftains
D) Divided the kingdom

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Analyze the contributions of Vijayalaya Chola to the Chola Dynasty.

Answer: Vijayalaya Chola's contributions to the Chola Dynasty were pivotal in reviving the kingdom and restoring its significance in South India. He played a crucial role in reclaiming territories lost to rival dynasties and laid the groundwork for the Chola resurgence. His military conquests expanded the Chola influence, enabling the dynasty to grow in power and wealth. Furthermore, his patronage of temple construction and the arts fostered a cultural renaissance, enhancing the spiritual and architectural legacy of the Cholas. Vijayalaya's reign marked the beginning of a new era for the Chola Dynasty, ultimately leading to its peak under later rulers like Rajaraja Chola I.

Q2: Discuss the architectural significance of temples built during Vijayalaya Chola's reign.

Answer: The temples built during Vijayalaya Chola's reign hold significant architectural value, showcasing the evolution of Dravidian temple architecture. These temples often featured grand structures, intricate carvings, and towering vimanas that represented both religious devotion and artistic expression. The construction of temples like the Brihadeeswarar Temple set a precedent for subsequent architectural endeavors in the Chola Empire, influencing temple designs throughout South India. These temples served not only as places of worship but also as cultural centers that facilitated the growth of literature, music, and dance, thereby contributing to the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Q3: Evaluate the political landscape of South India during Vijayalaya Chola's reign and its impact on the region.

Answer: The political landscape of South India during Vijayalaya Chola's reign was characterized by fragmentation and rivalry among various regional powers, including the Pallavas, Pandyas, and other local chieftains. Vijayalaya's effective military strategies and diplomatic acumen allowed him to navigate this complex environment, reclaiming territories and establishing Chola dominance. His reign had a lasting impact on the region by consolidating power within the Chola Dynasty and fostering a sense of identity among the Tamil people. This period of relative stability and growth under the Chola banner contributed to cultural developments and laid the foundation for future expansions and achievements of the dynasty.

Previous Year Questions on the Chola Dynasty

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2021:

Question: Who is credited with the revival of the Chola Dynasty in the 9th century CE?

A) Rajaraja Chola I
B) Vijayalaya Chola
C) Rajendra Chola I
D) Sundara Chola

Answer: (B)

Explanation: Vijayalaya Chola is credited with reviving the Chola Dynasty in the 9th century CE after a period of decline.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2020 (GS Paper 1):

Question: "Assess the significance of Vijayalaya Chola's reign in the context of the Chola Dynasty's history."

Answer: Vijayalaya Chola's reign is significant in the history of the Chola Dynasty as it marked the resurgence of the dynasty following a period of decline. His military conquests reinstated Chola authority in South India, and his contributions to temple architecture initiated a cultural revival that would reach its zenith under his successors. By establishing a strong political foundation, Vijayalaya paved the way for the Chola Dynasty to become one of the most powerful and influential empires in Southern India, impacting the region's culture, politics, and economy.