Early Cholas facts for kids
The Early Cholas were an ancient kingdom of the Tamil people in South India. They were one of the three main kingdoms in a region called Tamilakam. Their first capitals were Urayur (near modern Tiruchirappalli) and Kaveripattinam. The history of the Cholas, along with the Pandyas and Cheras, dates back to times when written records were rare.
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Who Were the Early Cholas?
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We learn a lot about the Early Chola kings from later Chola records. The Cholas believed they were descendants of the sun. Old stories tell of a Chola king named Kantaman. His strong devotion supposedly brought the Kaveri River into existence.
Another story is about King Manu. He sentenced his own son to death for accidentally killing a calf. This showed how much he cared about justice. There's also the tale of King Ellaalan. He was known as a fair king who had a bell near his bed. Anyone needing help could ring it to get his attention. King Sibi also appears in Chola history. He saved a dove from a hawk by offering his own flesh to the hungry bird.
These stories became very important in later Chola times. They were written down in long family histories. Many old records mention these kings, but no two lists are exactly the same. However, some names, like Karikala, are found in most of them.
The kings Dharmavarcholan and Killivalavan helped build the Srirangam temple into the large complex we see today. They laid the first foundations and built the main structures.
Cholas in Ancient Tamil Writings
The earliest Chola kings we know about come from the Sangam literature. These writings were created between 600 BCE and 300 CE. We know about several rulers from these texts, but it's hard to know the exact order they ruled in. These kings are often shown fighting in wars or helping to feed armies.
Karikala Chola: The Great Builder
Karikala Chola (around 90 BCE) is one of the most famous Early Chola kings. His father was Ilamcetcenni, a brave ruler. The name 'Karikala' means 'elephant feller' or 'charred leg'. This might refer to an accident he had early in life.
An ancient poem called Pattinappaalai describes this accident. It also tells how Karikala escaped and became king. This poem talks about the Chola capital, Kaveripattinam. It also describes the many battles Karikala fought against other Tamil kings. Karikala defeated a group of kingdoms that had joined against him. He became the most powerful ruler over the Pandyas and Cheras.
Later stories, from the 11th and 12th centuries, added more legends about Karikala. They said he conquered all of India, even up to the Himalayas. They also said he built the famous Grand Anicut (Kallanai), a large dam on the Kaveri River. This dam helped control floods and irrigate farmlands. However, these grand stories are not found in the very earliest Sangam writings.
Nalankilli and Nedunkilli: A Family Feud
The poet Kovur Kilar wrote about a long civil war between two Chola leaders, Nalankilli and Nedunkilli. Nedunkilli was hiding in a fort, and Nalankilli's younger brother was attacking it. The poet urged Nedunkilli to come out and fight bravely. He said this war was causing great suffering to the people.
In another poem, the poet begged both princes to stop fighting. He pointed out that no matter who won, a Chola would lose.
Kocengannan: The Devoted King
An old poem called Kalavali talks about the Chola King Kocengannan. It describes his battle with the Chera king Kanaikkal Irumporai. The Chera king was captured. A poet, who was a friend of the Chera king, wrote a poem praising Kocengannan. The Chola king was so pleased that he released the Chera king.
Later on, Kocengannan became known as a very religious person. He was a devoted follower of Shiva. He is said to have built many beautiful temples for Shiva along the Kaveri River. He is also one of the 63 nayanars, who were famous Shiva saints.
Life in the Early Chola Period
Ancient Tamil writings give us a good idea of what life was like during the Early Chola period.
The Chola land was very fertile, especially near the Kaveri River. There was plenty of food. Poems say that in the Chola country, a small area where an elephant could lie down could produce enough grain to feed seven people!
Kings ruled the land, and the position was passed down through families. Sometimes, there were disagreements about who should be king, leading to civil wars. The kings were usually easy for people to approach. Justice was often given directly by the king. This was different from later empires, where the emperor was far removed from ordinary people. Kings often led their armies in battles. If a king was killed or hurt, his army would usually stop fighting and surrender.
Trade was also important. The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, an ancient Greek text from around 75 CE, describes the trade between the Chola country and the ancient Roman Empire.
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