Karikala facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Karikala Cholan |
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| Peruvaḷatthaān Thirumāvaḷavan Parakesari |
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Bronze statue of Karikāla Chōḻaṉ
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| Predecessor | Ilamcetcenni |
| Successor | Nalankilli, Nedunkilli (speculative) |
| Queen | Velir princess from Nangur |
| Issue | Nalankilli Nedunkilli Māvalattān |
| Father | Ilamcetcenni |
Karikala was a powerful king from the Chola dynasty who ruled a large part of southern India a long time ago. He is famous for being one of the greatest early Chola kings. People remember him for expanding his kingdom across India, even up to the Himalayas. He is also known for building important structures like the flood banks along the Kaveri River.
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Who Was Karikala Cholan?
Karikala was a very important king in the Chola dynasty. This was a powerful family that ruled parts of southern India for many centuries. Karikala is often called "Karikala the Great" because of his many achievements. His father was King Ilamcetcenni.
Karikala's Early Life
Not much is known about Karikala's very early life. Stories say he faced challenges even as a young prince. But he grew up to be a strong and wise leader. He took over the throne after his father.
Expanding the Chola Kingdom
Karikala was a brilliant military leader. He led his armies to many victories. He is credited with conquering a vast area of India. Some ancient texts even say his rule reached all the way to the Himalayas in the north. This made the Chola kingdom much larger and more powerful.
Building the Kallanai Dam
One of Karikala's most famous achievements is building the Kallanai Dam. This is also known as the Grand Anaicut. It was built across the Kaveri River in Tamil Nadu. This dam is one of the oldest water-diversion structures in the world that is still in use!
The Kallanai Dam helped control the floods from the Kaveri River. It also directed water to irrigate farmlands. This meant farmers could grow more crops, which made the kingdom rich and its people prosperous. It was a huge engineering feat for its time.
Why Karikala Was Important
Karikala's rule brought a lot of peace and wealth to the Chola kingdom. He was not just a warrior but also a smart ruler who cared about his people. His projects, like the Kallanai Dam, showed his vision for a better future. He set a strong foundation for the Chola dynasty. Future kings built upon his success.
Images for kids
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Kallanai built by Karikala Chola on river Kaveri
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Perur Patteeswarar Temple
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Karikala Cholan Manimandapam
