Nalankilli facts for kids

Nalankilli (Tamil: நலங்கிள்ளி; born around 445 BCE – died around 380 BCE) was a powerful king from the Chola Dynasty. The Cholas were an ancient Tamil ruling family in a region called Tamilakam, which is now part of Southern India. Nalankilli was the son of the great king Karikala Chola. We know about him from old writings, especially the Sangam Literature and a Buddhist epic called Manimekalai. These texts tell us about a civil war between Nalankilli and another Chola king, Nedunkilli.

Nalankilli: A Powerful Chola King

Many poems in an ancient book called Purananuru talk about King Nalankilli. These poems suggest that Nalankilli was a very important leader among the other Tamil kings. He had a strong influence, much like his father, Karikala Chola. One poet, Kovur Kilar, even advised Nalankilli to make peace instead of fighting his rival, Nedunkilli.

Nalankilli's main city was Kaverippatinam (also known as Poompuhar). This city was a busy port with lots of trade. Even though the city was rich, the people were not always happy. This was because of the ongoing civil war. Poems by Urayur Mudukannan Sattanar show how sad the people felt during this time.

Like many other princes of his time, Nalankilli also enjoyed writing. Two of his own poems have survived to this day. They are found in the Purananuru collection.

The Chola Civil War

The Purananuru also tells us about a big war between two Chola kings: Nalankilli and Nedunkilli. This war lasted for a long time. It finally ended when Nedunkilli died on the battlefields of Kariyaru. These two kings likely came from different branches of the Chola family. Nalankilli ruled from Kaverippattinam, while Nedunkilli ruled from Urayur.

Even though the poet Kovur Kilar tried to convince Nalankilli to stop fighting, the civil war continued. It only ended with Nedunkilli's death. Nalankilli himself later died in a place called Ilavandigaippalli.

See also

• Sangam Literature
• Early Cholas
• Legendary early Chola kings