Home > Indian History > History of India > Kulottunga Chola I
Kulottunga Chola I
Kulottunga Chola I ascended the throne of the Chola Empire in 1070 AD when it was facing lot of internal and external troubles.

Share this Article:

Kulottunga Chola I was the son of Vengi king Rajaraja Narendra. The accession marks the end of the direct lineage of the Cholas and the beginning of the dynasty of the Chalukya-Cholas. Kundavai, sister of Rajendra Chola I, was married to king Vimaladitya of the dynasty of the Eastern Chalukyas of Andhra. Their son Rajaraja I Narendra married Rajendra`s daughter, Ammangadevi, who gave birth to a son Kulottunga Chola I. the latter went on to become one of the greatest rulers of the later Cholas.

Early Life of Kulottunga Chola I
Kulothunga I was an able fighter in the wars and fought bravely by the side of kings like Rajendra Chola, his successors, Rajadhiraja, Rajendra II and Virarajendra Chola. His heroism attracted the Chola kings and he was given the control of north-west Telugu regions and the Bastar districts of erstwhile Madhya Pradesh.

Conquests of Kulottunga Chola I
He played a major role in repulsing the Western Chalukyas and earned the title `Viruduraja Bhayankara` meaning the `reason for the frightening of Viruduraja, the Chalukyan prince. He succeeded in keeping up the supremacy of the Cholas over the Chalukyas. There was only the temporary loss of Vengi in 1118 AD to Vikramaditya VI when Kulothunga I was unwell.

Kulothunga`s initial years of rule was spent in fighting the war and rebellion that had sprung up in the Chola Empire. There was trouble in Sri Lanka where the southern provinces had declared themselves as independent kingdoms. He had to deal with the Chalukya Vikramaditya.

The Pandyas never accepted the suzerainty of the Cholas. Pandyas took the advantage of inner conflicts of Chola Empire and tried to declare them as independent. As soon as the war with the Chalukyas ended, Kulothunga turned to suppress the revolts in the Pandyan and the Kerala territories. The records say that vanquished the armies of Cheras and Pandyas and burned down the Tirunelveli fort. He placed the victory pillar in Sahyadri hills. It further says that the Cholas had crushed Pandyas and were in complete control of the south. The Chola kingdom remained intact except for the loose control of Srilanka. The boundary between the Cholas and the Western Chalukyas was the Tungabhadra River. Vengi and Kalinga were under the Chola rule.

Kulothunga visited so many villages in that period and made many temples in those villages. Kulothunga Chola made two important temples, the first one of Lord Shiva and the second one belonging to Lord Vinava Perumal.

Sri Lanka, which had been brought into the Chola fold by the might of Rajaraja I and Rajendra I, slipped from the grip of the Cholas during the reign of Kulottunga. Subsequently, he and his successors were able to rule only a part of northern Lanka. Although the empire shrunk during his period he succeeded in holding much of it by improving the economic condition of his subjects. He abolished some tolls and taxes and also brought about improvement in agriculture, which was the predominant occupation of his subjects.

Kulottunga was a diplomat. This can be clearly observed from his inscriptions. He maintained good relations with the kingdom of Sri Vijaya of Malaysia and also the Gahadavala rulers of Kannauj in North India.

Kulottunga Chola I as a Patron of Art
His interest in temple architecture is underpinned by his enormous contribution to the Nataraja temple at Chidambaram, which experienced a six-fold expansion during his reign. The architecture of this temple seen today first took shape during the time of Kulottunga.


Kulottunga-Chola-Tirumaligai was the name given to the first wall of the enclosure of the Nataraja temple, while the second wall of the enclosure was called Vikrama-Chola-Tirumaligai, after his son who also contributed to this temple-complex.

Kulottunga was succeeded by his son Vikrama Chola, who was made crown prince in 1118 A.D. and who ruled jointly with his father till 1122 A.D. when the latter passed away.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in History of India


History of Uttar Pradesh
The state was the heart of Mahabharata war and the history of Uttar Pradesh is very much the history of India. The place finds its mentions in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
History Of Archaeology In India
History of archaeology in India contributes a lot to define the past history and the social life of India.
Mughal Architecture during Babur
Mughal Architecture during Babur is of adequate significance in Mughal history, as the emperor introduced Mughal architecture in India, during 16th century.
Princely State of Patdi
Princely State of Patdi or Patri was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was a sub division of Western India States Agency.
Architecture during Sayyid and Lodi Dynasty
Architectures during the Sayyid and Lodi dynasty were mainly the tombs and monuments for the dead rulers. It were carefully designed and meticulously constructed.
Brahmanical Sources of Ancient History
Brahmanical Sources of ancient history are contained in the Vedas and they constitute one of the most important literary sources of information about ancient India.
Female Education In British India
The over brimming enthusiasm among zealous Hindu reformers welcomed female education in British India.
Revenue System of Mauryan Empire
Revenue system of Mauryan Empire can be divided into eight categories. The principal revenue of the state was the land revenue, taxes from traders, artisans and professional taxes were also collected.
Mughal Architecture During Jahangir
Mughal architecture during Jahangir`s period was relative dull in comparison to that of Akbar dynasty.
Princely State of Satlasna
Princely State of Satlasna was amongst the former native states of India that was appointed as one of the Indian princely states during the early 19th century.
Coins of Chola Empire
Coins of Chola Empire were issued in gold, silver and copper and carried the Chola emblem.
Social Life during the Pala Period
Religious toleration and simple living were the characteristics of social life during the Pala period.
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty was reintroduced in the South India after a brief break of coinage less period of nearly three century. Chalukyas issued coins only in gold and they exhibit a brilliant artistic skill of the engraver.
Costumes of Indus Valley Civilisation
Costumes of Indus valley Civilization have been considered as the basis for Indian clothes. Sophisticated ornaments and make up were used during that age.
Development of Science under Gupta Empire
Development of Science under Gupta Empire was progressive and it had attained considerable perfection. Mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, physics and metallurgy were the most prominent of the sciences at that time.
Culture under Delhi Sultanate
Culture under Delhi Sultanate had enduring aspects to it. It included the society, the religious condition, literature and art and architecture of that period.
Princely State of Hapa
Princely State of Hapa was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was under the administrative control of the Western India States Agency.
Economy Under Chola Dynasty
Economy under Chola dynasty was strong and well developed. The economic life of the people of the Chola Kingdom was well balanced with their social life.
Coins of Khilji Dynasty
Coins of Khilji Dynasty had an influential feature that was followed by the other dynasties.
Religion During Mauryan Dynasty
Religion during Mauryan dynasty became a considerable episode in Indian history with an esteemed lineage of rulers.