Aditya Karikalan (942-971 CE)
In this article, we will delve into the life and death of Aditya Karikalan, the son of Rajendra Chola I, and an important figure in the history of the Chola Empire. We will explore the circumstances surrounding his demise and the various theories put forth to explain how Aditya Karikalan died. Join us as we uncover the story of this legendary Chola prince.
Who is Aditya Karikalan?
Aditya Karikalan, also known as Aditya II or Aditya Chola, was an Indian prince from the Chola dynasty who lived during the 10th century. He was born in Tirukoilur and was the first-born son of Parantaka Chola II, who was a renowned ruler of the Chola empire. Aditya Karikalan was the elder brother of Rajaraja Chola I, who later succeeded his father as the ruler of the Chola dynasty. Additionally, he had a younger sister named Kundavai.
Aditya Karikalan was an important figure in the Chola dynasty and played a significant role in the empire’s history. He was known by various titles, including Aditya II, Aditya Chola, Virapandiyan Thalai Konda Koparakesari Varman Karikalan, and more. His title “Virapandiyan Thalai Konda” translates to “the one who vanquished the Pandya king,” which suggests that he may have led successful military campaigns against rival kingdoms.
Despite being overshadowed by his younger brother Rajaraja Chola I, Aditya Karikalan was a notable personality in his own right. He is said to have been a skilled warrior and a just ruler who commanded the respect of his subjects. Aditya Karikalan’s contributions to the Chola dynasty cannot be understated, and his legacy lives on to this day.
| Name | Aditya Karikalan |
| Also Known As | Aditya II, Aditya Chola |
| Timeline | 942 CE – 971 CE |
| Dynasty | Chola Dynasty |
| Birthplace | Tirukoilur, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Father | Parantaka Chola II |
| Mother | Vanavan Madevi |
| Wife | Ilaada Madeviyar |
| Siblings | Rajaraja Chola I, Kundavai |
| Achievements | Led Chola expedition against the Pandyas and defeated the Pandya king Veerapandyan at the Battle of Chevur |
| Successor | Uttama Chola succeeded Aditya Karikalan |
| Death Place | Kadambur |
History of Aditya Karikalan
Aditya Karikalan was born in 942 CE to Parantaka Chola II and his queen Ilaada Madeviyar, a princess of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. His father, Parantaka Chola II, was a powerful ruler who expanded the Chola kingdom to its greatest extent.
Aditya grew up in a royal household, surrounded by wealth, power, and influence. He received a good education and was trained in the arts of warfare, diplomacy, and governance.
Aditya Karikalan had two younger siblings: Rajaraja Chola I and Kundavai. Rajaraja Chola I succeeded his father as the ruler of the Chola dynasty, while Kundavai was married to the Chalukya prince Vimaladitya and played an important role in Chola-Chalukya relations.
Important Factual Points:
- Aditya Karikalan, also known as Aditya II or Aditya Chola, was a Chola prince who lived in India during the 10th century.
- He was born in Tirukoilur and was the eldest son of Parantaka Chola II.
- He was the elder brother of Rajaraja Chola I and Kundavai.
- Aditya led the Chola expedition against the Pandyas and defeated the Pandya king Veerapandyan at the Battle of Chevur.
- He killed Veerapandiyan after chasing him on the banks of the Vaigai River.
- Aditya was made the co-regent and heir apparent to the Chola throne, even though Uttama Chola had more rights to the throne.
- Aditya was assassinated by the associates of Veerapandiyan in revenge for the defeat.
- Aditya was succeeded by Uttama Chola.
- The inquiry into Aditya’s death was completed in the second year of Rajaraja Chola I’s reign.
- Certain officials’ lands were confiscated for their complicity in the murder of Aditya Karikala.
- According to archaeologist Kudavayil Balasubramanian, there was a delay in apprehending the perpetrators immediately thereafter.
- Suspicions were pointed to Uttama Chola, but confiscations of land belonging to culprits started before Raja Raja’s period suggesting that Uttama Chola did not spare the plotters.
- Among the punished were Ravidasan, Soman, and Parameshwaran who were all government officials.
- The motivation behind the assassination was to avenge the death of Veerapandyan.
Military Campaigns & Conquests
According to historical records, Aditya Karikalan led the Chola dynasty’s expedition against their arch-rivals, the Pandyas. In the Battle of Chevur, he successfully defeated the Pandya king, Veerapandyan, after chasing him on the banks of the Vaigai River. This victory established Aditya’s military prowess and cemented his reputation as a competent leader.
Despite not being the direct heir to the throne, Aditya Karikalan was appointed as the co-regent and heir apparent to the Chola empire. This decision was made even though Uttama Chola, the son of Gandaradita Chola, had a stronger claim to the throne. Unfortunately, Aditya’s reign was cut short due to his untimely assassination at the hands of Veerapandiyan’s associates seeking revenge for the defeat.
After his death, Aditya Karikalan was succeeded by Uttama Chola. The investigation into Aditya’s murder was conducted during the second year of Rajaraja Chola I’s reign. As per the available inscriptions, the officials who were found guilty of being complicit in the murder of “Karikala Chola who took the head of the Pandya” had their lands confiscated. The legacy of Aditya Karikalan, despite his short reign, continues to endure and is remembered as an important chapter in the Chola dynasty’s history.
How did Aditya Karikalan Died?
Archaeologist Kudavayil Balasubramanian has shed light on the role of Madurantaka Uttama in the assassination of Aditya Karikalan. However, Dr. K T Tirunavukkarasu’s collection of historical essays titled “Arunmozhi Aiyvu Thogudi” presents a comprehensive analysis that dismisses Uttama Chola’s involvement in the murder. The delay in apprehending the perpetrators further supports this claim. It was only during the second regnal year of Rajaraja Chola I that the culprits were brought to justice.
Historical records indicate that the officials punished for their role in the plot included Ravidasan, Soman, and Parameshwaran. All three of them were government officials. It is suspected that their motivation for the assassination was to avenge the decapitation of Veerapandyan by Aditya Karikalan. While suspicions were initially pointed towards Uttama Chola, the confiscation of land belonging to the culprits began before Rajaraja’s reign, suggesting that Uttama Chola did not spare the plotters.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the life and legacy of Aditya Karikalan continue to be an important chapter in the history of the Chola dynasty. Despite being the elder brother of Rajaraja Chola I and heir apparent to the Chola throne, Aditya’s reign was short-lived. His military campaigns against the Pandyas resulted in his victory at the Battle of Chevur but also led to his assassination at the hands of Veerapandyan’s associates.
While there were suspicions of Madurantaka Uttama’s involvement in the plot, historical evidence and analysis by scholars have dismissed these claims. The punishment of the government officials involved in the plot suggests that the motivation behind the assassination was to avenge the death of Veerapandyan. Aditya Karikalan’s contributions to the Chola dynasty and his untimely death continue to be remembered and studied today.
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Who was Aditya Karikalan?
Aditya Karikalan was a prince who lived in India in the 10th century. He was born in Tirukoilur, and he was the eldest son of Parantaka Chola II. He was the elder brother of Rajaraja Chola I and Kundavai.
Who Killed Aditya Karikalan?
As per the available historical data points, Aditya Karikalan was assassinated by associates of Veerapandiyan, the defeated Pandya king, as revenge for their defeat in the Battle of Chevur.
Aditya Karikalan belonged to which dynasty?
Aditya Karikalan belonged to the Chola dynasty. Aditya Karikalan was an important figure in the Chola dynasty and played a significant role in the empire’s history.
How Aditya Karikalan Died?
Aditya Karikalan’s death remains a historical mystery. Some accounts suggest he drowned while attempting to rescue a cow in the Kaveri River, indicating an accidental death. However, there are other theories of political intrigue, but no conclusive evidence supports these claims.
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