Rajendra II

Rajendra Chola II
Rajendradeva, Parakesarivarman
Chola Empire under Rajendra Chola II
Chola Emperor
Reign1052 CE – 1064 CE
PredecessorRajadhiraja I
SuccessorVirarajendra
Co-Regent of the Chola Empire
Reign1044 CE – 1052 CE
EmperorRajadhiraja I
PredecessorRajadhiraja I
SuccessorRajamahendra
BornVikraman
997 CE
Thanjavur, Chola Empire (modern day Tamil Nadu, India)
Died1064 C.E. (aged 67)
Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Chola Empire (modern day Jayankondam, Tamil Nadu, India)
EmpressesRajarajan Arumoliyar alias Tennavan Mādevi, empress of Rajendradeva,[1]
Uruttiran Arumoli alias PirudiMādeviyar,[2]
KōKilānadigal
Issue
DynastyChola
FatherRajendra Chola I
MotherMukkokilan Adigal
ReligionHinduism
Chola kings and emperors
Early Cholas
Ellalan205 BCE– c. 161 BCE
Kulakkottan
Ilamchetchenni
Karikala
Nedunkilli
Nalankilli
Killivalavan
Kopperuncholan
Kochchenganan
Perunarkilli
Interregnum (c. 200 – c. 848 CE)
Medieval Cholas
Vijayalaya 848–871?
Aditya I 871–907
Parantaka I 907–955
Rajaditya Chola 935–949
Gandaraditya 949–962
Arinjaya 955–956
Parantaka II (Sundara) 950–980
Aditya II (Karikala) 966–971
Uttama 971–987
Rajaraja I 985–1014
Rajendra I 1012–1044
Rajadhiraja 1018–1054
Rajendra II 1051–1063
Rajamahendra 1060–1063
Virarajendra 1063–1070
Athirajendra 1067–1070
Later Cholas
Kulothunga I 1070–1120
Vikrama 1118–1135
Kulothunga II 1133–1150
Rajaraja II 1146–1173
Rajadhiraja II 1166–1178
Kulothunga III 1178–1218
Rajaraja III 1216–1256
Rajendra III 1246–1279
Related
Related dynasties
Telugu Chodas of Andhra
Chodagangas of Kalinga
Nidugal Cholas of Karnataka
Rajahnate of Cebu
Rajahnate of Sanmalan
Chola society

Rajendra Chola II (997 CE – 1064 CE) often referred to as Rajendradeva Chola was a Chola emperor who reigned from 1052 CE to 1064 CE. Rajendra II succeeded his brother Rajadhiraja I after his death at the Battle of Koppam.[3] Rajendra had served as a Co-regent under his brother from 1044 CE to 1052 CE. When he acceded the throne, the Chola Empire was at its peak stretching from Southern India to Vengai(Bengal) to parts of Southeast Asia. Rajendra had maintained the territories of his predecessor. During his reign, the Chola Empire was prosperous and had a large influence in trade throughout the Indian Ocean.

As a prince Rajendra helped put down revolts in Pandya Nadu and Srivijaya. During his early reign he put down several rebellions in Sri Lanka, Rajendra also straightened chola influence and control in Ruhuna in southern Sri Lanka. He established several garrisons and governors to maintain stronger rule and prevent future revolts.

In early 1052, the Cholas were suffering from losses against the Western Chalukyas in the Battle of Koppam after the death of Rajadhiraja I. Rajendra's strong leadership led the Cholas to a strategic victory although the western chalukyas achieved a Tactical victory. The Cholas didn't lose territory during this battle. Conflicts with the Western chalukyas continued throughout his reign. Rajendra's forces were victorious in the Battle of Kudal-Sangamam leading to greater Chola influence in the Krishna river.

  1. ^ A Topographical List of Inscriptions in the Tamil Nadu and Kerala States: Tiruchchirappalli District, page 186
  2. ^ Epigraphy By Archaeological Survey of India. Southern Circle, page 76
  3. ^ The History and Culture of the Indian People: The struggle for empire, page 241