Virarajendra

Virarajendra Chola
Rajakesarivarman, Karikala Chola, Maharajadhiraja, Pandya Kulantaka, Konerinmaikondan, Srimedinivallabha, Ahavamalla Kula Kaalan, Sakalabhuvanasraya
Gold Kahavanu of Virarajendra
11th century
Chola Emperor
Reign1065–1070
PredecessorRajendra II
SuccessorAthirajendra
King of Kadaram
Reign1067–1070
Predecessorposition established
SuccessorAthirajendra
Born1002
Thanjavur, Chola Empire (modern day Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India)
Died1070 (aged 68)
Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Chola Empire (modern day Jayankondam, Tamil Nadu, India)
QueenArulmolinangai
IssueAthirajendra
Gangai kondan
Rajasundari
DynastyChola
FatherRajendra 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

Virarajendra Chola (1002 – 1070) was a Chola emperor. Son of Rajendra I, he spent a major part of his life as a subordinate to two of his elder brothers, Rajadhiraja I and Rajendra II. During his early reign, he granted the maintenance of a school to study the Vedas, Sastras and grammar. A hostel was provided for the students.[1] A hospital named Virasolan was also provided by him for the sick people.[1] The famous Tamil Buddhist grammatical work, Virasoliyam [ta], was written by Buddhamitra during his reign.[2]

Virarajendra’s reign occurred in a period when the Chola Empire was both trying to expand its boundaries and preserve its existing territories, but had appeared to stutter in its attempts because of the death of Virarajendra’s eldest brother and king, Rajadhiraja I, and the short rule of Virarajendra's elder brother, Rajendra II.

In total, the three brothers ruled for 16–20 years altogether by succeeding one another.[3] This rapid succession was seen as a favorable opportunity by the traditional enemies and subordinates of the Cholas: the Singhalas (Ceylon), the Pandyas, and the Chera Perumals, with each adversary either trying to become free or declaring war on the Cholas. Virarajendra proved to be a capable and brave ruler, who was kind and protective of his subjects, reimposed authority on Chola dominions, and was ruthless to the Chalukyas and the Pandyas. His own rule lasted for less than 10 years, yet as depicted by his various inscriptions in Karur, Virarajendra left a legacy in the short time he ruled. He succeeded not only in preserving Chola territories, but also in making overseas conquests in far-off lands such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Nicobar.[4]

  1. ^ a b South Indian Shrines: Illustrated by P. V. Jagadisa Ayyar p.23
  2. ^ History of Ancient India by Sakkottai Krishnaswami Aiyangar p.127
  3. ^ Nilakanta Sastri, K.A. (1935)
  4. ^ "Virarajendra Chola and the continuing struggles | History Unravelled". historyunravelled.com. Retrieved 17 November 2023.