Early Cholas

Not much authentic information is available about the Early Chola Kingdom. The main source of its knowledge is the Sangam Literature. The other sources are Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, which is a work of an anonymous merchant of Alexandria, works of Ptolemy, Mahavamsa- the Buddhist Text of Ceylon, Pillars of Asoka, Hathigumpha description of Kharvela- the Kalinga King and other numerous stone inscriptions found at various parts in the Southern Peninsula.

Karikala Chola

The most significant Early Chola ruler is Karikala Chola, who ruled around 270 BC and is mentioned in the Sangam Literature. The meaning of his name “Kari + Kalan” refers to “Slayer of Elephants” but also means “the one with burnt limbs”. This indicates a fire accident in his early age, which left his legs charred. One of the Sangam Poems testifies this. Karikala Chola is best known for winning the famous “Battle of Venni” in which both the Pandyas and Cheras were crushed by him. The current location of Venni is near Thanjaur.The “Battle of Venni” was a turning point in his career and he was established as a firm power in the South. Some legends say that he won the whole of Ceylon Kingdom, after the Battle of Venni.

World’s earliest water-regulator structure in stone at Kallanai (Grand Anicut)on River Cauvery was built by Karikala Chola. It was constructed mainly to divert the water from Cauvery River for irrigation. This dam stands as a huge mass of 329 meters (1,080 feet) long and 20 meters (60 feet) wide, across the main stream of the Cauvery and is a major tourist attraction today.