Rajadhiraja Chola

Rajadhiraja Chola (1018-1059 AD)was declared crown prince / Co-regent as early as 1018 AD during time of his father Rajendra Chola I. He ruled with full regal status and was leader of the most of the military conquests of his father including that of Ceylon. He emphasized his claim to a paramount power by performing an Ashwamedha Yajna. In 1059, he was killed in the Battle of Koppam near Mysore, while fighting with the Chalukyas. He was killed on the back of the elephant and this is why he came to be known as Yanai-mel-thunjina Devar (The king who died on elephant). His life was of a true warrior.

In the Battle of Koppam, his younger brother Rajendra Chola II, declared himself Monarch and immediately took the command of the army, changing the scenario and result of this important battle.

Battle of Koppam

Among the Chalukyas of Kalyani, Someshwara I ascended the throne in 1042 AD, and reigned till 1068 AD. This was one of the brilliant periods for the Chalukyas of Kalyani. However, the reign of Someshwara-I was known for continuous conflicts with the Cholas. He replaced his capital from Manyakheta to Kalyani probably because of this pressure.

The major conflict was over control over Vengi. Vengi kept moving in the hands of Eastern Chalukyas, Western Chalukyas, Cholas, Pandyas through the history. In 1044 Someshwara-I had launched a campaign to master Vengi, captured it and gained short term control. On this side, Chola King Rajadhiraja Chola was eager to restore Chola Power in Vengi.

Rajadhiraja Chola defeated the western Chalukyan forces in the Battle of Dannanda (in Guntur) and Chalukyan forces were wiped out from Vengi. The forces of Rajadhiraja Chola had been successful to sack Kollipakkai, Kampilli, Pundur, Yetagiri and the Chalukyan Capital Kalyani. But before 1050 AD, Someshwara was able to make a dramatic recovery. He was successful in driving out the Chola forces of his capital and he carried war in the heart of the Chola kingdom. In 1053-54 AD, Rajadhiraja and his younger brother Rajendra Chola II led a campaign against the Chalukyas.

The fierce battle was fought at Koppam on the river Krishna. Rajadhiraja Chola was wounded to death on the elephant and Rajendra Chola II crowned himself as next Chola Monarch. He was able to re-activate the Chola army which fought with the Chalukyas without getting demoralized. The result was that Chalukya army was defeated. But Rajendra Chola II was not able to annex any of the Chalukyan territory with this war. The disgrace of Koppam gave sleepless nights to Someshwara -I. In 1059, another battle took place at Mudakkaru. In this battle, Someshwara got defeated.