Rajaraja Chola III

When Rajaraja Chola III (1216-1256 AD), son of Kulothunga Chola III came into power in July 1216, the Chola Kingdom had reduced to a very small territory compared to the earlier Cholas. In the graphic, the green shaded area shows the territories of Rajaraja Chola III in 1246 AD, 10 years prior to his demise.
His reign was of continuous troubles. The Pandyas had become the important power in South and Vengi and other areas were now under the Hoysalas. Since Rajaraja III was now a vassal of Pandyas, he did not pay tributes to the Pandyan overlord. The Pandyan army entered his Chola Capital and Rajaraja III fled. He was captured at Sendamangalam. The Hoyasala King Narsimha interfered and then only the Chola King was released. The Hoysalas attacked the Pandya army and defeated them on the banks of river Cauvery. For rest of his life Chola King Rajaraja III was dependent upon the Hoysals for aid and help. He recognized his son Rajendra Chola III as heir apparent in 1246 AD.