Velanati Chodas
Encyclopedia
Velanati Chodas were one of the Telugu Choda families
who ruled over parts of the Andhra Pradesh
in 12th century. They were Vassals of Later Cholas and Western Chalukyas
and ruled over the Velanadu
region in modern Guntur
district.
, Amaravati
, Chebrolu
, Chandolu
, Visakhapatnam
and Draksharamam and inscriptions left by Later Cholas in Tripurantakam. Telugu literary works like Palanati Charitra by Srinatha
and Keyurabahu Charitram reveal further details.
The places on the bank of River Krishna from Guntur to Vijayawada
are called Velanadu. Their capital was Dhanadapura (also known as Tsandavolu), the modern Chandolu in Guntur District. During its peak the chiefs also ruled area of Venginadu, the land between Krishna and Godavari rivers. They belonged to the Durjaya family, a Sudra
clan and so they were also called as Durjayas of Velanadu. Rajendra Choda II had assumed the title Durjayakulaprakasa.
Gonka I
ruled as a vassal to Kulothunga I
of Later Cholas of Gangaikonda Cholapuram
, and his son Mammadi Varma, viceoy of Vengi
. He fought as general in the battles against Kalyani Chalukyas and also against refractory vassals, Kalinga and Chakrakuta, who joined with Kalyani Chalukyas. He assumed the title Chola Mula Stambha (The pillar of Chola empire). His kingdom included the region from Gundlakamma in south to Tripurantakam in West. Rajendra Choda I
succeeded his father as the chieftain and continued his allegiance to Later Cholas. He was defeated by Anantapalaya, the general of Vikramaditya VI
of Kalyani Chalukyas in 1115 AD. Rajendra Choda I was forced to accept the suzarinty of Kalyani Chalukyas.
Someswara III
succeeded his father Vikramaditya VI in Kalyani in 1126 AD and Rajendra Choda I continued their allegiance to Kalyani Chalukyas. Malla Bhupati of Vengi recovered some regions on the banks of Krishna
, but Velanti Chodas remained as subjects of Someswara II in these battles. However in 1132 AD, he fought along the side of Later Cholas. Vikrama Chola
sent his army under his son Kulothunga II
to Vengi. Many chieftains including Velandu Chodas joined hands with him and helped in driving out Kalyani Chalukyas in the battle of Manneru.
Rajendra Choda I died in the same year and Gonka II
succeeded his father. He was regarded as greatest among of all Chodas and also fought as general in earlier battles during his father reign. He accompanied Kulothunga Chola II
in many battles like famous Godavari battle that resulted in recovering all regions from Kalyani Chalukyas. He crushed many rebel chieftains like Chodas of Nellore and Konidena. His kingdom included the region between Mahendragiri
in north and Srisailam
in south. Prola II of Kakatiyas attacked his kingdom in 1158 AD. Chodayaraja, chief of Gonaka II killed Prola II and annexed lost regions. Gonaka II assumed many titles like Chalukyarajya MulaStambha.
While glory of Velanati Chodas continued during the next two kings Rajendra Choda II
and Gonka III
and they successfully won against all rebellions from north and west, they lost control of regions. Many warriors are slain in the battle of Palanadu between the families of Haihayas, relatives and vassals of Velanati Chodas. The kingdom lost land from Srisailam to Tripurantakam to Rudradeva of Kakatiyas.
The last great king in the dynasty is Prithviswara
. He ruled from Pithapuram and made several attempts to regain land and lost prestige. When kakatiyas were fighting against the Yadavas, he recovered the Velandau. However starting from 1201 AD, he lost to Kakatiyas and their subjects Nellore Chodas and was slain in a battle with Ganapatideva of Kakatiyas in 1207 AD. His son Rajendra Choda III made further attempts and lost entire kingdom to Ganapatideva.
According to Palanati Charitra, war sports including cockfight
were popular. It had opulent city markets.
. Kings practiced Saivism according to books written about Velandu kings.
system was practiced in temples. Untouchability
was observed. Bramhanaidu of Palanadu preached against untouchability and invited lower caste people into army and all other jobs. He invited them to functions and group dinings.
Telugu Cholas
Many Telugu Choda kingdoms ruled over many regions including the cities on the banks of Krishna River in the period between the seventh and the thirteenth century. It is not known much about these family origins. Some of them claimed descent from the legendary Tamil Karikala Chola . Telugu Cholas...
who ruled over parts of the Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh , is one of the 28 states of India, situated on the southeastern coast of India. It is India's fourth largest state by area and fifth largest by population. Its capital and largest city by population is Hyderabad.The total GDP of Andhra Pradesh is $100 billion and is ranked third...
in 12th century. They were Vassals of Later Cholas and Western Chalukyas
Western Chalukyas
The Western Chalukya Empire ruled most of the western Deccan, South India, between the 10th and 12th centuries. This dynasty is sometimes called the Kalyani Chalukya after its regal capital at Kalyani, today's Basavakalyan in Karnataka and alternatively the Later Chalukya from its theoretical...
and ruled over the Velanadu
Velanadu
Velandu is a name of the region on the banks of River Krishna in the ancient Telugu country. The terms Velandu or velnadu are often used synonymous with present Guntur district.-Geography:...
region in modern Guntur
Guntur
Guntur , is a city and a municipal corporation in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, located to the north and west of the Bay of Bengal. It is approximately to the south of the national capital, New Delhi and south east of state capital, Hyderabad. Guntur is the fourth largest city in Andhra...
district.
History
The study of Velanadu Chodas history is possible through the numerous inscriptions left by them in PithapuramPithapuram
For famous Playback singer see Pithapuram Nageswara RaoPithapuram is a town and a municipality in East Godavari district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh....
, Amaravati
Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh
Amaravathi is a small town situated on the banks of the River Krishna in the Guntur District of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is famous for its Amareswara temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is one of the famous Pancharamas. Amaravati, also known as Dhanyakataka/Dharanikota was the site of a...
, Chebrolu
Chebrolu
Chebrolu, or Chebrole , is a town and a Mandal in Guntur district in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India, located at . It is a major panchayat comprising three villages, Chebrolu, Pathareddypalem and Kothareddypalem and is the mandal headquarters. It was a regional fort for the Pallava, Chalukyas...
, Chandolu
Chandolu
Tsandavolu or Chandolu is a small village situated in Guntur District of Andhra Pradesh, India.-History:The village was the seat of Velanadu Chodas the most famous of whom was Rajendra Choda. It was a flourishing town during Choda times. It was also called as Dhanadapura or Tsandavolu...
, Visakhapatnam
Visakhapatnam
Visakhapatnam is a major sea port on the south east coast of India. With a population of approximately 1.7 million, it is the second largest city in the state of Andhra Pradesh and the third largest city on the east coast of India after Kolkata and Chennai. According to the history, the city was...
and Draksharamam and inscriptions left by Later Cholas in Tripurantakam. Telugu literary works like Palanati Charitra by Srinatha
Srinatha
Srinatha was a well-known 15th-century Telugu poet who popularised the Prabandha style of composition.-Biography:Srinatha was born to Bhimamba and Marayya in 1370....
and Keyurabahu Charitram reveal further details.
The places on the bank of River Krishna from Guntur to Vijayawada
Vijayawada
Vijayawada is the third largest city in Andhra Pradesh, India, located on the banks of the Krishna River and bounded by the Indrakiladri Hills on the West and the Budameru River on the North. The city is located in the Krishna District, about from the state capital Hyderabad.Vijayawada literally...
are called Velanadu. Their capital was Dhanadapura (also known as Tsandavolu), the modern Chandolu in Guntur District. During its peak the chiefs also ruled area of Venginadu, the land between Krishna and Godavari rivers. They belonged to the Durjaya family, a Sudra
Shudra
Shudra is the fourth Varna, as prescribed in the Purusha Sukta of the Rig veda, which constitutes society into four varnas or Chaturvarna. The other three varnas are Brahmans - priests, Kshatriya - those with governing functions, Vaishya - agriculturalists, cattle rearers and traders...
clan and so they were also called as Durjayas of Velanadu. Rajendra Choda II had assumed the title Durjayakulaprakasa.
Gonka I
Gonka I
Gonka I was a Telugu king and the first of Velanati Chodas who ruled from 1076 to 1108.Gonka I ruled as a vassal to Kulottunga I of Chalukya Cholas of Gangaikonda Cholapuram, and his son Mammadi Varma, viceroy of Vengi. He fought as general in the battles against Kalyani Chalukyas and also against...
ruled as a vassal to Kulothunga I
Kulothunga Chola I
Kō Rājakēsarivarman Abaya Kulōthunga Chōla was one of the greatest kings of the Chola Empire. He was one of the sovereigns who bore the title Kulottunga, literally meaning the exalter of his race.-Early life:...
of Later Cholas of Gangaikonda Cholapuram
Gangaikonda Cholapuram
Gangaikonda Cholapuram was erected as the capital of the Cholas by Rajendra Chola I, the son and successor of Rajaraja Chola, the great Chola who conquered a large area in South India at the beginning of the 11th century C.E. It occupies an important place in the history of India. As the capital...
, and his son Mammadi Varma, viceoy of Vengi
Vengi
The Vengi kingdom extended from the Godavari River in the north to Mount Mahendragiri in the southeast and to just south of the banks of River Krishna in the south of India. This area was part of Kalinga until that kingdom was conquered by Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan Empire in the mid 3rd century...
. He fought as general in the battles against Kalyani Chalukyas and also against refractory vassals, Kalinga and Chakrakuta, who joined with Kalyani Chalukyas. He assumed the title Chola Mula Stambha (The pillar of Chola empire). His kingdom included the region from Gundlakamma in south to Tripurantakam in West. Rajendra Choda I
Rajendra Choda I
Rajendra Choda I was a Telugu king and the second of Velanati Chodas who ruled from 1108 to 1132 AD.Rajendra Choda I succeeded his father Gonka I as the chieftain and continued his allegiance to Chalukya Cholas. He was defeated by Anantapalaya, the general of Vikramaditya VI of Kalyani Chalukyas in...
succeeded his father as the chieftain and continued his allegiance to Later Cholas. He was defeated by Anantapalaya, the general of Vikramaditya VI
Vikramaditya VI
Vikramaditya VI became the Western Chalukya King after deposing his elder brother Somesvara II. Vikramaditya's reign is marked by the start of the Chalukya-Vikrama era. Vikramaditya VI was the greatest of the Western Chalukya kings and had the longest reign in the dynasty. He earned the title...
of Kalyani Chalukyas in 1115 AD. Rajendra Choda I was forced to accept the suzarinty of Kalyani Chalukyas.
Someswara III
Somesvara III
Somesvara III was a Western Chalukya king and son of Vikramaditya VI and Queen Chandaladevi. A king more inclined towards literature, Someshvara III had to face the invasion of the Hoysala Vishnuvardhana but was able to suppress him...
succeeded his father Vikramaditya VI in Kalyani in 1126 AD and Rajendra Choda I continued their allegiance to Kalyani Chalukyas. Malla Bhupati of Vengi recovered some regions on the banks of Krishna
Krishna River
The Krishna River , is one of the longest rivers in central-southern India, about . It is also referred to as Krishnaveni in its original nomenclature...
, but Velanti Chodas remained as subjects of Someswara II in these battles. However in 1132 AD, he fought along the side of Later Cholas. Vikrama Chola
Vikrama Chola
Kōpparakēsarivarman Vikrama Chola was a 12th century king of the Chola empire. He succeeded his father Kulothunga Chola I to the throne in 1120 C.E. A insscription of his from Sidlaghatta in Karnataka mentions the Saka date 1042...
sent his army under his son Kulothunga II
Kulothunga Chola II
Kulothunga Chola II was a 12th century king of the Chola Dynasty of the Tamil people of South India. He succeeded his father Vikrama Chola to the throne in 1135 CE. Vikrama Chola made Kulothunga his heir apparent and coregent in 1133 CE, so the inscriptions of Kulothunga II count his reign from...
to Vengi. Many chieftains including Velandu Chodas joined hands with him and helped in driving out Kalyani Chalukyas in the battle of Manneru.
Rajendra Choda I died in the same year and Gonka II
Gonka II
Gonka II was a Telugu king and the third of Velanati Chodas who ruled from 1132 to 1161.Gonka II succeeded his father Rajendra Choda I. He was regarded as greatest among of all Chodas and also fought as general in earlier battles during his father reign...
succeeded his father. He was regarded as greatest among of all Chodas and also fought as general in earlier battles during his father reign. He accompanied Kulothunga Chola II
Kulothunga Chola II
Kulothunga Chola II was a 12th century king of the Chola Dynasty of the Tamil people of South India. He succeeded his father Vikrama Chola to the throne in 1135 CE. Vikrama Chola made Kulothunga his heir apparent and coregent in 1133 CE, so the inscriptions of Kulothunga II count his reign from...
in many battles like famous Godavari battle that resulted in recovering all regions from Kalyani Chalukyas. He crushed many rebel chieftains like Chodas of Nellore and Konidena. His kingdom included the region between Mahendragiri
Rajahmundry
Rajahmundry is a city and municipal corporation of the Andhra Pradesh state in India. It is located east of the state capital, Hyderabad, on the banks of the River Godavari. Known as the Cultural Capital, Rajahmundry is noted for its intense Veda culture and intellect...
in north and Srisailam
Srisailam
Srisailam is a holy town and mandal, situated in Nallamala Hills of Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, India. It is located on the banks of River Krishna, about 232 km south of Hyderabad....
in south. Prola II of Kakatiyas attacked his kingdom in 1158 AD. Chodayaraja, chief of Gonaka II killed Prola II and annexed lost regions. Gonaka II assumed many titles like Chalukyarajya MulaStambha.
While glory of Velanati Chodas continued during the next two kings Rajendra Choda II
Rajendra Choda II
Rajendra Choda II was a Telugu king and the fourth of Velanati Chodas who ruled from 1161 to 1181 AD.He succeeded his father Gonka II and his reign was full of rebellions from Nellore Chodas, Pottapi Chodas and Pakanadu Chodas. He lost to Rudradeva of Kakatiyas. Their kingdom weakened during his...
and Gonka III
Gonka III
Gonka III was a Telugu king and the fifth of Velanati Chodas who ruled from 1181 to 1186.He succeeded his father Rajendra Choda II and he lost to Rudradeva II of kakatiya and also to his rebel Kota Chieftain Ketaraja II. He was killed in 1186 in a battle with Kakatiyas...
and they successfully won against all rebellions from north and west, they lost control of regions. Many warriors are slain in the battle of Palanadu between the families of Haihayas, relatives and vassals of Velanati Chodas. The kingdom lost land from Srisailam to Tripurantakam to Rudradeva of Kakatiyas.
The last great king in the dynasty is Prithviswara
Prithviswara
Prithviswara II was a Telugu king of Velanati Chodas who ruled from 1186 to 1207 AD.He was the last important ruler of the kingdom and he stayed at Pithapuram. He made several vain attempts to win the lost prestige. When Kakatiyas were fighting Yadavas, he seized the opportunity and reoccupied...
. He ruled from Pithapuram and made several attempts to regain land and lost prestige. When kakatiyas were fighting against the Yadavas, he recovered the Velandau. However starting from 1201 AD, he lost to Kakatiyas and their subjects Nellore Chodas and was slain in a battle with Ganapatideva of Kakatiyas in 1207 AD. His son Rajendra Choda III made further attempts and lost entire kingdom to Ganapatideva.
Culture
The region was between Krishna and Godavari rivers. According to Keyurabahu Charitram, the region witnessed prosperity and plenty.According to Palanati Charitra, war sports including cockfight
Cockfight
A cockfight is a blood sport between two roosters , held in a ring called a cockpit. Cockfighting is now illegal throughout all states in the United States, Brazil, Australia and in most of Europe. It is still legal in several U.S. territories....
were popular. It had opulent city markets.
Religion
The region during this period witnessed both Saivism and VaishnavismVaishnavism
Vaishnavism is a tradition of Hinduism, distinguished from other schools by its worship of Vishnu, or his associated Avatars such as Rama and Krishna, as the original and supreme God....
. Kings practiced Saivism according to books written about Velandu kings.
Society
Kings themselves weren non-aryans and therefore did not practice the Arya kshatriya customs. However, they were Telugu Kings. DevadasiDevadasi
In Hinduism, the devadasi tradition is a religious tradition in which girls are "married" and dedicated to a deity or to a temple and includes performance aspects such as those that take place in the temple as well as in the courtly and mujuvani [telegu] or home context. Dance and music were...
system was practiced in temples. Untouchability
Untouchability
Untouchability is the social practice of ostracizing a minority group by segregating them from the mainstream by social custom or legal mandate. The excluded group could be one that did not accept the norms of the excluding group and historically included foreigners, nomadic tribes, law-breakers...
was observed. Bramhanaidu of Palanadu preached against untouchability and invited lower caste people into army and all other jobs. He invited them to functions and group dinings.