Indian Antiquary Vol 48

Author(s): Richard Carnac Temple, Devadatta Ramkrishna Bhandarkar
Publisher: Swati Publications

Page 147

August, 1910) THE LIFE AND TIMES OF CHALUKYA VIKRAMADITYA
143
Disappointed in his expectations of Ahavamalla at Kadal on the appointed day, Virarêjêndra declared "certain it is that we shall not return without regaining the country of Vengî which had fallen into our possession on a former occasion. Defend it if you are a Vallabha" 31 (strong king). This statement coupled with its tone of determination indicates plainly that Vikramaditya who had been tarrying in the north ever since the Kadal day from A.D. 1063-7 had nearly succeeded in establishing his influence in Veigi and that it was with a view to check this ere it was firmly rooted that Virarajendra not content with mere vassalage or allianoe, now resolved to conquer and annex Vêngi to the Chola crown. The same insoription continues— he defeated the great army which was sent to resist him at Vijayavadai. near the bank of the great river (modern Bezwada on the Krishna); his elephants drank the waters of the Godavari; he crossed over to Kalingam ; dispatched his armies as far as the further end of Chakrakottam, reconquered Vengî and bestowed it on Vijayaditya who took refuge under his feet, triumphantly returned to Gangậpuri (=Gangaikoạcabolapuram 23 in the Trichinopoly district), the then capital of the Cholas, with the goddess of victory who had meanwhile become resplendent."23 The army that Virarajendra defeated at Vijayavadai could have been no other than the advance-guard of Chalukki Vikramaditya which was sent to resist the march of Virarêjêndra. From the statement that Virarajendra bestowed Vengi on Vijayaditya who had bowed before his feet it has been suggested by Dr. Hultzsch 34 and emphatically affirmed by Prof. S. Krishnaswami Ayyangar 35 that Virarajendra supported the uncle Vijayaditya against his nephew Rajendracha II whose cause, it is alleged, was taken up by Vikramaditya and that it was the disputed succession between the uncle and the nephew for the throne of Vêugi after the death of Eastern Chalukya Raiarâia in A.D. 1062 that furnished the immediate opportunity for the intervention of both Vikramaditya and Virarajendra in Vaugi. This inference, plausible at first sight, cannot stand the test of sound historio oriticism. The specific statement in the Chellar grant 88 that Rajendrachola was duly anointed to the Veigi throne on the death of his father Rajaraja in A.D. 1063 and that, desirous of the Chola kingdom or a tour of conquest, he bestowed Vergi on his uncle Vijayaditya, the faot that Vijayaditya continued to be in possession of Vêigi till his death in A.D. 1077, undisturbed by Rajendrachôļa II (Kulottuiga I) even after he became Chola emperor and that after his death Rajendrachola II peaceably appointed his sons as viceroys of Vângi, the high terms *7 in which Vijayaditya is referred to in the Chellar grant of Virachola, the omission of the name of Vijayaditya-a deputy rather than an indepen
? SII., III, 68, No. 30. Manimangalam inscription, 22 The original runs as follows:
" விசைகொடு மீண்டுவிட்டருளி இகலிடைப்பூண்ட ஜயத்திருவோடு கங்காபுளி புகுந்தருளி 7, Dr. Hultzoh has wrongly translated it thus : "Returned speedily to Gangapurt with the Goddess of Victory who showed hostility in the interval" and has added in a footnote: This is an admission of the fact that the Chodas experienced reverses. But the translation would not suit the context. . ' here means splendour', not hostility'
> Vido Kalingattuppanani, XIII, 92; also Dandialankdram.
24 SII., III, 128. It looks as if the rightful heir, Rajendracha II alias Kulottunga Iha i been ousted by Vijayaditya with the assistance of Virardjéndra. The italios is our 3.
25 Paper on the Cholas. South Indian Association Journal, I, 56.- The Veil country, passes into the possession of Vijayaditya, an uncle of Kulottunga I through the good offices of Virarájendra. This disputed succession ought to have brought Vikramaditya on the 80018.' The italioj is again our3.
2 SII., L. 58.
* SII., I, 60.-Having ruled over the country for 18 years this godlike prince who resembled the lion in power has gone to heaven.'