Renati Chodas
The Renati Cholas, also known as the Renadu Cholas, a branch of Andhra Chodas who belong to the family of Sangam Tamil King Karikala Chola, ruled parts of present-day Andhra Pradesh between the 5th and 10th centuries CE.
Origin and History
[edit]Historians refer to them as the Renati Cholas.[citation needed] Renadu refers to a region in Andhra Pradesh, encompassing the present taluks of Pulivendula, Kamalapuram, and Jammalamadugu in the Cuddapah district, along with parts of the Kurnool district. Historical inscriptions mention Renadu-eduvelu (Renadu-7000), indicating that this area once consisted of 7,000 villages or revenue units. It was also known as Maharajavadi or Marjavadi.
Renati Chola kings stated that they belong to the family of Tamil Sangam age Chola king Karikala Chola.[1] The earliest of this family was Nandivarman (500 AD) who claimed descent from the family of Karikala and the Kasyapa gotra. He had three sons Simhavishnu, Sundarananda and Dhanunjaya, all of whom were ruling different territories simultaneously.[2] They were independent mostly but mostly they were forced to suzerainty of the Pallavas.[3]
King Pormukharma Punyakumara of the Renati Cholas conquered Hiranya-rastra, a subdivision of the Pallava kingdom of Kanchi, in the 7th century CE, and titled himself the lord of Hiranya-rasra in his Dommara Nandyala copper plate inscriptions. During his reign, the famous Buddhist traveler Hiuen-Tsang passed through Renadu and referred to the kingdom of Culiya, which is identified with this Chola dynasty. The Renati Cholas lost control of Renadu around the 10th century CE. An undated inscription at Yeligallu (Chittoor district) mentions a Vaidumba chief, Ganda Trinetra, ruling over Renadu-7000. Dated inscriptions of the Vaidumbas appear in places like Upparapalli in Proddatur taluk and Animela in Kamalapuram taluk from the last quarter of the 10th century CE.[4] In the first half of the seventh century, we find Punyakumara, a descendant of Dhanunjaya, ruling over Renadu and Hiranyarashtra. He too bears the title Erikal-Mutturaju.[5]
The Renati Cholas frequently engaged in conflicts with the Vaidumbas and Rashtrakutas. Their inscriptions primarily record donations to temples and land to common people.
During the Chalukya king Pulikesi II period, waged wars against the southern kingdoms, including the Renati Cholas. This caused a temporary setback for the Renati Cholas.
The dynasty regained strength under rulers like Renati Chola II (also known as Renati Rajasimha), who reigned in the early 9th century CE. He was known for his administrative skills and military conquests, which expanded the Renati Chola's influence.
They played a vital role in the history of Andhra Pradesh, and their legacy is evident in the cultural and architectural landmarks they left behind.
Chromology list of important kings
[edit]- Nandivarman Chola
- Simhavishnu, Sundarananda and Dhanunjayavarman
- Mahendravikramavarma Chola
- Gunamudita and Punyakumara Chola
- Vikramaditya I
- Saktikumara Chola
- Vikramaditya II
- Uttamaditya and Satyaditya Chola
- Nandivarman II (8th century) also known as Pallavamalla, was a significant ruler who extended his influence over the region who released the Udayendiram inscription (circa 770 CE) mentions Nandivarman II's conquests and administrative activities.
- Dantivarman (9th century) who succeeded Nandivarman II and continued to consolidate the Chola power in the Renadu region. He Punganur inscription dated to 865 CE provides insights into his reign and contributions.
Contribution to Telugu language
[edit]Renati Cholas were released the first and oldest Telugu inscription founded so far is Kalamalla inscription dating to 575 CE put up by Renati Chola king Erikal Mutturaju Dhanunjaya.[6]
They have released significant number of Stone inception and copper plate increptions.
Renati Cholas were the 1st dynasty who made Telugu as official language. All other previous rulers like Satavahanas, Andhra Ikshvaku of Andhra were used Prakrit as their official language. Renati Cholas were the 1st Dravidian dynasty rulers of this region who descendent from Sangam age Karikala Chola. Other previous rulers of these region were Indo Aryans.
The Renati Cholas played a significant role in the history of Andhra Pradesh, leaving behind a legacy of cultural and architectural achievements. Despite their eventual decline, their contributions to administration, culture, and architecture continue to be remembered and studied.
The inscriptions at temples such as the Siddheswara Temple in Hemavathi provide details on temple endowments and cultural activities during their reign.
Several inscriptions and artifacts have been found in regions like Kadapa, Punganur, and Hemavathi, providing substantial evidence of the Renati Chola's rule and their contributions to the region's cultural heritage.
See Also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Hultzsch, Eugene (1911–1912). "Epigraphia Indica". Epigraphia Indica. 11: 339 – via Archaeological Survey of India, Government of India.
- ^ Andhra Pradesh (India), Bh Sivasankaranarayana. Andhra Pradesh district gazetteers, Volume 1. Printed by the Director of Print. and Stationery at the Govt. Secretariat Press; [copies can be had from: Govt. Publication Bureau, Andhra Pradesh], 1976. p. 60.
- ^ A. D., Rangarajan (2020-08-31). "Rare inscription unearthed in Andhra Pradesh's Kadapa district". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2020-09-07.
- ^ Indian History Congress. A Comprehensive History of India: pt. 1. A.D. 300-985. People's Pub. House, 1981. p. 382.
- ^ C. A. Padmanabha Sastry. Administration in Andhra: From the Earliest Times to 13th Century A.D. B.R. Publishing Corporation, 1990. p. 126.
- ^ "First Telugu inscription dating back to 575 AD found in Kadapa village". The New Indian Express.
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