The Tamil King Who Rose From Ashes
Karikala Cholan is a textbook example of someone who recaptured his kingdom from enemies
It was his last desperate measure to hold on to his kingdom, which rightly belonged to him.
The battle of Venni might be Karikala Cholan’s final battle if he makes even a single mistake. He won the battle against the mighty Chera, Pandya, and Velir clans and gave new life to the declining Chola Empire.
Early Life:
Chera, Chola, and Pandya dynasties divided ancient South India. Velirs or small kings ruled a small portion of South India and formed a buffer between the three huge kingdoms.
Chola kingdom’s fortune was not consistent during their 1000 years rule. Chola ruler Ilamchetchenni died under strange circumstances in 100BC. His son Karikala Cholan was taken as a hostage by the Velir clan at a very young age. A fire accident burned his legs.
That’s the reason for his name Karikala (means burned legs) Cholan. Under arrest, Karikala Cholan learned war tactics. When the right opportunity came up, he escaped from captivity, got a small group…
