Virarajendra Chola

Virarajendra Chola was one of the prominent rulers of the later Chola dynasty, who reigned over South India during the eleventh century CE. His rule, which lasted from approximately 1063 CE to 1070 CE, represented the continuation of the Cholas’ military strength, administrative excellence, and cultural patronage that had been established by his illustrious predecessors — Rajaraja I and Rajendra I. Virarajendra was known both as a powerful warrior and an able administrator who consolidated the Chola Empire and maintained its influence across South and Southeast Asia.

Background and Lineage

Virarajendra Chola was the son of Rajendra I (1014–1044 CE) and a younger brother of Rajadhiraja I (1044–1054 CE). After Rajadhiraja I fell in battle against the Western Chalukya ruler Somesvara I, his younger brother Rajendra II ascended the throne but ruled only for a brief period. Following Rajendra II’s short reign, Virarajendra Chola succeeded to the throne around 1063 CE.
As a prince, Virarajendra had already distinguished himself as a capable military commander, participating in campaigns against the Western Chalukyas, the Pandyas, and the Ceylonese (Sri Lankans). His reign marked the continuation of Chola expansion and the strengthening of imperial control over vassal states.

Political and Military Achievements

Virarajendra’s reign was marked by extensive military activity and successful campaigns on multiple fronts, especially against the Western Chalukyas, who were the Cholas’ main rivals in the Deccan.

1. Campaigns against the Western Chalukyas

• The Western Chalukya ruler Somesvara I had been a persistent enemy of the Cholas. Virarajendra waged a series of campaigns against him and his successor Somesvara II.
• Around 1067 CE, Virarajendra marched north and defeated Somesvara I, capturing Vengi and Gangavadi territories.
• After Somesvara I’s death, civil war broke out between his sons Somesvara II and Vikramaditya VI. Virarajendra cleverly supported Vikramaditya VI, ensuring a Chola-friendly regime in the Deccan.
• His diplomatic and military skill in dealing with the Chalukyan conflict maintained Chola supremacy in southern India during his reign.

2. Control over Vengi and Andhra Regions

• The Eastern Chalukya Kingdom of Vengi, traditionally allied with the Cholas through marital ties, became a focal point of conflict.
• Virarajendra reasserted Chola influence over Vengi and installed Kulottunga (later Kulottunga I), his nephew and future successor, as governor of the region.
• This move not only stabilised the eastern frontier but also paved the way for Kulottunga’s later unification of the Chola and Eastern Chalukya dynasties.

3. Campaigns in Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

• Virarajendra continued the Chola domination of Ceylon, which had been conquered earlier by Rajaraja I and Rajendra I.
• He suppressed local rebellions and maintained Chola authority over the northern regions of the island, particularly Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa.

4. Conflict with the Pandyas and Cheras

• The southern Tamil regions, including Pandya and Kerala territories, often sought independence from Chola control.
• Virarajendra undertook expeditions to the south, defeating local chiefs and reasserting imperial authority.

5. Relations with the Kingdom of Kadaram (Kedah)

• The Cholas under Rajendra I had earlier undertaken successful overseas expeditions to Sri Vijaya (in present-day Malaysia and Indonesia).
• In continuation of this policy, Virarajendra sent a naval expedition to Kadaram (Kedah) to assist a ruler who had sought Chola support against internal revolt.
• This campaign reaffirmed Chola influence over Southeast Asian trade routes and demonstrated their naval strength.

Administrative Reforms

Like his predecessors, Virarajendra maintained a well-organised administrative system that ensured efficiency and stability throughout the empire.

1. Central Administration

• The king was the supreme authority but functioned within a framework of established administrative institutions.
• The Council of Ministers and Chola bureaucracy, which had evolved under Rajaraja and Rajendra, continued effectively during his reign.
• The empire was divided into mandalams (provinces), valanadus (districts), and nadu (sub-districts), ensuring decentralised governance.

2. Local Self-Government

• The system of village assemblies (Sabhas and Urs) continued to function actively.
• Inscriptions indicate that local bodies handled irrigation, land administration, temple management, and tax collection, reflecting the strength of grassroots governance under Chola rule.

3. Judicial and Revenue Systems

• Virarajendra ensured regular collection of land revenue and maintained a fair system of justice.
• Local assemblies often acted as courts for civil disputes, while royal officers handled criminal cases.

Cultural and Religious Patronage

Virarajendra Chola, like other Chola monarchs, was a great patron of art, architecture, and religion.

1. Temple Construction and Endowments

• He continued the Chola tradition of constructing and endowing Hindu temples, particularly dedicated to Shiva.
• Temples served not only as centres of worship but also as administrative, educational, and economic institutions.
• Inscriptions record his contributions to temples at Chidambaram, Srirangam, and Kanchipuram, among others.

2. Support for Religion and Literature

• Virarajendra was a devout Shaivite, but he also patronised Vaishnavism and respected other religious sects.
• Tamil and Sanskrit learning flourished under his rule. The Chola court continued to be a centre of scholarly and literary activity, with poets and teachers enjoying royal favour.

3. Patronage to Buddhism Abroad

• Interestingly, inscriptions in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia indicate that the Cholas under Virarajendra also supported Buddhist monasteries and shrines, demonstrating religious tolerance and the cosmopolitan nature of their empire.

Foreign Relations

Virarajendra’s reign was marked by diplomatic and military engagements beyond the Indian subcontinent.

• His assistance to the ruler of Kadaram (Kedah) and control over maritime routes enhanced Chola influence in Southeast Asia.
• These relations were largely commercial and strategic, ensuring Chola dominance over Indian Ocean trade.
• The Chola navy, one of the most formidable in Asia at the time, safeguarded trade routes from piracy and extended India’s maritime connections.

Succession and Later Years

Virarajendra ruled for about seven years, during which he successfully maintained internal stability and external supremacy.

• Before his death in 1070 CE, he faced minor rebellions, which he suppressed effectively.
• After his death, his son Athirajendra Chola briefly succeeded him, but soon internal strife led to the rise of Kulottunga I, who united the Chola and Eastern Chalukya dynasties and inaugurated a new phase in Chola history.

Assessment and Legacy

Virarajendra Chola is remembered as:

• A capable soldier and statesman who maintained Chola dominance during a turbulent period.
• A patron of religion, art, and learning, upholding the rich cultural traditions of the dynasty.
• A skilled diplomat who balanced alliances and rivalries with remarkable tact, particularly in dealing with the Western Chalukyas.
• A ruler who extended and stabilised the empire both on land and sea.

Although his reign was relatively short, it served as a crucial link between the expansionist policies of earlier Cholas and the stable, prosperous rule of Kulottunga I.