Cholas: Dynasty During the Sangam Age

The Sangam period played a significant role in defining the literature of Tamil culture. The Sangam period also witnessed the rise of the three dynasties: Cheras, Cholas and Pandyas. In this article, we will tell you about the importance of the Cholas dynasty in the great Sangam period. 

What is the Sangam Period?

Now, before we tell you about the Cholas dynasty it is important to first understand the Sangam period. The Sangam period refers to the time when most of Tamil literature was written by the assembly of great scholars and poets. 

This period lasted from the 3rd century BC to the 3rd century AD in south India. In total there were three Sangam periods and the three dynasties who ruled it were: Cheras, Cholas and Pandyas.

Who are Cholas?

The Cholas were one of the three main Tamil kingdoms of South India that were a part of the pre and post-Sangam period (600 BCE – 300 CE). Tiruchirapalli and Kaveripattinam were their early capitals. According to the Tamil Etymology the large availability of the rich food in the empire gave the name Chola. The Sangam Literature have mentioned numerous Chola kings who had surnames like Valavan, Senni, Kill and Cholan. The Chola flag symbol was the Jumping Tiger.

Cholas in the Sangam Literature:

Chola kings that were mentioned in the Sangam literature were written in the period 200 BCE–300 CE. Although the kings are not mentioned in any chronological order, due to which we don’t know which ruler ruled at what time. Here, are the great Cholas kings:

Karikala Chola:

Karikala Chola is known as the greatest of the Early Cholas. He ruled the Southern Indian and constructed the flood banks of the river Kaveri. The word ‘Karikalan’ means ‘the man with the charred leg’. Although some Tamil scholars believe that the words ‘Kari’ and ‘Kalan’ mean ‘slayer of elephants’. There is an interesting story behind the creation of the name Karikala. 

The father of Karikala was Ilamcetcenni, a brave king who ruled Uraiyur(Tiruchirappalli). The king married Princess Velir. She gave birth to the child and soon after that Ilamcetcenni died. As the child was very young he was not given his right to the throne. A political turmoil occurred in the country. Due to this, the child was exiled.

After some time, the Chola ministers sent an elephant to search for the child. The elephant found the child hiding in Karuvur (modern-day Karur in Tamil Nadu). The political opponents arrested the prince and set the prison on fire.

Although the prince escaped the fire and with the help of his uncle Irum-pitar-thalaiyan defeated his enemies. Unfortunately, the prince’s leg was scorched in the fire and therefore, the prince got the name Karikala. He has fought numerous battles against Tamil kings and established hegemony over Pandyas and Cheras.

Nalankilli and Nedunkilli:

According to Sangam literature, Nedunkilli and Nalankilli were two Tamil Kings who belonged to the rival families of Cholas. Poet Kovur Kilar has addressed the battle between both of them beautifully in the form of two poems. 

Nalankilli surrounded Nedunkilli with soldiers due to which to protect himself Nedunkilli shut himself in a fort in Avur. The prince who locked himself in the fort was a coward. Nalankilli told Nedunkilli to come out and fight like a man. 

In another poem, the poet begs both the kings to give up the war since, anyone who loses, the loser will still be a Chola.

Kocengannan:

Kocengannan was also a Chola King which has been mentioned in the Sangam literature. Kalavali by Poygayar is a poem that describes the battle between Chola King Kocengannan and Chera King Kanaikkal Irumporai. 

Kocengannan defeated Kanaikal and captured him. Poet Poygaiyar who was the friend of the Chera King sang a poem that describes the greatness of King Kocengannan in 40 stanzas. Pleased by the poem the king released the Chera king. Along the banks of the River, Kaveri Kocengannan built numerous temples for Shiva.

Social Conditions:

The Sangam literature also depicts the social and economic conditions during the early Cholas. The culture is the blend of the Dravidian and Aryan. The Tamil people knew the stories of the Mahabharata and Ramayana.

The land was fertile and the people had an ample supply of food. The government was in the form of a Hereditary monarchy and the Chola period witnessed numerous civil wars. Most of the time justice was given by the kings. Although in the later empire of Cholas the Emperor didn’t maintain any sort of relationship with the people of the kingdom.

The kings used to actively take part in the wars. If the king got killed or wounded in the battle, the soldiers used to immediately give up the war or surrender.

Conclusion:

As you can see, the Chola dynasty held a great importance in the Sangam period. The Chola dynasty saw a rise in a lot of brave kings. Just remember that the Cholas were one of the three main Tamil kingdoms of South India. The Chola dynasty gave the world a lot of battle stories to celebrate. We hope that after reading this article, you got to know some unheard facts about the Chola dynasty.