Renati Chodas

The Renati Chodas, also known as the Renadu Cholas, were a branch of Andhra Chodas who claimed descent from famous Early Chola King Karikala Chola. They ruled Renadu region in present day Andhra Pradesh between 5th century CE and 9th century CE.

Origin and history

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.

The earliest of this family was Nandivarman (500 CE) 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. They were forced to suzerainty of the Pallavas and sometimes they ruled independently.

In the first half of the seventh century CE, we find Punyakumara, a descendant of Dhanunjaya, ruling over Renadu and Hiranyarashtra. He too bears the title Erikal-Mutturaju.

In the 7th century CE, King Punyakumara of the Renati Cholas conquered Hiranya-rastra, a subdivision of the Pallava kingdom of Kanchi, and titled himself the lord of Hiranya-rastra 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 branch of 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.

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 rule of Chalukya king Pulakesi II, Chalukyas 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.

Renati Choda Kings

• 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

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.

They have released significant number of Stone inscriptions and copper plate inscriptions in Telugu.

Renati Cholas were the first known dynasty who made Telugu as official language. All the other previous rulers like Satavahanas, Andhra Ikshvaku used Prakrit as their official language. Renati Cholas claimed descendent from Sangam age Chola king Karikala Chola.

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

• Chola Dynasty
• Kakatiya Dynasty
• History of South India