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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.[citation needed]
Origin and history
editRenadu 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.[1] It was also known as Maharajavadi.[citation needed]
The earliest of this family was Nandivarman (500 CE) who claimed descent from the family of Karikala[note 1] and the Kasyapa gotra. He had three sons, Simhavishnu, Sundarananda and Dhanunjaya, all of whom were ruling different territories simultaneously.[3] They were forced to suzerainty of the Pallavas and sometimes they ruled independently.[4]
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.[5]
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.[citation needed] 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.[citation needed]
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.[6]
The Renati Cholas frequently engaged in conflicts with the Vaidumbas and Rashtrakutas.[citation needed] Their inscriptions primarily record donations to temples and land to common people.[citation needed]
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.[citation needed]
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.[citation needed]
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.[citation needed]
Renati Choda Kings
edit- Nandivarman Chola[citation needed]
- Simhavishnu, Sundarananda and Dhanunjayavarman[citation needed]
- Mahendravikramavarma Chola[citation needed]
- Gunamudita and Punyakumara Chola[citation needed]
- Vikramaditya I[citation needed]
- Saktikumara Chola[citation needed]
- Vikramaditya II[citation needed]
- Uttamaditya and Satyaditya Chola[citation needed]
- 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.[citation needed]
- 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.[citation needed][7]
Contribution to Telugu language
editThe first and oldest Telugu inscription founded so far is Kalamalla inscription dating to 575 CE put up by Renati Chola king Erikal Mutturaju Dhanunjaya.[8]
They have released significant number of Stone inscriptions and copper plate inscriptions in Telugu.[citation needed]
Renati Cholas were the first known dynasty who made Telugu as official language.[citation needed] All the other previous rulers like Satavahanas, Andhra Ikshvaku used Prakrit as their official language.[citation needed] Renati Cholas claimed descendent from Sangam age Chola king Karikala Chola.[citation needed]
The Renati Cholas played a significant role in the history of Andhra Pradesh, leaving behind a legacy of cultural and architectural achievements.[citation needed] Despite their eventual decline, their contributions to administration, culture, and architecture continue to be remembered and studied.[citation needed]
The inscriptions at temples such as the Siddheswara Temple in Hemavathi provide details on temple endowments and cultural activities during their reign.[citation needed]
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.[citation needed]
See also
editNotes
edit- ^ Renati Chola kings stated that they belong to the family of Tamil Sangam age Chola king Karikala Chola.[2]
References
edit- ^ S. KRISHNASWAMI AIYANGAR (1932). Historical Inscriptions Of Southern Inida. p. 34.
- ^ 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 (31 August 2020). "Rare inscription unearthed in Andhra Pradesh's Kadapa district". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
- ^ C. A. Padmanabha Sastry. Administration in Andhra: From the Earliest Times to 13th Century A.D. B.R. Publishing Corporation, 1990. p. 126.
- ^ Indian History Congress. A Comprehensive History of India: pt. 1. A.D. 300-985. People's Pub. House, 1981. p. 382.
- ^ S N Sen (1987). Ancient Indian history and civilization. p. 441.
- ^ "First Telugu inscription dating back to 575 AD found in Kadapa village". The New Indian Express.