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Author: Virarajendra

The Medieval Chola Empire and it's relations with Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore & Thailand - Part 3

Under Construction

Prince Rajendra (alias Kulothunga) leads the second naval expedition to South-East Asia

Emperor Virarajendra Chola also known as Buwanaasirayan (Buwanawati) after bringing the homefront in the Indian mainland under complete control, with a view of re-stablishing the lost Chola authority over Sri Vijaya empire and also assisting the king of Kadaarem to gain back his throne, sent a naval expedition in the year A.D.1067 to South-East Asia under the command of his nephew prince Rajendra (alias Kulothunga) of the Vengi kingdom (encompassed between the Godavari and Krishna rivers - in the present Orrisa state).

Prince Rajendra who also bore the title "Jeyadhara" was the son of Virarajendra Chola's sister Ammangai (married to Rajaraja Narendra the ruling king of the Vengi country alias Manchapattinam the present Masulipattinam of Andhra pradesh in the Indian mainland. He was accompanied by the princes and viceroys ruling Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Thondaimandalam the present Golkonda, Vangaladesam the present Bengal and Kutcharem the present Gujerat.

The above are confirmed by the following References:

".......In Keling (India) dwelt a mighty prince Anyakra Buanawati (Buwanasiraya i.e. Virarajendra) decendent of Pandu (should be Chola)......A great Keling fleet under Jayalengkara (Jeyadhara i.e. Kulotunga Chola - 1) prince of Manchapadnam (Masulipattinam region of Vengi capital), sets out and calls at Paula Percha (another name for Sumatra) where the princes of Acheh (Ilamuridesam), Deli, Batu Bara, Rokan, Siak, Bengkulu, Indragiri, Jambi (Malaiyur) and Palembang (Sri Vijaya) submit and surrender princesses. Pajajaran submits, The rulers of Keling with the rulers of Golkonda, Nagapadanam, Thanjaur, Gujerat and Bengal all came flying through the air, the Tamil ruler and his family in a hill like golden palace (maaligai panchapura). The adipathi of Banyu Mas informs Kuripan that the Tamil king has reached. Pajajaran (in Java) and his golden palace has become a town Martapura complete with moats and castles. After an exchange of envoys and letters the war starts. Inu sends Prabu Mataram and Adipathi Kumaittir to Jagaraga......."

Hikayat Chekel-Waneng-Pati - Raffles MS 23, Library of the Royal Asiatic Library, London. (A Malay Historical Chronicle of the (Hindu) period of 12th century A.D)
A History of Classical Malay Literature - Sir Richard Winstedt (see Appendix).

This reference was first mentioned by Sir Richard Winstedt in his book titled "A History of Classical Malay Literature". I co-related this information with Kulotunga Chola - 1's war expedition to Kadarem and Sri Vijaya on behalf of Emperor Virarajendra, and 'highlighted same for the first time to all History Scholars' present at the Session presided by Dr Noburu Karashima at the 6th International Tamil Conference/Seminar held in Malaysia in the year 1987.

There is a further reference in the Tamil Historical chronicle the "Kulothungan Pillaith Thamil" of this period, confirming Prince Rajendra's war expedition to Kadarem as follows.

"......Madimaiyaal varithu iraathu, Angam, vangam, Kalingham, Kuligham Thirikaththam,Maaluvam, Sonakam, Pappalam, Koppalam Magadham, endru evaiyum maravam kadiyum monangalaam arasu ver ara erinthu, Arumanam, Saavakam, Vangaalam, Elam, Kadaarem, Thava Cheenam entru "yaavaiyum kaipaduththi, kudimai aal Arasare aahavittu", avar sikara makudakodikalil vaikkum kodikale vada thisai Gangaiyai then thisai kondu ela pandu kondu angu adimai aalum piran mahan mahan........".

Kulothunga Cholan Pillai Thamil - by Ottakkooththar, verse 77

Discussion

The Tamil poetic work "Kulothunga Cholan Pillai Thamil" of the 12th century by Poet Ottakkooththar is a praise poem on Kulothunga Chola - 2. The above reference in same on the war achievements of "a Chola king" is mentioned in detail, and at the end it specifically states that Kulothunga Chola - 2 was the grandson of 'this great Chola king' on whom they have been attributed. But we are well aware from all epigraphical and historical sources on the chronology of the later Chola kings that this great king was no other than Kulothunga Chola - 1 whose grandson was the Kulothunga Chola - 2.

Hence it is very clear that it was Kulothunga Chola - 1 who captured the South-East Asian countries namely Arumanam (Miyanmar), Saavakam (the island Java), Kadaarem the Kedah of Malaysia), Thavaa Cheenam (Taoist China the present Kouang Chow of southernmost region of mainland China), which according to the same reference "were handed back to the respective rulers', undoubtedly on their acceptance of Chola suzerainty and agreeing to pay tributes.

The above evidence too was for the first time highlighted by me to the Chola Historical community at this same Tamil Conference/Seminar held in the year 1987.

All kingdoms in Sumatra subdue to the Cholas

The Chola forces first landed in the island of Sumatra. The kings and viceroys of Ilamuridesam, Pannai, Sri Vijaya and other small kingdoms centering around the river Siak, Rokan, and Indragiri in central Sumatra and Benkulu in the south submitted themselves preventing war and accepted the Chola suzerainty in preferance to the Javan supremacy.

However the king of Malaiyur in Sumatra refused to accept the Chola supremacy initially and was defeated and his kingdom captured, but was handed back to him on his recognition of the Chola overlordship over Malaiyur.

The above are confirmed by the following References:

"......Arukkan uthayaththu thaasaiyil irrukkum kamalam anaiya nilamakal thanai munneer kuliththa annaal, Thirumaal aathik kelal aaki eduththanna yaathum saliyaa vakai inithu eduththa than kudai nilat keel inpura iruththi thikiriyum puliyum thisai thorum nadaaththi(ya) Ko Rajakesari vanmaraana Udaiyaar Sri Rajendra Cholathevarkku aandu 2 aavathu......"

Inscription of Rajendra Chola (Kulothunga Chola - 1)
South Indian Inscriptions - Vol

Chola forces captures West Java

The Chola forces now crossed seas and proceeded to the island Java for the first time. An initial attempt for peaceful negotiations by the prince Rajendra with Airlanga's son to regain Kadarem failed. This caused the forces to move towards Pajajaran the capital of the Hindu - Sunda kingdom in West Java having the Pamali river (present Brebas river) as it's eastern border and now under the suzerainty of Javan empire. This kingdom submitted to the Chola forces. The (Sena-)athipathi named Banyu Mas informed the king at Kuripan

Chola forces under prince Rajendra brought this kingdom under Chola rule.



However subsequently these territories were handed back to him on his acceptance of the Chola authority over West Java.

Chola forces re-captures Kadarem

Prince Rajendra now proceeded with his forces to Kadaarem in the peninsular Malaysia defeated the ruling viceroy of Airlanga's son and took control of the kingdom of Kadaarem, and assumed the title "Kulothunga Chola Kidaaratharaiyan (Kadaaratharaiyan). He subsequently gave the reign of Kadarem to king Suran the earlier ruler of Kadarem who seeked the assistance of the Chola king Virarajendra.

Suran was married to Chendaniwasi (Chedani Wasis) the daughter of the Chola prince who lead the first Kadarem expedition and the princess Onangki (Onang Kiu) - the daughter of Chulin the earlier king of Kadaarem defeated by this Chola prince.

The above are confirmed by the following References:

"......(Kulothunga Cholan) parakkum oathak Kadaaram aliththa naal paayintha sempunal aadiyum neenthiyum......"

Kalingaththupparani - by Jeyamkondaar, chapter six titled 'Peikalai paadiyathu'

Prince Rajendra (alias Kulothunga) rules from Sri Vijaya

After the South-East Asian expedition prince Rajendra (alias Kulothunga) returned to Sri Vijaya and procliamed himself as the Ruler of Sri Vijaya with his new royal title Kulotunga falling in line with the royal title of the previous Emperors of Sri Vijaya namely Mara Vijayotunga, Sangirama Vijayotunga etc and became the emperor of Sri Vijaya from A.D.1068. This made the Chinese of this period refer to Kulothunga as one ruling both the Chola empire and Sri Vijaya empire.

During this period he established more control over territories of Chola interest and regulated their trade in this region.

The above are confirmed by the following References:

The fifth Chola trade delegation to China from Sri Vijaya

He remained at Sri Vijaya for some time until condiions at Sri Vijaya settled. It was during this period Kulothunga Deva (Ti Hua Ka Lo) in the year A.D.1067 paid a visit to the Chinese court with tributes and he was given the title by the Chinese Emperor Ying Sung as "Great General who supports Obedience and cherishes Renovation".

The Emperor provided with an imperal edict which read as follows: "Our reputation and Our teachings overshadow all countries whether far or near and if their people are only loyal and dutiful, we always give them Chinese titles favouring them with fine names in order to distinguish their countries. You have gladly obeyed our high influence and come across the sea to bring valuable articles as tribute. We praise you for this and have raised your rank in order to give an encouragement to loyalty and dutifulness"

Kulothunga reconstructs Tao temple in China

On his return through the Kwang Chou port (Canton) he heard of a great Tao temple which was destroyed and burnt in A.D.1052 by a Chinese Bandit chief named Lang of Kwang Yuen and it remained in ruins with no one to reinstate. King Kulothunga Deva on his return from the Chinese court to Sri Vijaya sent his envoy named Chih Lo Lo to escort his ships to the seaport city Kwang Chou to investigate in to the position of this temple. He saw this Tao temple ruins and returned back and reported to king Kulothunga Deva.

In the same year A.D.1067 (in the fourth reign year 'chih ping' o Emperor Ying Sung) prince Rajendra Chola sent Chola Sha-Wen to Kwang Chou port to meet the Prefectural Authority of Kwang Chou seaport city and begin the construction of the main Gate of the temple. In the year A.D.1068 (first reign year 'nsi ning' of Emperor Shen Sung)

He probably with a view of further strengthening the already existing good trade and diplomatic relations ordered the reconstruction of the main gate, hall, and an auditorium to house the imperial edicts made to this temple.

Kulothunga after a brief period of rule at Sri Vijaya as its overlord returned to the Chola country, after appointing a viceroy to rule this kingdom namely Debar Lemang Duan having the Chola royal blood, cGreat grand son of Rajendra Chola - 2's son.

The above are confirmed by the following References:

"........In the 4th year of Hung Yiu (A.D.1052) the bandit Lang of Kwang Yuen sailed down the river unexpectedly and came stealthily to the border of the central wall of Fan Yu city. Calamity befell the temple and it was reduced to ashes. Who could be the one to reinstate the ruins that lay before one's eyes. Had one not been a man of wealth, a devotee of Tao and a sincere seeker of happiness would one ever be willing to pay attention to this ? The city of Five Goats (Canton) is situated near the great sea. It connects with various foreign lands. It is a rendezvous ehere the flying merchantmen meet.

During the reign of Chih Ping (A.D.1064-1067), the lord of the land San-fo-Tsi the paramount chief Ti-Hua-Ka-Lo (Deva-Kulo = Kulothunga [Chola] Deva) ordered one of his clansmen Chih Lo Lo to escort his ships to this city. Chih lo Lo saw the temple in ruins its foundation being buried in wilderness. He then returned home and reported the matter to the Lord. Since then Ti-Hua-Ka-Lo (Deva-Kulo = Kulothunga [Chola] Deva) began to have an inclination for Tac. In the 4th year (of Chih Ping 1067) he despatched Si Li Sha Wen to Canton to call at the prefectural authority, and began to undertake the construction of the Main Gate (of the temple).

in the 1st year of Nsi Ning (A.D.1068) Sha Wen went home before the construction of the Hall was completed. He came back in the 2nd year to complete his work. He also built the Auditorium of the Imperial Edict to the west of the Prefecture (Canton).

Sha Wen again left for his home land, and in the 3rd year (A.D.1070) the Lord of the Land (of San-fo-tsi = Sri Vijaya)) again sent his clansman, who brought various articles with him to solicit Lo Yin Chih a priest from Lu San to be the Residential Administrator of the temple and Ho Teck Sun the Supervisor. In the same year he asked for permission to purchase a rice-field at 100,000 gold cash, the proceeds of which were to cover the expenses of the temple

.......Splendid honours showered upon those concerned. The title of Great General Who Supports Obedience and Cherishes Renovation was given to the Lord of the Land (of San Fo Tsi = Sri Vijaya)......

The ships of the Lord of the Land (of San-fo-Tsi = Sri Vijaya) ever since the constrction of the temple sailed to their destination witout the fear of danger which they suffered in previous days. This was enough to prove the blessings of the Real Supernatural Powers a reward from the Supreme Purity.

Being an eye-witness of this miracle I bowed to the request of the Great Master Tsong Tao to record this in the 2nd year of Yuan Fong (A.D.1079) on the day of double-nine

The Meritorious Donor : Ti-Hua-Ka-Lo (Deva-Kulo = Kulothunga [Chola] Deva) the Great General Who Supports Obedience and Cherishes Renovation. This stone was erected by the Chief Priest Ho Tek Sun the Great Master......."

Sri Vijaya Inscription in a ruined Taoist Monastery (at Kuang Cho North Road) in Canton - by Tan Yeok Seong,
Journal of the South-East Asian History (Singapore) September - 1964

"In the reign of Chih Ping, Ti-Hua-Ka-Lo (Deva-Kulo = Kulothunga [Chola] Deva) sent an envoy Chih Lo Lo by name to pay tribute to the Court. The ship was caught in a storm and almost capsized. Chih Lo lo prayed to Heaven (for mercy). Thereupon an old man appeared in the cloud and the storm was subdued. At that time the city of Canton was destroyed by lang the bandit. The portrait of Lao Chun was laid in the dust. Chih Lo Lo came across it and found that it was the picture of the old man whom he saw previously. When he returned home he reported the matter to Ti-Hua-Ka-Lo (Deva-Kulo = Kulothunga [Chola] Deva) who at once sent Si li Sha Wen to go to Canton to buy building materials and to recruit workers to reconstruct (the temple). When it was completed Lo Yin Chih a Taoist priest was asked to be the Resident Administrator and Ho Tek Sun the Supervisor. An endowment fund fund of 100,000 cash was donated to purchase a piece of farmland located at Min Tang in the district of Fan Yu. The next year Ti-Hua-Ka-Lo (Deva-Kulo = Kulothunga [Chola] Deva) died. His nail and hair were scissored and sent to the priest who buried them at Min Tang. Sacrifice is offered even even today"

Found in the Chinese Chronicle titled "Older History of Kuang Chou"
Re-quoted in :Tien Hsia Chun Kuo Li Pin Shu - by Ku Yen Wu
Sri Vijaya Inscription in a ruined Taoist Monastery (at Kuang Cho North Road) in Canton - by Tan Yeok Seong,
Journal of the South-East Asian History (Singapore) September - 1964

(7) The period of Kulothunga Chola - 1 (A.D.1070-1120)

In the year A.D.1070 with the death of Virarajendra a rebellion sparked off in the Chola country in which his son Athirajendra Chola the next legitimate successor to the Chola throne was assasinated and a state of anarchy prevailed in the kingdom.

His untimely death with no heir apparent to succeed paved way for Kulothunga as the next successor to the throne in A.D.1070 with the royal title 'Kulothunga Chola - 1' (A.D.1070-1120).

Kulothunga Chola - 1 receives tributes from Malaysia and Indonesia

During the early part of his rule West Java, Sumatra and Malaysian territories including Kadarem which subdued and accepted the Chola sovereignty during the period of Virarajendra continued to send tributes to Chola country.

The above are confirmed by the following References:

".......vaar kadat thivaanthara poopaalar thirai vidu kalam sori kaliru murai nitpa ......ko vi Rajakesarivanmaraana Thiripuvana chakravarthikal Sri Kulothunga Cholathevarkku aandu naatpaththainthaavathu......."

Inscription of Kulothunga Chola - 1
South Indian Inscriptions - Vol

Kulothunga Chola -1 confirms grants to Buddhist Temples in Tamil Nadu

The good relations between the Chola country and Kadarem were again normalised during the rule of Kulothunga Chola - 1. The king of Kadarem through his envoys Rajavidyadara Sri Samandan and Abimanetunga Sri Samandan requested him to reconfirm on copper plates the earlier grants made to the Buddhists temples Rajendra Chola perumpalli and Rajaraja perumpalli (alias Sailendra Chulamanipanma vihare), built by his predecessors at Nagapattinam in Shythiriya Sihamani valanaadu in the Chola country.

This request was granted by Kulothunga Chola - 1 in the year A.D.1090 and the officers Rajavallaba Santhuvikrikan Pallavaraiyar and Rajendrasingha Muventhavelaan arranged confirmation of same on copper plates.

Towards this period the seaport city of Nagapattinam was renamed as Cholakulavalli pattinam after one of Kulothunga's consorts and Shythiriya Sihamani valanadu as Keyamaanikka valanadu.

Kulothunga Chola - 1 declares Nagapattinam a Duty Free Port

The trading activities of the Chola country with South-East Asia and China increased immensely, which made the emperor Kulothunga Chola - 1 to remove 'custom duties' imposed on goods of trade and make Nagapattinam a free port. This gave rise to his new title as "Sungam Thavirththa Cholan" meaning the 'Chola who waived the custom duties'.

The above are confirmed by the following References:

"......Sri Kulothunga Chola Thevar who abolished the custom duties and removed the darkness and ruled the world....'

Inscription No 408, Annual Report on Epigraphy - year 1912


(8) The period of Vikkrama Chola (A.D.1070-1120)

(9) The period of Kulothunga Chola - 2 (A.D.1070-1120)

Tributes from Kadarem and Taoist China continue to come to Chola Country

During the period Kulothunga Chola - 2 too tributes continued to comeforth from the kingdoms the Kadarem of Malaysia and Taoist China.

The above are confirmed by the following References:

".....nirai porul selvamodu avani vaal......Kadaarer.....Cheenar entru arai kalal Ventharum pal aanai soola muramaiyil urintha thirai konarnthu irainjavum.....Veera simaashanaththu Bhuvanamuluthudaiyaalodum veertiruntharuliya Kovi Rasakesaripanmaraana Thiribhuvanach chakkravarthikal Sri Kulothungathevarkku aandu...."

The Meikeethi - 1 of Kulothunga Chola - 2

"....oru kudai nilavum porupadai thikiri veyilinum karungkali irulinai thurappa needu pal uuli earl kadal puraththilum kodaa senth thani kolinil thulaava....."

The Meikeethi - 2 of Kulothunga Chola - 2








(10) The period of Rajaraja Chola - 2 (A.D.1070-1120)

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