Virarajendra Chola
Chola king
Years: 1010 - 1070
Vira Rajendra Chola (1063–1070 CE) is one of the most under-rated Chola kings, mainly because a major part of his life is spent as a subordinate of his two elder brothers Rajadhiraja Chola I and Rajendra Chola II, who along with Virarajendra Chola himself are the illustrious sons of their Chakravarti (Emperor) father, Rajendra Chola I.
It is not a practice among the Chola kings to nominate the eldest son, but the most capable (in administration of their domains as well as proving their mettle on the battlefield) as the heir to the throne.
During his early reign he grants the maintenance of a school to study the Vedas, Sastras and Grammar and a hostel is provided for the students.
A hospital named Virasolan is also provided by him for the sick.
The famous grammatical work in Tamil, Virasoliyam wis written by Buddhamitra during his reign.
Virarajendra’s reign falls in the period of the medieval Cholas when the empire is both trying to expand its boundaries and preserve its existing territories, but has appeared to stutter in its attempts because of death in his prime of eldest brother and king Rajadhiraja I and the short rule of Virarajendra's elder brother Rajendra II.
In all, the three brothers rule for between 16–20 years, succeeding one another.
This rapid succession is seen as a golden opportunity by the traditional enemies and subordinates of the Cholas, viz.
the Singhalas (Ceylon), Western Chalukya Empire, Pandyas and even the Cheras, with each adversary either trying to become free or declaring a war on the Cholas.
Ultimately, however, Virarajendra proves to be a very capable and brave ruler, who is kind and protective to his subjects.
He reimposed authority on the Chola dominions and is particularly ruthless to the old nemeses of the Cholas, both the Chalukyas and the Pandyas.
Viewed overall, especially in the context of the fact that his own rule lasts for less than 10 years, Virarajendra's is a lasting legacy in that in the short time he rules, he overwhelms every one of his adversaries, and succeeds not only in preserving Chola territories, but also makes overseas concquests in far-off lands like Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Nicobar, Sakkarakottam (around Bastar district, Chattisgarh - this is also a place governed by the next major Chola monarch, Kulothunga-I or Rajendra Chalukya, son of Eastern Chalukya King Rajaraja Narendra and thus grandson of Rajendra Chola I through his daughter Ammanga.
