Velanati Chodas

Velanati Chodas (also known as Velanadu Chodas or Velanadu Cholas) were one of the Telugu Choda families who ruled over parts of the Andhra Pradesh in 12th century. They were chieftains to Chalukya Cholas and Western Chalukyas and ruled over the Velanadu region in modern Guntur district.

History

The study of Velanadu Chodas history is possible through the numerous inscriptions left by them in Pithapuram, Amaravati, Chebrolu, Chandolu, Visakhapatnam and Draksharamam and inscriptions left by Chalukya Cholas in Tripurantakam. Telugu literary works like "Palanati Charitra" by Srinatha and "Keyurabahu Charitram" reveal further details.

The places on the bank of River Krishna from Guntur to Vijayawada are called Velanadu. Their capital was Dhanadapura (also known as Tsandavolu), the modern Chandolu in Guntur District. During its peak the chiefs also ruled area of Venginadu, the land between Krishna and Godavari rivers. They belonged to the Durjaya family, a Sudra clan and so they were also called as "Durjayas of Velanadu". Rajendra Choda II had assumed the title "Durjayakulaprakasa".

Gonka I ruled as a vassal to Kulottunga I of Chalukya Cholas of Gangaikonda Cholapuram, and his son Mammadi Varma, viceoy of Vengi. He fought as general in the battles against Kalyani Chalukyas and also against refractory vassals, Kalinga anmd Chakrakuta, who joined with Kalyani Chalukyas. He assumed the title "Chola Mula Stambha (The pillar of Chola empire)". His kingdom included the region from Gundlakamma in south to Tripurantakam in West. Rajendra Choda I succeeded his father as the chieftain and continued his legience to Chalukya Cholas. He was defeated by Anantapalaya, the general of Vikramaditya VI of Kalyani Chalukyas in 1115 A.D. Rajendra Choda I was forced to accept the suzarinty of Kalyani Chalukyas. Kalyani Chalukyas continued their victory and started winning most of the Telugu country including Bezawada and Kondapalli and they marched till Kanchi and ransacked it.

Someswara III succeeded his father Vikramaditya VI in Kalyani in 1126 A.D. and Rajendra Choda I continued their legience to Kalyani Chalukyas. Malla Bhupati of Vengi recovered some regions on the banks of Krishna, but Velanti Chodas remained as subjects of Someswara II in these battles. However in 1132 A.D., he fought along the side of Chalukya Cholas. Vikrama Chola sent his army under his son Kulottunga II to Vengi. Many chieftons inclduding Velandu Chodas joined hands with him and helped in driving out Kalyani Chalukyas in the battle of Manneru.

Rajendra Choda I died in the same year and Gonka II succeeded his father. He was regarded as greatest among of all Chodas and also fought as general in earlier battles during his father reign. He accompanied Kulottunga II in many battles like famous Godavari battle that resulted in recovering all regions from Kalyani Chalukyas. He crushed many rebel chieftains like Chodas of Nellore and Konidena. His kingdom included the region between Mahendragiri in north and Srisailam in south. Prola II of Kakatiyas attacked his kingdom in 1158 A.D. Chodayaraja, chief of Gonaka II killed Prola II and annexed lost regions. Gonaka II assumed many titles like "Chalukyarajya MulaStambha".

While glory of Velanati Chodas continued during the next two kings Rajendra Choda II and Gonka III and they successfully won against all rebellions from north and west, they lost control of regions. Many warriors are slain in the battle of Palanadu between the families of Haihayas, relatives and vassals of Velanati Chodas. The kingdom lost land from Srisailam to Tripurantakam to Rudradeva of Kakatiyas.

The last great king in the dynasty is Prithviswara. He ruled from Pithapuram and made several attempts to regain land and lost prestige. When kakatiyas were fighting against the Yadavas, he recovered the Velandau. However starting from 1201 A.D., he lost to Kakatiyas and their subjects Nellore Chodas and was slain in a battle with Ganapatideva of Kakatiyas in 1207 A.D. His son Rajendra Choda III made further attempts and lost entire kingdom to Ganapatideva.

Administration

Culture

The region was between Krishna and Godavari rivers. According to Keyurabahu Charitram, the region witnessed prosperity and plenty. According to Palanati Charitra, war sports including cockfight were popular. It had opulent city markets.

Religion

The region during this period witnessed both Saivism and Vaishnavism. Kings practiced Saivism according to books written about Velandu kings.

ociety

Kings themselves are Sudras. Devadasi system was practiced in temples. Untouchability was observed. Bramhanaidu of Palanadu preached against untouchability and invited lower caste people into army and all other jobs. He invited them to functions and group dinings.

Literature

Kings patroned Saivism and notable literary works are about Shiva. "Mallikarjuna Panditaradhya" wrote "Sivatatva Sara". "Palakuriki Somana" wrote Telugu "Basava Purana".

References

* Durga Prasad, History of the Andhras up to 1565 A. D., P. G. PUBLISHERS, GUNTUR (1988)
* South Indian Inscriptions - http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/