Vijayalaya
Topic: Southern Dynasties: Chalukyas, Pallavas, Cholas · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
Vijayalaya founded the imperial Chola line in the 9th century. In c. 850 CE he captured Thanjavur from the Muttaraiyars, a local ruling family, and made it his new capital. This revived Chola power after centuries of decline. His son Aditya I overthrew the Pallavas, and Parantaka I expanded the kingdom further. Their work laid the base for one of the largest empires in south Indian history.
Example
After taking Thanjavur (c. 850 CE), Vijayalaya built a temple there to the goddess Nishumbhasudini (Durga). From this capital, his successors went on to rule most of Tamil Nadu.
Don't confuse with
- Karikala Chola: a Sangam-age Chola king, centuries earlier, who built the Grand Anicut (Kallanai). He was not part of the imperial line that Vijayalaya founded.