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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 the 12th century. They were Vassals of Later 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 Later 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, so they were also called as Durjayas of Velanadu. Rajendra Choda II had assumed the title KammaDurjayakulaprakasa.^[1]

Gonka I ruled as a vassal to Kulothunga I of Later Cholas of Gangaikonda Cholapuram, and his son Mummadi Varma, viceoy of Vengi. He fought as general in the battles against Kalyani Chalukyas and also against refractory vassals, Kalinga and 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 allegiance to Later Cholas. He was defeated by Anantapalaya, the general of Vikramaditya VI of Kalyani Chalukyas in 1115 AD. Rajendra Choda I was forced to accept the suzerainty of Kalyani Chalukyas.

Someswara III succeeded his father Vikramaditya VI in Kalyani in 1126 AD and Rajendra Choda I continued their allegiance 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 AD, he fought along the side of Later Cholas. Vikrama Chola sent his army under his son Kulothunga II to Vengi. Many chieftains including 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 Kulothunga Chola 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 AD. 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 although they defeated all rebellions from north and west, they lost control of some regions. Many warriors were 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 AD, he lost to Kakatiyas and their subjects Nellore Chodas and was slain in a battle with Ganapatideva of Kakatiyas in 1207 AD. His son Rajendra Choda III made further attempts and lost entire kingdom to Ganapatideva.

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 cockfighting 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.

Society

Kings themselves weren non-aryans and therefore did not practice the Arya kshatriya customs. However, they were Telugu Kings. Devadasi system was practiced in temples. Untouchability was observed. Brahmanaidu of Palanadu preached against untouchability and invited lower caste people into army and all other jobs. He invited them to functions and group dining.

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/