The Cambridge History of India, Vol. III: Turks and Afghans v3.c29.159

v3.c29.159

of strength there was a greater effort on the side of the Pāṇḍyas to assert their independence, and this brought on a great war between the Cholas and the Ceylonese. The Cholas managed ultimately to turn the Ceylonese back into their island territory, and punished the Pāṇḍyas adequately for having thus brought on a protracted war. While the war was still in progress the young prince who distinguished himself in it succeeded to the throne under the name of Kulottunga III, and ruled almost throughout the reign of Vīra Ballāla II. Severe punishment quelled the Pāṇḍyas, but sowed the seeds of future bitterness¹. During this war Vīra Ballāla had so strengthened himself as to secure his dominions against attack. Kulottunga died in 1216 and was succeeded by his son Rājarāja III and Vīra Ballāla’s reign continued up to A.D. 1220. The two families seem to have entered into a marriage alliance, as one of the queens of Vīra Ballāla bore the name Chola Mahādēvi. The death of these great rulers created a new set of circumstances and gave the opportunity for a forward advance of the Hoysalas.