The Colas c19.52

c19.52

For a study of the reign of Rājakēsari Vīrarājēndra I, (accession A.D. 1062-3), we possess a considerabe number of inscriptions with *praśastis* in two main forms and in various redactions, which fit into one another with remarkable correctness.¹³⁹ The longer *praśasti* beginning *Tiruvaḻar-tiraḷ-puyattu* gives in its earlier form a list of the king's relations on whom he conferred various official positions,¹⁴⁰ but omits this list in its later editions.¹⁴¹ The *praśasti* grows in length as the reign advances, and new events are incorporated in it. The shorter introduction beginning *Vīramē-tuṇaiyāgavum* passes through many changes and attains in the seventh year an altogether new cast, and records facts not otherwise known. These changes will be noticed subsequently when they are of any historical importance. The *Kalingattupparaṇi* and the *Vikramaśōḻan-ulā* record no events of the reign of Vīrarājēndra other than the battle of Kūḍal-Śangamam. The *Takkayāgapparaṇi*,¹⁴² on the other hand, mentions his friendship with Vikramāditya VI.