A History of South India from Prehistoric Times to the Fall of Vijayanagar c14.28

c14.28

Before 1050, Someśvara succeeded in driving the Chola forces out of his territory. He also re-established his influence in Vengi and compelled Rājārāja to acknowledge his suzerainty in the place of that of the Cholas. Lastly, he sent a counter-expedition into Chola territory which returned after making a dash against Kāñchi. These successes were only spurs to further effort on the part of Rājādhirāja, although, for reasons not now clear, he did not make any attempt to recover Vengi or Kalinga where Someśvara had established himself. Rājādhirāja, assisted by his younger brother and *yuvarāja* Rājendra II, led another expedition against Someśvara (1053-4) and a battle was fought at Koppam (Kopbal), a place of great natural strength on the river Krishna. It was hotly contested and Rājādhirāja fell mortally wounded. Rājendra who had held himself in reserve then pressed forward and turned the defeat into victory. He put several Chālukyan generals to death and forced their army to retreat in disorder leaving many elephants, horses, camels, and much booty to fall into the hands of the Cholas along with several women, including some of the queens. Rājendra II crowned himself king on the battlefield and advanced to Kollāpura where he planted a pillar of victory (*jayastambha*) before he returned to his capital, Gangaikondaśōlapuram.