The Early History of the Deccan (Parts I–XI) v2.c13.s2.5

v2.c13.s2.5

Bhīma also invaded Toṇḍaimaṇḍalam in the south in A.D. 1001. Though the reasons for this incursion are not definitely recorded, yet a study of the contemporary Chōḷa and Eastern Chāḷukya inscriptions makes it quite clear that it was provoked by the aggressive attitude of the Chōḷa king, Rājarāja I, who in pursuance of imperialistic ambitions espoused the cause of the sons of Dānārṇava, and having given his daughter Kundavai in marriage to Vimalāditya, the younger of the two princes, invaded Vengi in A.D. 999-1000 with the object of restoring the elder brother Śaktivarman I to his ancestral throne. Although the inscriptions dated in Rājarāja’s 14th regnal year (A.D. 999-1000) state clearly that he conquered Vengi, he was apparently in reality not completely successful. Jaṭā Chōḍa Bhīma was a formidable enemy supported by powerful allies. He was not so easily overthrown as the Chōla inscriptions would have us believe. The epigraphs of the reign of Śaktivarman I,¹ which curiously enough are completely silent about the help given by the Chōlas, and attribute the entire credit of victory to his unrivalled valour, envisage, as a matter of fact, two or even three campaigns against Bhīma. (1) When Śaktivarman I, accompanied, of course, by his Chōla ally, advanced on Vengi, he was at first opposed by a famous warrior called Ekavīra who was sent to arrest the progress of his invasion by Bhīma; but Ekavīra, able and experienced as he was, proved unequal to the situation. He himself was killed in battle and his followers were dispersed. (2) Śaktivarman was next attacked by Mahārāja and Baddema, probably Telugu Chōḍa princes ruling in the south-western Telugu country; but they also suffered defeat and were obliged to seek safety in flight. These reverses appear to have brought home to Bhīma the seriousness of the danger threatening him. He was obliged to leave Vengi and to retire into the hills and jungles of Kalinga. Śaktivarman I occupied the country and proclaimed himself king. The Chōla army having effected their purpose returned to their native country, believing that he was now securely established on his ancestral throne. However, they were soon undeceived. Bhīma did not lose courage. He gathered fresh forces and proceeded at their head towards Vengi. It is not known whether Śaktivarman I adopted any measures to oppose him. If he really offered any resistance, it cannot have been effective, for Bhīma passed through Vengi triumphantly, and succeeded, as already stated, in penetrating into the heart of Toṇḍaimandalam. He laid siege to Kāñchī, the second city in the Chōla kingdom, and captured it in A.D. 1001-2. But he was not permitted to remain there long. Rājarāja I soon expelled him from his dominions, and devised means for his final defeat. Rājarāja invaded the coastal Telugu country once again in A.D. 1002-3, advanced as far north as Kalinga, and having slain Bhīma in battle established Śaktivarman I firmly in Vengi.