Studies in Cola History and Administration c7.88

c7.88

The data thus brought together from many sources bearing on the subject of this study are calculated to give an idea of the different phases through which the Karikāla legend, so to say, passes in the course of centuries. The figure of Karikāla is to start with thoroughly realistic and historical; there is nothing about it that taxes our credulity or violates our sense of congruity; but soon legend begins its busy work and there comes in much that is not only unhistorical and romantic, but incredible, unnatural and superhuman. The streams of legend flow from many sources, in the Tamil and Telugu countries, till at last the figure of Karikāla is submerged in the sea of religious mythology. The legends are not altogether devoid of interest to the student of folklore and hagiology. For our purpose, however, it is essential that each incident that seeks admission into the history of Karikāla's life and reign must be tested very carefully with reference to the source from which it proceeds and the general probabilities of the case. The performance of this task becomes doubly difficult, if we bear in mind the limitations to our knowledge of the general chronology of South Indian history. Whatever view is held of the age of Śangam literature—our view of it has been stated elsewhere—it should not be allowed to influence unduly the discussion of the evidence relating to particular events of Karikāla's reign on the lines suggested above.