1173 Polonnaruwa invasion of Chola

1173 Polonnaruwa invasion of Chola
Location Ramanathapuram
Belligerents
Polonnaruwa army	Chola dynasty Chola tributaries
Commanders and leaders
General Lankapura	Governors of Tondi and Pasi

In 1173, an invasion began against the dynasties of South India by the Sinhalese king and conqueror Maha Parakramabahu.^[1][2] His armies and Vira pandya armies first captured the Pandyan kingdom, and then advanced into Chola Nadu, attacking the Tondi and Pasi regions of Present-day Ramanathapuram.

Background

In approximately 1173, the Sinhalese kingdom of Polonnaruwa, invaded the neighbouring Pandya kingdom and overthrew its leader Kulasekhara Pandyan. The Sinhalese monarch, Parakramabahu I ordered Vira Pandyan to be installed to the throne. However due to the Chola king, Rajadhiraja's increased his involvement in the war, the Chola mainland Ramanathapuram region Tondi and pasi became a target of the invading forces.

Invasion of Chola kingdoms

After conquering the Pandyan kingdom,^[1][3] The captives were sent for works, such as repairing the stupas.^[4]

Chola reactions

Rajadhiraja instructed his general to kill Lankapura. Meanwhile, the fear-ridden residents, started performing for Shiva, expecting for relief from the invaders.

The worshippers carried the worship for 28 days, until they received the news Lankapura and other soldiers are killed by Cholas. The chief who ruled the village of Arapakkam, Edirisola Subramanam, granted the village to a Hindu priest who helped conduct worships.

References

Sources

• Parker. Ancient Ceylon.
• Wright, Arnold. 20th Century Impressions of Ceylon (reprint ed.). Asoan Education Services.
• Siriweera, W. History of Sri Lanka.
• Balasubrahmanyam, S. Early Chola Temples.
• Aiyangar, S. K. South India.