List of Telugu chodas
The List of Telugu Chodas enumerates the rulers and notable figures from multiple branches of the Choda dynasty, a Telugu-speaking offshoot of the ancient Chola lineage, who governed various regions in medieval South India from approximately the 7th to the 14th century.[1][2] These dynasties emerged as feudatories to larger powers such as the Eastern Chalukyas, Chalukya-Cholas, and later the Kakatiyas, while occasionally asserting independence in areas like Renadu, Velanadu, Konidena, and Nellore.[1][3] The Renati Cholas, one of the earliest branches active from the 7th to 9th centuries, are credited with producing some of the oldest Telugu inscriptions and ruling over the Renadu region in present-day Kadapa district.[1] Prominent branches include the Velanati Cholas, who controlled territories around Chandavolu with key rulers such as Gonka I, Rajendra Choda, Gonka II, and Prithviswara, until their annexation by the Kakatiyas around 1257 CE; the Konidena Cholas, who ruled Kammanadu from circa 1050 to 1300 CE under leaders like Balliya Chola and Tribhuvanamalla, known for constructing temples and acknowledging suzerainty from the Chalukya-Cholas; and the Nellore Cholas, the most powerful group, featuring rulers including Tikka Bhupala and Manumasiddha III, whose line ended with Rajagandagopala in the 13th century.[1][2][3] Other notable lineages encompass the Pottapi (Kalahasti) Cholas with six rulers starting from Bettarasa, the Kanduru Chodas who held sway in Nalgonda and Mahbubnagar districts as feudatories of the Kalyani Chalukyas from 1040 to 1290 CE, and the Kondapadumatis who governed west of Kondavidu until 1282 CE under kings like Buddhavarman and Manda II.[1][4][2] These Choda rulers contributed significantly to regional administration, temple construction, and Telugu literature, with figures like Nannechoda and Tikkana emerging as poets under their patronage, while their political alliances and conflicts shaped the fragmented landscape of medieval Andhra.[1][3]Introduction
Historical Overview and Classification
The Telugu Chodas originated as cadet branches of the Imperial Chola dynasty, establishing themselves in the Telugu-speaking regions of South India during the early medieval period. These families claimed descent from the legendary Sangam-era Chola king Karikala Chola, positioning themselves within the Suryavamsa (solar dynasty) lineage that traced back through figures like Ikshvaku and Rama, emphasizing their Kshatriya status.[1] Serving primarily as vassals, the Telugu Chodas owed allegiance to successive overlords including the Pallavas, Western Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, and later the Imperial Cholas, while occasionally asserting semi-independence during power vacuums. They governed territories encompassing parts of present-day Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and southern Odisha, contributing to regional administration, temple patronage, and military campaigns from the 6th century CE onward, with early branches like the Renati Chodas marking the initial phase and medieval lines emerging prominently from the 11th century.[5][6][1] Historians classify the core Telugu Chodas into several distinct branches based on regional strongholds and inscriptional evidence, including the Renati, Pottapi (also known as Kalahasti), Velanati, Konidena, Nannuru, Nellore, and Kunduru families, which are recognized for their sustained rule and cultural ties to Telugu identity. Debates persist regarding the inclusion of minor or disputed lines such as the Eruva Chodas, often viewed as peripheral due to limited records, while non-Telugu offshoots like the Nidugal Cholas in Karnataka are excluded from this categorization owing to their Kannada linguistic and geographical context.[1][3] Current historical understanding reveals gaps in knowledge, particularly concerning inter-branch relations, alliances, and precise periods of autonomy, as surviving inscriptions and literary sources provide fragmented accounts rather than a comprehensive narrative.[7]Language and Cultural Legacy
The Renati Chodas played a pivotal role in the early adoption of Telugu as an administrative language, marking a shift from the predominant use of Prakrit and Sanskrit in inscriptions. The Kalamalla inscription of 575 CE, issued by the Renati Choda ruler Erikal Mutturaju Dhanunjaya, stands as one of the earliest known long inscriptions entirely in Telugu, recording a royal grant and demonstrating the language's viability for official records. This development helped transition Telugu from a spoken vernacular to a written medium, laying foundational precedents for its use in governance and documentation across the Andhra region.[8][9] The cultural legacy of the Telugu Chodas is evident in their patronage of literature and the arts, which fostered a distinct Telugu identity despite their frequent vassal status under larger empires like the Chalukyas and Cholas. A notable example is Nanne Choda, associated with the Nannuru branch of the Telugu Chodas, who composed Kumara Sambhavamu, an influential Telugu adaptation of Kalidasa's Sanskrit epic, blending Shaivite devotion with poetic innovation in the 12th century. This work exemplifies the Chodas' support for Telugu poetry, which drew on local traditions while incorporating classical influences, thereby enriching the emerging corpus of Telugu literature and inscriptions.[10][11] Broader contributions of the Telugu Chodas to Telugu cultural heritage include their role in the evolution of the Telugu script, derived from the Brahmi lineage, through the consistent use of proto-Telugu characters in epigraphy that standardized orthographic forms. By integrating Chola administrative practices—such as land grants and temple endowments—into local Telugu customs, they reinforced regional identity in Andhra, blending southern dynastic elements with indigenous expressions. However, sources on their remnants after the 14th century remain sparse, limiting detailed accounts of their enduring influence.[12]Renati Chodas
List of Rulers
The known rulers of the Renati Chodas, based on inscriptions and historical records, include the following (approximate dates in CE, chronology partially reconstructed from epigraphy):- Nandivarman (c. 500), the earliest known ruler and progenitor, who claimed descent from Karikala Chola of the Kasyapa gotra.[13]
- Simhavishnu (mid-6th century), eldest son of Nandivarman.[14]
- Sundarananda (mid-6th century), second son of Nandivarman.[14]
- Dhananjayavarman (also known as Erikal Mutturaju Dhananjaya, c. 575–600), issued the earliest known Telugu inscription at Kalamalla.[15][14]
- Mahendravikramavarman (c. 600–625), son of Dhananjayavarman, first to use the title "Chola Maharaja."[14]
- Punyakumara (c. 625–655), son of Mahendravikramavarman, mentioned in the 7th-century Malepadu plates; noted for grants and conquests.[14]
- Vikramaditya I (c. 655–680), likely son of Punyakumara.[14]
- Saktikumara (c. 680–705).[14]
- Vikramaditya II (c. 705–730), son of Saktikumara.[14]
- Uttamaditya (c. 730–755), son of Vikramaditya II.[14]
- Satyaditya (c. 730–755), brother of Uttamaditya.[14]
- Mahi Chola (9th century).[14]
- Manu Chola (9th century).[14]
- Jata Chola (late 9th–10th century).[14]
Historical Notes
The Renati Chodas (also called Renadu Cholas) were one of the earliest branches of the Telugu Cholas, ruling the Renadu region—encompassing present-day Kadapa district and parts of Anantapur, Kurnool, and Chittoor districts in Andhra Pradesh—from approximately the 6th to the 9th century CE. Their capital was likely at Chepali or Peddaehappalle. They claimed descent from the ancient Chola king Karikala and belonged to the Kasyapa gotra, using the tiger emblem.[13][14] Initially independent, the dynasty came under Pallava influence in the mid-6th century, with rulers like Nandivarman adopting names reflecting subjugation. By the 7th century, they issued inscriptions in archaic Telugu, marking a significant cultural milestone; the Kalamalla inscription of 575 CE by Erikal Mutturaju Dhananjaya is considered the oldest Telugu epigraph. Later, they acknowledged suzerainty of the Eastern Chalukyas.[1][15] Their rule involved land grants, temple endowments, and local administration, contributing to the spread of Telugu as an administrative language. The dynasty's decline in the 9th century coincided with the rise of other Telugu Chola branches and larger powers like the Chalukyas. Epigraphic evidence, including over 50 stone inscriptions and copper plates, forms the primary source, though a complete genealogy is elusive due to gaps in records. Archaeological findings, such as 7th–8th century inscriptions in Kadapa, continue to provide insights into their era.[13][14]Pottapi Chodas
List of Rulers
The Pottapi Chodas, also known as the Kalahasti Chodas, were a branch of the Telugu Chodas who ruled the Renadu region around Pottapi (modern Cuddapah district) and Kalahasti from the 11th to 13th centuries CE. Their genealogy is partially reconstructed from inscriptions, with the following known rulers:- Bijjana Choda (early 11th century, progenitor of the line)
- Malladeva (grandson of Bijjana)
- Pinamallideva (c. 1023 CE)
- Rama Choda (c. 1099 CE)
- Bettarasa (c. 1121–1125 CE)
- Opilisiddhi (mid-13th century, feudatory of Kakatiya Ganapati)
- Opilisiddhi II (c. 1222 CE, last mainline ruler)
- Rajadeva
- Bhimadeva
- Kesavadeva (late 13th century, minor claimants persisted until c. 1498 CE as mahamandalesvaras)[1][16][17]
Historical Notes
The Pottapi Chodas emerged as a collateral branch of the Telugu Chodas, claiming descent from the ancient Chola king Karikala. They governed the Cuddapah-Kalahasti area, with Pottapi as their capital, functioning primarily as feudatories to the Imperial Cholas, Western Chalukyas of Kalyani, and later the Kakatiyas of Warangal. Inscriptions from Nandalur and other sites in Cuddapah district document their rule, highlighting land grants, temple endowments (e.g., to Siva temples), and military service to overlords.[18][16] Key figures like Bettarasa, who reigned for about five years, and Opilisiddhi II, who acknowledged Kakatiya suzerainty around 1222 CE, illustrate their subordinate yet autonomous status. The dynasty declined after Opilisiddhi II due to lack of heirs, though collateral lines continued as local chiefs under Kakatiya and subsequent powers until the late 15th century. Their contributions include epigraphic records in Telugu, aiding the study of medieval Andhra administration and Chola cultural continuity, though full chronological details remain fragmentary due to limited inscriptions. Enhanced epigraphic research in Cuddapah could clarify their exact timeline and alliances.[1][17]Velanati Chodas
List of Rulers
The Velanati Chodas, also known as the Velanadu Chodas, were a prominent branch of the Telugu Chodas who ruled the Velanadu region in medieval Andhra from the 11th to 13th centuries. Their known rulers, based on inscriptions and historical records, include:- Eriya (early founder, c. 10th century)
- Malla I (or Maliya, c. late 10th-early 11th century)
- Gonka I (c. 1076–1108 CE)
- Rajendra Choda I (c. 1108–1132 CE)
- Gonka II (c. 1132–1163 CE)
- Rajendra Choda II (c. 1163–1181 CE)
- Gonka III (c. 1181–1186 CE)
- Prithvisvara (c. 1186–c. 1250 CE)
Historical Notes
The Velanati Chodas originated as feudatories of the Eastern Chalukyas and later the Chalukya-Cholas, with their capital at Dhanadapura (modern Chandavolu or Tsandavole in East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh). Under rulers like Gonka II, they expanded their territory to include areas from Mahendragiri in the northeast to Srisailam and Kalahasti in the south and west, achieving semi-independence while defending Vengi against incursions from the Western Chalukyas of Kalyani.[19][2] Belonging to the Durjaya family, they prefixed "Choda" to their names to signify allegiance to the Chola emperors. They controlled sub-feudatories such as the Haihayas of Palnadu and contributed to temple construction and regional administration. The dynasty's influence waned in the 13th century due to conflicts with neighboring powers, culminating in their subjugation by the Kakatiyas under Ganapati Deva. Inscriptions from sites like Draksharamam, Chandavolu, and Chebrolu provide key evidence of their rule and cultural patronage.[1][2]Konidena Chodas
List of Rulers
The Konidena Chodas, a branch of the Telugu Chodas, ruled over Kammanadu (present-day Guntur district) with their capital at Konidena (modern Kotyadona near Narasaraopeta). Their known rulers, based on inscriptions and historical records, include:- Kannara Choda (c. 11th century): An early independent ruler.
- Kama Choda (c. late 11th century): Ruled independently; father of Tribhuvana Malla Choda.
- Tribhuvana Malla Choda (c. 1146 CE): Served as a chieftain under Gonka II of the Velanati Chodas; known for temple constructions and grants, as mentioned in the Konidena inscription.[3]
- Nanni Choda II (c. 12th century): Declared independence but was subdued by Gonka II.
- Balli Choda (or Balliya Choda, c. 12th-13th century): Later ruler who acknowledged suzerainty of the Kakatiyas.
- Other early figures: Ancestral claims include Dasavarman (c. 1100 CE), who conquered Pakarashtra, and mythical ancestors like Jatachoda and Karikala Chola.[3]
Historical Notes
The Konidena Chodas emerged as a northern branch of the Pottapi Chodas around the 11th century, claiming descent from the solar dynasty (Kashyapa gotra) and the ancient Chola king Karikala. They governed Kammanadu as feudatories, initially to the Chalukya-Cholas and later to the Western Chalukyas of Kalyani and the Kakatiyas of Warangal.[3][1] Key contributions include temple endowments and land grants, with rulers like Tribhuvana Malla Choda patronizing Shaivism and constructing shrines such as Tribhuvanamalla. The dynasty's independence was limited after the 12th century, culminating in subordination to the Kakatiya ruler Ganapatideva following the decline of the Velanati Chodas around 1220 CE. Their rule ended by the early 14th century with the expansion of Kakatiya influence. Inscriptions from Boppudi and other sites provide primary evidence, highlighting their administrative roles and cultural ties to broader Chola traditions. Scholarly works note their role in regional fragmentation, though a complete genealogy remains elusive due to sparse records.[3]Nannuru Chodas
List of Rulers
The Nannuru Chodas were a branch of the Telugu Chodas who ruled the Pakanadu region, corresponding to parts of present-day Anantapur district in Andhra Pradesh, during the medieval period. Detailed genealogical records are scarce, and the known rulers are primarily identified through literary and epigraphic references rather than comprehensive inscriptions. The branch is best known through its association with the poet Nanne Choda (also known as Nannechoda), a 12th-century figure who belonged to this family and may have served as a ruler or chieftain.[20] Nanne Choda, holding titles such as Tekanadityudu (Lord of the Southern Country) and Kaviraja Sikhamani (Ornament among Poets), was a feudatory to the Kakatiya dynasty in the 12th century. He is credited with composing the Telugu work Kumara Sambhavamu, an adaptation of Kalidasa's Sanskrit poem. Some sources suggest he ruled over areas in Prakasam district as a local chief under Kakatiya suzerainty. No other specific rulers are clearly documented for this branch, highlighting the limited epigraphic evidence available.[21][22]Historical Notes
The Nannuru Chodas represent a minor but culturally significant branch of the Telugu Choda dynasties, active primarily in the 12th century as feudatories to larger powers like the Kakatiyas. Their rule was centered in Pakanadu, a region in western Andhra Pradesh, and they contributed to Telugu literature through patronage or direct involvement, exemplified by Nanne Choda's poetic works. Unlike more prominent branches such as the Nellore or Velanati Chodas, the Nannuru line lacks extensive inscriptions, making their history fragmentary and reliant on literary traditions.[20] These chiefs claimed descent from the ancient Chola lineage, including figures like Karikala, and maintained local administration, temple endowments, and cultural activities. Their political role was limited to vassalage, supporting Kakatiya expansion in return for autonomy over small territories. Scholarly consensus places them as part of the broader network of Telugu Choda polities that shaped medieval Andhra's fragmented landscape, though further epigraphic discoveries in Anantapur and adjacent areas could provide more clarity on their genealogy and achievements.[23]Nellore Chodas
List of Rulers
The Nellore Chodas, a prominent branch of the Telugu Chodas, ruled the Nellore region from approximately the late 12th to early 14th century. Their genealogy, derived from inscriptions and historical records, includes the following key rulers:- Bijjana Choda: Founder of the Nellore line, late 12th century. Served as a feudatory under the Later Cholas.
- Tikka I (Tikka Choda I or Thirukalatti): Ruled ca. 1223–1250 CE. Son of Bijjana; aided Rajaraja Chola III in regaining the throne and extended influence to the Kaveri River. Known for military support against the Hoysalas.[24]
- Manumasiddha II (Vijaya Gandagopala): Ruled ca. 1250–1290/1291 CE. Son of Tikka I; titled "Lord of Kanchi"; continued as a vassal to the Later Cholas, facing regional power shifts.
- Nallasiddha: Brief rule or co-ruler, son of Manumasiddha II; transitional figure in the late 13th century.
- Manumasiddha III (Vira Gandagopala or Rajagandagopala): Ruled ca. 1290/1291–1316 CE. Son of Nallasiddha; vassal to the Kakatiyas; lost Kanchipuram to the Pandyas in 1312 CE. The dynasty ended with his death, as per the last known inscription dated March 4, 1316 CE.[24]
Historical Notes
The Nellore Chodas emerged in the late 12th century as feudatories of the Later Chola Empire, claiming descent from the ancient Chola king Karikala. They governed the Nellore region in present-day Andhra Pradesh, with their capital at Nellore (Nellorehapura). Under rulers like Tikka I, they provided crucial military aid to the Cholas against rivals such as the Hoysalas and Pandyas, helping stabilize southern frontiers. By the mid-13th century, as Chola power waned, the Nellore Chodas shifted allegiance to the Kakatiya Kingdom of Warangal, serving as local governors.[24] Their rule, spanning ca. 1223–1316 CE, was marked by temple endowments, land grants, and administrative roles, evidenced by inscriptions in Nellore and surrounding areas (e.g., Annual Reports on Epigraphy, Nos. 416 of 1919 and others). Figures like Manumasiddha III navigated conflicts, including losses to the Pandyas, leading to the dynasty's decline. After 1316, the region fell under Kakatiya, Pandya, and later Vijayanagara control, with remnant Choda lines persisting into the 15th century as minor chiefs. The Nellore Chodas contributed to the political fragmentation of medieval Andhra, blending Chola traditions with Telugu regionalism. Scholarly analysis relies on epigraphic evidence, with ongoing debates on exact chronologies due to fragmentary records.[24][25]Kunduru Chodas
List of Rulers
The Kunduru Chodas (also known as Kandur Cholas) were a branch of the Telugu Chodas who ruled Kandurunadu, comprising about 1100 villages in present-day Nalgonda, Mahabubnagar, Nagar Kurnool, Suryapeta, and Wanaparthy districts of Telangana, from approximately 1040 to 1290 CE. They claimed descent from the ancient Chola king Karikala and functioned primarily as feudatories to the Western Chalukyas of Kalyani and later the Kakatiyas. Below is a list of their known rulers, based on inscriptions and historical records:[26]| Ruler | Reign (approx. CE) | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Eruva Bhima Choda I | 1040–1060 | Founder; ruled from Panugallu; subordinate to Western Chalukyas. |
| Tondaya I | 1065–1077 | Asserted greater autonomy; inscriptions from Panugallu. |
| Bhima Choda II | 1077–1091 | Expanded territory; granted Kandurunadu; capitals at Panugallu and Kodur. |
| Tondaya II | 1091–1097 | Succeeded his father; ruled from Panugallu. |
| Mallikarjuna Choda | 1097–1104 | Brother of Tondaya II; ruled from Kodur. |
| Bhima Choda III | 1104–1128 | Co-ruled with Gokarna Choda I; navigated Chalukya-Kakatiya conflicts. |
| Gokarna Choda I | 1104–1128 | Co-ruled; involved in regional politics from Panugallu. |
| Sridevi Tondaya | 1128–1136 | Declared independence briefly; ruled from Kodur. |
| Govinda-damdesa | 1128–1136 | Rebel leader; defeated by Kakatiya Prola II; from Panugallu. |
| Udayachoda II | 1136–1178 | Accepted Kakatiya suzerainty after defeat; capitals at Panugallu, Kodur, and Vardhamanapuram. |
| Gokarna Choda II | 1178–1224 | Ruled as Kakatiya vassal from Panugallu. |
| Bhima Choda IV | 1178–c. 1235 | Last major ruler; reduced influence; from Kodur. |
| Udayaditya Choda III | c. 1235 | Brief rule; son of Somanathadeva; from Kodur. |
| Gokarna Choda III | 1243 | Issued inscriptions; minor ruler. |
| Ramanathadevachoda | 1282 | Last known ruler; subordinate to Kakatiya queen Rudramadevi. |
Historical Notes
The Kunduru Chodas emerged around 1040 CE as local chiefs under the Western Chalukyas, with their territory centered on the south banks of the Krishna River, south of the Kakatiya domain. They enjoyed a period of relative sovereignty from 1076 to 1224 CE, during which they issued numerous inscriptions detailing land grants, temple endowments, and administrative acts, often using the tiger emblem symbolic of Chola heritage. Their capitals shifted between Panugallu (Penugal), Kodur, and Vardhamanapuram, reflecting strategic adaptations to political pressures.[26] As feudatories, they provided military support to overlords like the Chalukyas against rivals and later acknowledged Kakatiya supremacy following defeats, such as that of Govinda-damdesa by Prola II in the 1130s. The dynasty contributed to regional temple construction and irrigation projects, with records preserved in Kakatiya inscriptions. Their rule effectively ended in 1224 CE when Kakatiya emperor Ganapatideva reassigned their territories to the poet Gona Gani (Gona Ganapayya), marking the integration of Kandurunadu into the Kakatiya empire. Scholarly works highlight their role in maintaining Chola cultural continuity in Telugu-speaking areas amid medieval power shifts.[26][1]Eruva Cholas
List of Rulers
The Eruva Cholas, a branch of the Telugu Chodas, are known from inscriptions dating primarily to the 12th and 13th centuries, with more than six rulers attested who prefixed "Eruva" to their names. A complete genealogy has not been established due to fragmentary records. These rulers claimed descent from the ancient Chola king Karikala and used titles such as "lord of Urayur." They operated as local chiefs in Eruvanadu (also known as Eruvadesa), possibly extending to parts of present-day Cuddapah, northern Nellore, and Guntur districts.[27] Specific names are sparsely documented in epigraphy, and no comprehensive list exists in available sources. Apart from this line, a separate Eruva Chola dynasty ruled the region around Rajahmundry in the mid-14th century, but its rulers remain unidentified in current records.Historical Notes
The Eruva Cholas ruled over Eruvanadu or Eruvadesa for more than two centuries, from approximately 1120 to 1330 CE. This region likely encompassed areas in the Cuddapah district and adjacent territories, including mentions alongside Pottapinadu, Mulikinadu, and Sakili in inscriptions. Their influence was localized, functioning as feudatories to larger powers such as the Western Chalukyas or Kakatiyas, though exact affiliations are unclear due to limited records.[27] These Cholas contributed to regional administration through land grants and temple endowments, maintaining cultural ties to the broader Chola tradition via their claimed Karikala lineage and symbolic elements like the tiger emblem. A distinct Eruva Chola line emerged near Rajahmundry around the mid-14th century, possibly as a collateral branch, but further details are scarce. Scholarly analysis relies on scattered inscriptions and literary references, with ongoing debates about the precise territorial extent and connections to other Telugu Choda families like the Pottapi or Nellore branches. Enhanced epigraphic studies could clarify their role in medieval Andhra's political landscape.[27]Unknown Branches
List of Rulers
The rulers of unidentified Telugu Choda branches are documented through scattered inscriptions, primarily from the Kurnool and Anantapur regions in Andhra Pradesh, dating to the 11th-13th centuries, though most lack specific dates and form a loose collection without established chronology. These local chiefs appear to have functioned as feudatories or minor lords, possibly under the influence of larger powers like the Western Chalukyas or Kakatiyas, but their exact affiliations remain unclear due to the absence of detailed genealogical records.[28] A key figure among these is Kandur Tondarasa Chola Maharaja (also referred to as Tondaya Chola or Kandura Tondaya), who ruled over the Kollipa (Kollipaka) region in Kurnool district during the late 11th century, approximately 1087-1097 CE. Inscriptions describe him as a Mahamandalesvara of the Kasyapa gotra and Karikala lineage, associated with the solar race, and lord of Kodurpura; he made grants for temples such as Somesvara and Uttaresvara at Kolanupaka, including land and resources for perpetual lamps and rituals.[29] His rule is evidenced by multiple epigraphs on pillars and temple structures, highlighting administrative acts like tax exemptions and irrigation support, but no successors or predecessors are explicitly linked.[28] Additional unattributed rulers include minor maharajas mentioned in inscriptions from Anantapur district, such as:- Chiddanadeva (c. 1059 CE), recorded at Donekallu.
- Bijjana (c. 1079 CE), grant at Sangaraesvara.
- Ballaya Chola (c. 1088 CE), grant at Konakandla.
- Ghateyana (c. 1109 CE), Uravakonda inscription.
- Vankana (c. 1134 CE), record at Kolimigundla.