Background
When there was turmoil in the
Chola empire after the death of Ilamchetchenni, his son Karikala was not given
the throne and he faced many difficulties in claiming his right to the throne.
During this phase of inner fights inside Chola kingdom, the neighbouring
kingdoms saw a great opportunity in that situation. They wanted to take
advantage of this situation of civil wars in Chola kingdom and attack it. They
thought that, as the Chola kingdom was unstable because of internal fights,
they can easily attack and invade it. Two great kingdoms Pandyan empire and
Chera empire who were at the peaks of power during that time wanted to attack
and invade weak Chola empire. Along with them, 11 minor neighboring empires of
Cholas also wanted to try their luck by attacking Chola dynasty.
The Karikala Chola had
succeeded in vanquishing rival claimants and establishing his hold over the
kingdom. Chera and Pandyan kings saw their chance and forming a confederacy
which also included 11 minor neighboring empires, invaded the Chola kingdom.
Battle
As Karikala Chola was new to
rule, the opposition underestimated his abilities. The two armies met at Venni
(present day Kovilvenni located 15 km from Thanjavur). Karikala fought a strategic
battle. The Chera king, Uthiyan Cheralathan was wounded on his back in the
battle.
Finally, the brilliant strategies
of Karikala Chola fetched him absolute victory crushing the combined forces.
After the Battle:
Karikala Chola gave a shock
to the opponents and won the battle defeating all of them. This was one of the
greatest moments in history of India where a king facing powerful allied forces
stood victorious. There can be no doubt that it marked the turning point in
Karikala's career. Due to this defeat, the Chera ruler Uthiyan Cheralathan
committed suicide by starvation. Karikala Chola and Chola empire became supreme
power in the entire South India with that win.
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