The Tigris Standard

Mugavurai

Mugavurai means 'introduction' in the Tamil language.
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The Cholas, the ever so glorious clan that belonged to the Southeastern parts of Bhārata, the Tamizhakam, has had a span of excellent leadership, that has made the dynasty's legacy as radiant as the dazzling sun. Originally, the Cholas were the descendants of the irreproachable king Shibi, the son of king Ushinara and his better half Drshtavatī of Chandravamsha, who had committed the virtuous deed of offering his very flesh to save a Dove's life. The timeline of the Cholas can be dissected into 3 parts - Early, mediaeval and later Cholas. Kings such as Manu needhi Cholan, Vijayālaya Cholan, Parāntaka 1, Gandarāditya etc come under the early Cholas. Parāntaka 2, Rājarāja 1, Rājendra 1, Rājādhirāja along with others belong to the Mediaeval Cholas, under whom, the dynasty flourished into greatness. Kulōthungan 1, Vikrama Cholan and other rulers belong to the Later Cholas, where the dynasty slowly faced it's decline.

The Cholas, even though preserved other faiths like Buddhism, Jainism, Vaishnavism etc were ardent devotees of Shiva. Their devotion for the timeless Mahādeva is quite well known. The Cholas also helped in the conservation of Buddhism and Jainism by building several temples and Vihāras. For example, Kundavai Pirāttiyār, the kingmaker, had herself commissioned several donations, temples and hospitals for the sustenance of the faiths.

The Cholas have maintained an innovative ruling system, a centralised one to be specific. The Cholas have shifted their capital, as far as I'm concerned, multiple times - Uraiyūr, Puhār or Pūmpuhār, Pazhaya Arai or Nandīpuram, Thanjāvūr and Gangaikondacholapuram were those imperial cities.

Here, the king/emperor was considered to be the servant of the subjects as well as the powerful commander. Yet, the organisation of the ruling system and the careful balance of powers between the central and the local control made the Cholan government unique.

Every detail of what was voiced in the Cholan court was inscribed in written records, usually carved out on the temple walls or written on palm leaves. A special official, called the 'Thirumandira ōlai nāyagam' was allotted towards this responsibility. The accuracy of the records depended upon the official. Marayan, Adigārigal were some of such titles. The seniority of the official depended on the title 'Perundanam' or 'Sirutanam'. Perundanam is the senior official and Sirutanam is the junior official.

Majority of the Cholan officials begot the post due to hereditary reasons into provinces, called Mandalam or Pādi.

Coming to the Chōlan military, they were one of the most fierce warriors of their time. They also had an impeccable naval service, which shall be discussed more within the tale.

Interestingly, the Chōlās had an army of women warriors, called the 'Padimagalir' who were bodyguards to the king and accompanied him even at war to protect him.

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The Chālukyas were the mighty rulers of Karnataka. In this story, we shall discuss primarily about the Vātāpi or Bādāmi Chālukyas, also known as the eastern Chālukyas, who are said to be the earliest of the Chālukyas.

The origins of the Chālukyas, as far as I'm concerned, have several different theories, which is why I am not talking about them, but, I'm sure that they were the natives of Karnataka.

This dynasty, similar to the Chōlās were divided into 3 - The eastern Chālukyas, in which the dynasty faced it's golden age, the Chālukyas of Vengi, which is the modern day Andhra Pradesh, spread over the Krishna-Godavari riverine deltas and the western Chālukyas, where the Chālukyas eclipsed.

The most prominent ruler of the Bādāmi Chālukyas was Pulakeshin the second. Post his expiration, the eastern Chālukyan kingdom was independent, ruling the Deccan. Pulakēshin's brother was given the land of Vengi, which is modern Andhra Pradesh, to rule. He later declared it as an independent kingdom, thus forming the emergence of the Chālukyas of Vengi.

As the Rāshtrakūtās arose during the 8th century, the Chālukyas withered. Yet, some of the future rulers revived the dynasty that was deteriorating, up until the late 10th century. The new Chālukyas, the western Chālukyas of Kalyāni, present day Basavkalyan, ruled until the end of 12 century until it's death.

The Chālukyas, even though being the followers of Hinduism, tolerated Buddhism and Jainism. Buddhism flourished during the early periods of their rule, Jainism was a prominent religion during the time, which was promoted. Several carvings and other structures like temples were constructed to sustain the faiths.

The Chālukyas, much like the Chōlās, followed a centralised administrative system, where all the powers were confiscated to the king. The ministers and others assisted and adviced the king whenever necessary.

The prime minister was called as Mahāmātya. The commander in chief of the army was Dandanāyaka, the revenue collector was Pattaika. More information regarding this shall be explained within the story.

The Chālukyas had an excellent navy and a strong army. The army consisted of cavalry, infantry and elephants, which were intoxicated using liquor before war. The Chālukyan navy had conquered Revatidvīpa, which is present day Goa and Puri.

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Now, getting into the story, this tale of mine mainly revolves around the Chōla-Chālukya conflicts.

The timeline we'll be focusing would be an imaginary one between the leadership of Rājendra 1, where the dynasty flourished and Kulōthunga 1, where the Chālukyas started playing political games against the Chōlās, despite being relatives.

Well, how were they relatives? It all started when the daughter of Rājarāja 1, Kundavai (not to be confused with Kundavai Pirāttiyaar, his sister) married Vimalāditya, a Chālukyan prince. From then on, the Chōlās and Chālukyas held marital relations. Mostly, Chōlan princesses were married off to Chālukyan princes.

The main cause of their conflict was one thing - the river Kāveri. The Kāveri delta was immensely fertile and both the dynasties tried to covet it. This land could increase the flow of money into their coffers.

Here, the Chōlan king is Sēmbiyan Meghavarnan. 'Sēmbiyan' literally translates into 'The descendant of Shibi'.

Meghavarnan has 2 queens, Nāgavēnī and Chittavati Rattana. Nāgavēnī used to be a Ganika, which is basically a Veshya or prostitute educated in the 64 arts. This is a reference and tribute to the king Krishnadevarāya's mother, Nāgamāmba and wife, Chinna Devi, who were Ganikas. Krishnadevarāya had to court his lover turned wife, Chinna Devi before he got married to her. Chittavati Rattana is a Thai princess who got married to Meghavarnan. This practice of the Tamil kings marrying women from SE Asia was pretty common.

Through Nāgavēnī, he has 2 kids, a son and a daughter, Chandrachūdan and Kadalvizhi. Chandrachūdan was married to Dyah Jaatavēdasi, a Cambodian princess, and is currently ruling Cambodia. Kadalvizhi, the ambitious princess is not yet married.

Through Chittavati, he begets a son named Vatsanābha, who is currently the Chōlan military commander.

Coming to the Chālukyas, their king is Arimardana, who has married Riddhimati, the princess of Kalinga out of love. They have a son named Anantaka. He also marries the princess of Vanga, named Pēlava to secure an alliance. They have a baby daughter named Chandrashōbhaa.

Now, about the other characters. We have the family of Ranganāthabhattar and Meenāmbāl. Their occupation and the occupations of one of their children is something I wanna keep as a mystery right now. They have 4 children - Subrahmanian, Macchakanni, Marathagavalli and Chārukeshin. Subrahmanian works as the the head priest at the Gangaikondachōleeshwarar temple. Macchakanni is the head Devadāsī of the temple. Devadāsī system in Tamizhakam was different. They were known as 'Devar Adigālar' and both men and women could join this post. It literally means 'Servants of the Deity'. Abayomi, also known as Sōman, is the male head.
Marathagavalli is the commander of the Padimagalir. Here, I've taken creative liberty to make the Padimagalir fight battles. Well, they did accompany the ruler to battle and protected him from potential ambushes, so, I see why not incorporate this. Marathagavalli is lesbian.
Chārukeshin's occupation is gonna be a mystery for now, but his lover-cum-wife is Maatangi, a Veshya.

Another important character is Kiraati, who's mysterious, atleast for now.

Then comes Kaushika, the commander in chief of the army of the Chālukyas.

The rest of the characters are gonna appear as you proceed through the book.