Battle of Takkolam

The Battle of Takkolam (948–949) was a significant military confrontation between the Chola and Rashtrakuta empires for dominance in southern India. It occurred when Rajaditya, the crown prince and eldest son of Chola king Parantaka I, led a Chola contingent against Krishna III, the Rashtrakuta king, at Takkolam. The battle ended with Rajaditya's death and the defeat of the Chola forces. This conflict marked the climax of the long-standing rivalry between the two imperial powers.

In preparation for this decisive battle, Parantaka I had sent Rajaditya to secure the northern frontier of his empire, supported by troops from Kerala chiefdoms. The Rashtrakuta army included feudal militias and royal soldiers from allied kingdoms like the Western Gangas, Banas, and Vaidumbas. During the battle, according to Krishna III's Atakur inscription, Rajaditya was struck by an arrow from Butuga II, a young underlord of Krishna III, while riding his war elephant, leading to his immediate death.

The Chola defeat at Takkolam had severe consequences. The empire suffered significant territorial losses, with the Rashtrakutas advancing as far as Rameswaram and extracting tribute from neighboring kingdoms, including the Pandyas and Keralas. This victory elevated Krishna III's status, earning him the epithet "Tanjaiyunkonda" or "Conqueror of Tanjore." The battle marked a turning point in Chola history, reversing their earlier political gains and plunging the empire into instability.