Death and Succession
The last regnal year cited in Rajaraja's inscription is 26. That makes the last year of his reign 1173. It seems likely that Rajaraja made Rajadhiraja Chola II heir apparent and coregent in 1163. It is very likely that this was because Rajaraja Chola II did not have any direct suitable descendant to ascend the Chola throne. Rajaraja Chola II was not destined to live long. Since, Rajadhiraja himself was quite young, he would require the help of Pallavarayar to usher the young sons of Rajaraja Chola II to safety. According to the inscription, Pallavarayar took steps immediately after the death of Rajaraja Chola II for the protection of the king's children, aged one and two years. According to historian Krishnaswami Aiyangar, Kulothunga Chola III who is widely considered as the last great Chola sovereign was the son of Rajaraja II.
Read more about this topic: Rajaraja Chola II
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