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
Famous quotes containing the words death and/or succession:
“Death is too much for men to bear, whereas women, who are practiced in bearing the deaths of men before their own and who are also practiced in bearing life, take death almost in stride. They go to meet death—that is, they attempt suicide—twice as often as men, though men are more “successful” because they use surer weapons, like guns.”
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