| Battle of Venni | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Karikala |
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Battle of Venni (c. 190 CE[2][1]) was a military engagement fought by the early historic Chola ruler Karikala against a confederacy led by the Pandya and Chera rulers.[1][2] Venni is generally identified with present day Kovil Venni east of Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.[2]
A confederacy of eleven rulers, led by the Chera and Pandya, including several minor velir chieftains, were defeated at Venni.[2]
The Chera ruler, named "Cheraman Perum Cheralathan", was wounded on the back while leading the warriors (pierced by a shaft). Not being able to bear the disgrace, he committed suicide by slow starvation ("sitting by facing the north"). It is said that some of his companions also committed suicide unwilling to part with him.[2]
The Chera ruler generally is identified with Adu Kottu Pattu Cheralathan.[1][3]
- ^ a b c d e Karashima, Noboru, ed. (2014). "States in Deccan and Kerala". A Concise History of South India: Issues and Interpretations. Oxford University Press. pp. 50–51. ISBN 978-0-19-809977-2.
- ^ a b c d e f g Sastri, K. A.Nilakanta (1958) [1955]. A History of South India: From Prehistoric Times to the Fall of Vijayanagar (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press. pp. 119–120.
- ^ Aiyar, K. G. Sesha (1937). "Adu-kot-pattuc-Ceralatan". Chera Kings of the Sangam Period. London: Luzac and Co. pp. 29–32.