Ilamchetchenni - Father Of Karikala Chola And Founder Of Early Chola Empire

Ilamchetchenni was probably the founder of Chola dynasty as he was the first known ruler of Chola empire during the Sangam era. He was the father of one of the greatest rulers of early Chola kingdom, Karikala Chola. As we know that Chola dynasty was one of the three greatest kingdoms of South India, the other two being Pandya and Chera kingdoms.

He ruled the Chola empire with Puhar as his capital city. He married a princess of Velirs. Velirs were a royal house of minor dynastic kings and aristocratic chieftains in Tamilakam in the early historic period. They gave birth to Karikala Chola the great.

It was said that he was contemporary with the ruler of Mauryan dynasty named Bindusara, who was ruling North India. It was one of the greatest dynasties in Indian history. As we mentioned in our previous article named Bindusara Amitraghata that he occupied most of India except Kalinga and Chola empires. You can read the article in the above link. It was because Illamchetchenni had a friendly relation with Mauryans or he showed a greater resistance to them.

He made Chola, a superior power in South India than Pandyas and Cheras. He was succeeded by his son Karikala Chola.