Kolli Hills: Ancient Hill of Valvil Ori, a Sangam Chieftain

Kolli Hills (கொல்லி மலை), the "Mountains of Death," is a small mountain range located in Kollimalai taluk, Namakkal district, Tamil Nadu, India. Most parts of the Kolli hills are located in Namakkal district and few parts are situated in Tiruchirapalli district. The Kolli Hills forms part of the Eastern Ghats. It is also forming part of the Trichy & Namakkal Forest Division of Tamil Nadu. The geographical coordinates of Kolli mountain ranges are 10°12' - 11°7'N latitude and 76° - 77°56'E longitude and the hill is 305 m (1000 feet) high from sea level and spans an area of 280 sq.km. It is located 24 km towards east from Namakkal, 27.4 km from Rasipuram, 40 km from Karur, 53 km from Salem, 67 km from Attur, 107 km from Tiruchirapalli, 200 km from Coimbatore, 258 km from Banagluru and 331 km from Chennai. There are several villages located in this hill range. The postal head office is Semmedu PIN code 637411 and the village comes under Valavanthi Nadu Panchayat.  This popular village in Kolli hills has few shops, hotels, primary health center and telephone exchange. Also there is a statue of Valvil Ori, renowned Sangam chieftain. Namagiripettai, Thammampatti, Namakkal and Rasipuram are the nearby towns to Kolli Hills.

Tourist Attractions

Kolli Hills is an unspoilt , unknown Hill station with a pleasant cool climate which never rises above 30ºC or falls below 13ºC.  It is one of the few places that still retains its natural beauty and is untouched by commercial activities and exploitation. Located on the Eastern Ghats, Kolli Hills offers the most splendid of the surrounding greenery. It is an ideal nature's retreat for tourists and locals. It has 72 hair pen bends to reach the top of the hills. To enjoy the salubrious climate plan a holiday to this nature’s destination soon.

The Kollihills is connected by road and you can easily reach there from Namakkal or Salem or Attur. Nowadays the Bus service is provided up to Arappaleeswarar Temple. BSNL (earlier DOT) established the first Telecommunication networks (LDPCO) in 1977 and afterwards the Telecom facilities are continuously expanded depending upon the requirements at Kolli hills.

Kolli Hills attractions include the spectacular Agasagangai water falls, Arappaleeswarar temple, and Ettukkai Amman temple. The hill also has spectacular view points and the visitors should not miss while at this hills. They include Belukurichi tract, Hairpin Bend view points at 34, 35, 37, Masilla falls, Namma Falls, Boat House and State Botanical Garden. Get clear views of valley side at Sirumalai View Point, Selur Wireless view point, Seekuparai viewpoint and Binnam View Point. Other favorite destinations could be the ancient ruins of Britisher Bungalow, Wood House & Jain statue and Puranikadu Sat Dharma sangam ashram

Agasagangai Waterfalls PC: Wikimedia

Agasagangai: Agasagangai, the waterfall of the Aiyaru river, is truly the spectacular sight as the water cascades down from 300 feet, covering all around. The visitor needs to climb down the 1000 and odd steps along the mountain edge leading to the waterfalls. It is very close to Arapaleeswarar temple.

Arappaleeswarar Temple PC: Dinamalar

Arapaleeswarar temple: The Arapaleeswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva,  is popularly believed to have been built by Valvil Ori around first or second century A.D. The temple is located in Periyakoviloor close to Agasagangai waterfall. The temple bear inscriptions dating back to the Chola period. Megalithic burial site was also discovered closer to the temple.

Siddha Caves: It is widely believed that Tamil Siddhars (yogic saints) dwell in this hill. They are known for their alchemy and knowledge over medicinal herbs. Some of the important herbs found in this hill include Jothippul (ஜோதிப்புல்), Saynthadum Pavai (சாய்ந்தாடும் பாவை), Amala (black species) (கருநெல்லி), Red Aloe vera (சிவப்பு கற்றாழை), Black Banana (கருவாழை), Red Myrobalan (சிவப்புக் கடுக்காய்), Roma Virutcham (ரோம விருட்சம்) etc.,The caves of Bogar and Agastya are situated near the Agasagangai waterfalls, while Korakka Siddha and Kalaanginatha Siddhais deep inside the forest area

Semmedu: Popularly  known village to locals and is located on the main road leading to hill summit. At Semmedu the state government organizes Valvil Ori Cultural and Tourism Festival in August. The festival is being organized during August, since people from 16 villages used to assemble together to celebrate Adi (Tamil month) festival during Valvil Ori's rule.

Vaasaloorpatti: An important village on the main road. The village houses the Government Fruit Farm. is located. Paddy varieties are cultivated in the valley and a variety of hybrid and native fruits such as banana, jack fruit, oranges, coffee, pepper and spices are grown on the slopes here.

Solakkadu: Solakkadu is another important village and one of the highest points in the hills and is. located on the main road leading to hill summit.  The spectacular viewpoint inside the Highways Bungalow premises is worth visiting. 

                                  

Kollippavai “Maiden of death”

Sangam literature vividly depicts the lofty peaks of Kolli hills covered with clouds. Due to abundant rainfall Kolli Hill is blessed with fragrant flowers like iruvatchi, jasmine  and kanthal.  Kolli Hills is known for the special variety of paddy grown here.

Kolli Hills is believed to have by Kollipavai ("Maiden of death"), the local deity. The legend states that the sages chose Kolli hills for a peaceful place to do their penance. Despite, the demons marched aggressively to the hills to interrupt the penance. The sages invoked the goddess Kollipavai to save their rituals. The goddess became ferocious and annihilated the demons. The goddess Kollipavai is still being worshiped here as Ettukai Amman by the people in Kolli hills and her smile is revered by the locals. Ettukai Amman Temple is an ancient temple located four km from Kolli Hills. The small temple, a palm leaf hut not protected by doors, attracts numerous pilgrims on Amavasai or no moon days. The idol appear with eight hands and hence the name  Ettu Kai amman (Goddess with eight hands). The ideal is often covered with sandal paste to cool the ferociousness.

Ettukkai Amman Temple PC: Hindu Blog

Sangam literature and Silappatikaram have references about this deity. Kuruntokai poem 89 refers Kolli-Kutavarai  (கொல்லிக் குட வரை), a mountain slope located on western side of Kolli Hills. Kutamalai (குடமலை) means western side mountain. There was an amazing painting of Kollippavai drawn on the face of the rock. Also there was a crystal clear fountain nearby, wherein bluish Kuvalai (blue waterlily) flower just in blossom.

பெரும் பூண் பொறையன் பேஎமுதிர் கொல்லிக்

கருங்கண் தெய்வம் குட வரை எழுதிய

நல் இயல் பாவை அன்ன... ...

Kurunthokai 89: 4 - 7, Paranar, 

What the heroine’s friend said to her, as the hero listened nearby: My friend with delicate features, like the fine goddess, painted by a fierce, ancient, black-eyed god on the west side of Kolli Mountain

of Poraiyan with heavy jewels! (Poraiyan is a name used for the Chera kings).

... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... குட்டுவன்
குட வரைச் சுனைய மா இதழ்க் குவளை
Natrinai 105: 7 - 8, Poet Mudathirumaran,
What the hero said to his heart: The dark-petaled, blue waterlily blossoms from Kuttuvan’s western mountain springs! (Kuttuvan is a name used for the Chera kings).

பயங் கெழு பலவின் கொல்லிக் குட வரைப்

பூதம் புணர்த்த புதிது இயல் பாவை

விரி கதிர் இள வெயில் தோன்றி அன்ன நின்

ஆய் நலம் உள்ளி வரின் எமக்கு

ஏமம் ஆகும் மலை முதல் ஆறே.

Natrinai 192, Poet Unknown 

In Kurinji terrain the hero consoles his lady love when she feared about the dangers to be encountered on their path. O beautiful, dark lady who is pretty like the new Kolli goddess that has been installed by goblins on the west side of the mountain where beneficial jack fruit trees grow! I think about your beauty like the sun with spreading rays.  It is protection to me when I come on the mountain path!

செவ் வேர்ப் பலவின் பயம் கெழு கொல்லித்

தெய்வம் காக்கும் தீது தீர் நெடுங் கோட்டு

அவ் வெள் அருவிக் குட வரையகத்து

கால் பொருது இடிப்பினும் கதழ் உறை கடுகினும்

உரும் உடன்று எறியினும் ஊறு பல தோன்றினும்

பெரு நிலம் கிளரினும் திரு நல உருவின்

மாயா இயற்கைப் பாவையின்

போதல் ஒல்லாள் என் நெஞ்சத்தானே.

Natrinai 201: 5 - 12, Poet Paranar,

Even if strong winds blow, even if heavy rains pour rapidly, even if thunder roars, even if many hindrances arise, even if the big earth swells up on the tall, faultless peaks in the western mountains with white waterfalls and jackfruit trees with red roots, protected by the benevolent Kolli Mountain goddess,

கடுங்கண் வேழத்துக் கோடு நொடுத்து உண்ணும்

வல்வில் ஓரி கொல்லிக் குட வரைப்

பாவையின் மடவந் தனளே

மணத்தற்கு அரிய பணைப் பெருந்தோளே.

  Kurunthokai 100: 4-7, Kapilar, 

The girl with wide arms like bamboo is hard to embrace, and delicate like Kolli goddess who resides on the westside of strong-bowed Ori’s mountain,

ஈங்கே வருவாள் இவள் யார் கொல் ஆங்கே ஓர்

வல்லவன் தைஇய பாவை கொல் நல்லார்

உறுப்பு எலாம் கொண்டு இயற்றியாள் கொல் வெறுப்பினால்

வேண்டு உருவம் கொண்டது ஓர் கூற்றம் கொல்

Kalitokai 56: 6 - 9

Who is this girl who has come here, her face surrounded by hair braids decorated with mature clusters of blossoms from thick, shade-providing gnālal trees near the pond in the grove in town, appearing like the wide moon with sweet beams, her locks with pollen hanging low on her shoulders? There, she is like a statue made by a skilled artist.  Was she created from beautiful parts of many women?  Is she Death that attained a woman’s form due to its hatred for men?  

Sangam Polity

Tamilakam (தமிழகம்) during Sangam period was divided among the three political powers, the Cholas, Pandyas and Cheras and the three capitals were Pukar (புகார்), Madurai (மதுரை), and Vanji (வஞ்சி). They are known as crowned kings (முடியுடை மூவேந்தர்). Whenever the crowned kings conquered the feudal territories, they never annexed them to their kingdom. Instead they  allowed the feudal to function as an autonomous states under their suzerainty. Thus there were number of feudatories or chieftaincies  in Tamilakam These chieftaincies evolved as a landed aristocracy and in course of time they might have acted as soldiers, warriors, generals and even ministers to their suzerains..

Some chieftains exercised vast powers of internal autonomy within their respective territories. However they owned some kind of nominal allegiance to one or more of the the crowned kings. Number of references can be seen about the internecine warfare between the crowned kings and the vassals in Sangam literature, The reason for these feuds  could be the breaking of personal loyalty to their over-lords and refusal to pay tribute.

The chieftains are also tribal clan in character. For example Pegan belongs to Aviyar tribe or clan, Athiyan and Ori belongs to Malavar, tribe or clan. Velir chieftains ruled various parts of Tamilakam and enjoyed the privilege giving their daughters in marriage to the crowned kings. They are celebrated personalities and treated next to the crowned kings. Those chieftains who acted as the guardians of the garrisons (known as Kurumbu) in the border areas.

Seven Great Bestowers

Sirupanatruppadai, one of the Ten Idylls,  is sung on Oyman Nalliyakodan, the chieftain Oyma nadu by Nallur Nathathanar of Idaikkazhinadu, The poem lines 84 to 112 also speaks about the greatness of the Seven Great Benefactors or Bestowers or Patrons of the last Sangam era a.k.a Kadai ezhu vallalgal (கடையேழு வள்ளல்கள்) and they include: 1. Pegan of Aviyar clan (வையாவிக் கோப்பெரும் பேகன்), 2. Vel Pari, the Lord of Parambu (வேள் பாரி), 3. Kari (மலையமான் திருமுடி காரி), 4. Ay Andiran (ஆய் அண்டிரன்), 5. Athikan (அதிகன்), 6. Nalli (நளி மலை நாடன் நள்ளி) and 7. Valvil Ori (வல்வில் ஓரி). Athikan is also known as Athiyaman.

Purananuru poem 158 sung on Kumanan (குமணன்), chieftain of Mutiram hills (முதிரமலை) by Poet Perunchithiranar (பெருஞ்சித்திரனார்) also mentions about the greatness of the Seven Great Benefactors or Bestowers or Patrons of the last Sangam era a.k.a Kadai ezhu vallalgal (கடையேழு வள்ளல்கள்). Instead Athikan (அதிகன்) at srl. no. 5, the poem includes Ezhini (எழினி), the chieftain of Kutirai hills (குதிரைமலை நாடு).

Rulers of Kolli Hills

The 16 tribal counties called as "nadu" (நாடு) once constituted the historical mountain kingdom of Kolli Hills. and they include Valavanthi nadu (வாழவந்தி நாடு), Valappur nadu (வளப்பூர் நாடு), Ariyur nadu (அரியூர் நாடு), Thinnur nadu (தின்னனூர் நாடு), Guntur nadu (குண்டூர் நாடு), Selur nadu (சேளூர் நாடு), Devanur nadu (தேவனூர் நாடு), Alandur nadu (ஆலந்தூர் நாடு), Gunduni nadu (குண்டுனி நாடு), Tirupuli nadu (திருப்புலி நாடு), Edapuli nadu (எடப்புலி நாடு), Chitur nadu (சித்தூர் நாடு), Perakkarai nadu (பெரக்கரை நாடு), Peyil nadu (பெயில் நாடு), Pallappadi nadu (பள்ளப்பாடி நாடு) and Pudukombai nadu (புதுக்கோம்பை நாடு). (The 16 countries still survive and there are about 200 villages located in Kolli Hills.). Sangam literature speaks about two rulers of Kolli Hills 1. Valvil Ori (வல்வில் ஓரி), Sangam Tamil Chieftain; and 2. Perum-cheral Irumporai, the Chera ruler. Valvil Ori picked up an enmity with Perum-Cheral-Irumporai, whose capital was Karur. Ori was killed by Malayaman Tirumudi Kari in a pitched battle .Kari gave Kolli Hills as a gift to Perum-Cheral-Irumporai and the Chera succeeded after Valvil Ori's death. 

Valvil Ori

Valvil Ori  ruled over the Kolli Hills in Tamilakam around 200 A.D. He loved music and dance. Ori's swift horse was also named as Ori. His father was known as Oothan (ஊதன்). May be for this reason Vanparanar addresses him as Athan Ori (ஆதன் ஓரி):

மழை அணி குன்றத்துக் கிழவன் நாளும்

இழை அணி யானை இரப்போர்க்கு ஈயும்

சுடர்விடு பசும் பூண் சூர்ப்பு அமை முன் கை

அடு போர் ஆனா ஆதன் ஓரி

Purananuru 153, Poet Vanparanar sang for Valvil Ori

Rain-like great generosity of Ōri who never ceases to wage murderous battles, lord of a mountain decorated by clouds, wearing curved bracelets that shoot out rays, who gives awayeach day, elephants with adornments.

He was one of the Seven Great Benefactors or Bestowers or Patrons of the last Sangam era a.k.a Kadai ezhu vallalgal (கடையேழு வள்ளல்கள்). In Sirupanatruppadai (சிறுபாணாற்றுப்படை), poet Nallur Nathathanar of Idaikkazhinadu (இடைக்கழி நாட்டு நல்லூர் நத்தத்தனார்) eulogizes Valvil Ori in the poem lines 107 - 111.

…………………….. நளி சினை

நறும் போது கஞலிய நாகு முதிர் நாகத்து

குறும் பொறை நல் நாடு கோடியர்க்கு ஈந்த

காரிக் குதிரைக் காரியொடு மலைந்த   

ஓரிக் குதிரை ஓரியும் 

(Sirupanatruppadai  107 - 111, Poet Nallur Nathathanar of Idaikkazhinadu)

Ori, owner of a horse named Ōri, who donated to dancers and musicians, fine lands with hills and young, tall surapunnai trees with dense branches bearing fragrant, bright flowers.  He fought with Kari who rode on a horse named Kari.

In Purananuru poem 158 poet Perunchithiranar praises about Valvil Ori in the poem line 5. The chieftain Valvil Ori ruled Kolli Hills.

கொல்லி ஆண்ட வல்வில் ஓரியும்

(Poet Perunchithiranar sang to Kumanan. Purananuru 158: 5)

Valvil Ori ruled Kolli Hills.

He was known for his rain like generosity (மாரி வண் கொடை). He was the 'lord of a mountain decorated by clouds and known for his murderous battles. He is popularly known for his skill in archery and therefore he was named as "Valvil Ori" meaning "great skill in archery." Vanparanar, a Sangam poet eulogises Ori's archery skill in Puranauru poem 158. Ori shot an arrow from his bow. The arrow struck down an elephant, further it went and killed a tiger, dropped a spotted stag, felled a boar and embedded in an iguana in a nearby deep hole.

வேழம் வீழ்த்த விழுத் தொடைப் பகழி

பேழ்வாய் உழுவையைப் பெரும் பிறிது உறீஇப்

புழல் தலை புகர்க் கலை உருட்டி உரல் தலைக்

கேழல் பன்றி வீழ அயலது

ஆழல் புற்றத்து உடும்பில் செற்றும்

வல் வில் வேட்டம் வலம்படுத் திருந்தோன்

புகழ் சால் சிறப்பின் அம்பு மிகத் திளைக்கும்

Purananuru 152, Poet Vanparanar sang for Valvil Ori, 

He was widely famed for his skill in killing, the one who shoots with his strong bow.  He shot an arrow that felled an elephant, killed a tiger with gaping mouth, dropped a spotted stag with hollow horns, felled a boar with head like mortar, and embedded in a monitor lizard in a nearby deep hole.  Who is the archer who shoots with such skill? 

Each day he gave away elephants with adornments. One bard sang vannam compositions on Ori. The danseuse (virali) accompanying the bard played mula drum, ellari drum, akuli drum, pathalai drum, liitle lute, and thoompu as orchestra. Twenty  one themes of musical compositions were composed in honour of Valvil Ori (Purananuru 152). Ori gifted the bards and their accomplices with water lily flower made in gold inset with sapphires and fastened to silver threads, wealth, and herds of elephants. The bards who called on Ori were not starving any more and remained without dancing to the sweet music instruments. (Purananuru 153)

Ori was eulogized for his generosity and valour in five of the eight anthologies (Ettuthokai) books such as Akananuru (அகநானுறு), Kuruntokai (குறுந்தோகை), Natrinai (நற்றிணை), Pathitrupathu (பதிற்றுப்பத்து) and Purananuru (புறநானுறு) as well as in one of the Ten Idylls (பத்துப்பாட்டு) book - Sirupanatruppadai (சிறுபாணாற்றுப்படை). Sangam poets such as Arisil Kizhar (அரிசில் கிழார்), Ilankiranar (இளங்கீரனார்), Avvaiyar (ஔவையார்), Kapilar (கபிலர்), Kalladanar (கல்லாடனார்), Kurunkozhiyur Kizhar (குறுங்கோழியூர் கிழார்), Thayankannanar (தாயங்கண்ணனார்), Paranar (பரணர்), Perunkunrur Kizhar (பெருங்குன்றூர் கிழார்), Perunchitranar (பெருஞ்சித்திரனார்), Mathurai Alakkar Gnazhalar Makanar Mallanar (மதுரை அளக்கர் ஞாழலார் மகனார் மள்ளனார்) lauded Kolli Hills and Ori. Kapilar, Nattattanaar, Paranar and Perunchitranar eulogise Valvil Ori as the benevolent ruler of Kolli Hills. Kurunkozhiyur Kizhar, Perunkunrur Kizhar and Thayankannanar glorify the Kolli Hills.

Perum-cheral Irumporai

Perum Cheral Irumporai (பெருஞ்சேரல் இரும்பொறை), the Chera monarch was the son of Selvak Kadungo Vaazi Adan (செல்வக்கடுங்கோ வாழி ஆதன்).  Eighth decad of Patitrupattu anthology narrates his seventeen years of rule. He ruled his country from Karur, the Chera capital (கருவூர் ஏறிய ஒள்வாட் கோப்பெருஞ்சேரல் இரும்பொறை). The siege of Karur by the Chola monarch Kulamutrathu Thunjiya Killivalavan (குலமுற்றத்துத் துஞ்சிய கிள்ளி வளவன்) developed a pitched battle and the Chera won the battle and assumed the title "Ko-Perum-cheral-Irumporai (கோப்பெருஞ்சேரல் இரும்பொறை). Athiyaman of Tagadur was under the overlordship of Cheras. When Athiyaman failed to accept the authority of Cheras, Perum Cheral Irumporai defeated him in a pitched battle. His invasion, destruction and victory of the city of Tagadur of Athiyaman chief Ezhni is mentioned in Tagadur Yathirai (தகடூர் யாத்திரை), a literary work and Irumporai was known as Tagadur Erintha Perum Cheral Irumporai (தகடூர் எறிந்த பெருஞ்சேரல் இரும்பொறை).

Malayaman Tirumudi Kari

Malayaman Tirumudi Kari was one of the autonomous chieftain who ruled Malainadu.  Tirukovalur, an ancient town, was his capital.  Mullur (now located in Gingee taluk, Villupuram district) was the most important town in his country. முள்ளூர் மன்னன் கழறொடிக் காரி (Akananuru 209). Kotunkal (கொடுங்கல்)  was another town of Kari located on the banks of the river Pennai. He was one of the Seven Great Benefactors or Bestowers or Patrons of the last Sangam era a.k.a Kadai ezhu vallalgal (கடையேழு வள்ளல்கள்). He was also one of the contemporary of Valvil Ori. Sirupanatruppadai (lines 91 - 95) and Purananuru poem 158 (lines 6 - 7) eulogise Tirumudi Kari.

The chieftains were subdued by the empire builders i.e., Muvendars - Chera, Chola and Pandya of ancient Tamilakam and their paramountcy was accepted. Kari was a vassal to the early Chola king Kulamutrathu Thunjiya Killivalavan. Over the period of time he broke his loyalty to the over-lord and wore a crown and declared himself as Tirumudi Kari. He was a revolting vassal and was one of the most dangerous threats to the crowned king and neighboring vassals.

Kari - Athiyaman Neduman Anci: Encounter

Athiyaman Neduman Anci was the chief of the renowned warrior clan of Malavar. Tagadur was his capital (identified with modern Dharmapuri district). Kari waged war on Tagadur against Athiyaman Neduman Anci. It was an attempt fueled by his longtime desire to become an emperor equivalent in power to the Cholas. Kari was defeated and lost Kovalur to Athiyaman.

Kari Defeated Valvil Ori 

Perum Cheral Irumporai was in agreement with Malayaman Tirumudi Kari and the Chera was expecting Kari's support in defeating Valvil Ori (வல்வில் ஓரி), the chieftain of Kolli hills (கொல்லிமலை). Kari defeated and killed Ori and took Kolli Hills. An Akananuru poem 209 and Natrinai poem 320 register this event.

முள்ளூர் மன்னன் கழல்தொடிக் காரி

செல்லா நல்இசை நிறுத்த வல்வில்

ஓரிக் கொன்று சேரலர்க்கு ஈந்த (Akananuru 209)

Mullur King Kari with warrior anklets and bracelets, owning bloody spears, gifted to the Cheras after killing Ori of unfading fame and strong bows.

"ஓரிக்கொன்றவொருபெருந் திருவிற், காரி புக்க நேரார் புலம்போற், கல்லென் றன்றாலூரே" (Natrinai.320 Poet Kapilar)

The whole town laughs with great uproar. This is like when Kāri killed Ori of ancient victories, and then entered his wide avenue which had no match, and his people raised uproars.

Kari captured the Kolli Hills and gifted it to Perum Cheral Irumporai (Akananuru poem 209). Perum Cheral Irumporai on his part defeated and killed Athiyaman and retrieved Tirukovalur and handed over to Kari. The capture of Kollik-kuurram (கொல்லிக்கூற்றம்)  and Tagadur (தகடூர்) by the Irumporai and the pitched battles are vividly referred in Patirruppattu anthology. From then on Paranar commenced addressing the Chera as "Perum Cheral Irumporai, as the Lord of Kolli hills."(who is also known as Poraiyan)  and as "Poraiyan Kolli" (பொறையன் கொல்லி) (ref. Akananuru poem 82 and Kuruntohai poem 89). Kolli-kutavarai belongs to Cheras who won battles ‘வெல்போர் வானவன் கொல்லிக் குடவரை’ (Akananuru 213). Silappatikaram also praises Perum-cheral Irumporai as the Lord of Kolli Hills (‘கொல்லியாண்ட குடவர் கோவே’)(ref. Silappadhikaram Pattumadai Chapter 24-verse 26). This suggests that Silappatikaram could have composed after Cheras captured Kollik-kuurram (கொல்லிக்கூற்றம்). 

கழை விரிந்து எழுதரும் மழை தவழ் நெடுங்கோட்டுக்

கொல்லிப் பொருந கொடித் தேர்ப் பொறைய!

Patirruppattu 73;11, Poet Arisil Kilar king Perum Cheral Irumporai

Lord of the mountain country with banners on your chariots! You are the king of Kolli Mountain where bamboo forests rise high, and clouds spread on tall peaks.

His successor Cheraman Yanaikat Chey Mantharan Cheral Irumporai (யானைக்கட்சேய் மாந்தரஞ்சேரல் இரும்பொறை) is being addressed by  Poet Kurunkoliyur Kilar as "O killer King!  Ruler of Kolli Mountain!" ஓங்கு கொல்லியோர் அடு பொருந (Purananuru 22).

How to get there?

By Bus

Kolli Hills can be reached by road from Namakkal and Salem. There are less frequent bus services to Kollimalai, Periyasamy Kovil, Arappaleeswarar Kovil, Vilaram, Mekkani Kadu. Belukkurichi is a village located at the foot of the Kolli Hills. After passing through Kalappanaikenpatti, the Ghat road begins at Nadukombai and proceeds via Karavalli to the top of Kolli Hills. There is a check-post at Karavalli. From Karavalli to Semmedu the running would be one hour or more. There are 70 hair-pin bends in this ghat route. At Solakkadu the road gets diverted to two different directions leading to Ettukkai Amman Temple and Arappaleswarar Temple.

Nearest railway station is Salem, 53 km from Kolli Hills.

Nearest Airport is at Tiruchirapalli, 90kms from here.

Reference

1. Kolli Hills http://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.in/2008/11/kolli-hills.html
2. Kolli Hill Station http://www.tamilnadutourism.org/HillStation/Trekking/KolliHills.html
3. Kollip-purai: An Inscribed Tamil Coin http://tamilartsacademy.com/articles/article48.xml
4. Sangam Poems Translated by Vaidehi https://sangamtranslationsbyvaidehi.com/
5. அபூர்வ மூலிகைகள்...சிறுதானியங்கள்...கொல்லிமலை சொல்லும் ரகசியங்கள்! http://www.vikatan.com/news/coverstory/34201.html
6. கொள்ளை கொள்ளும் கொல்லிமலைச் சாரல். இராஜராஜேஸ்வரி http://moonramkonam.com/kolli-malai-chara/
7. கொல்லிக் குடவரை https://ta.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%8A%E0%AE%B2%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%B2%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%8D_%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%9F%E0%AE%B5%E0%AE%B0%E0%AF%88
8. கொல்லிப்பாவை http://www.gunathamizh.com/2009/11/blog-post_12.html?m=1
9. வல்வில் ஓரியின் கொல்லி மலை https://theekkathir.in/2016/01/25/%E0%AE%B5%E0%AE%B2%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%B5%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%B2%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%93%E0%AE%B0%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%AF%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%A9%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%8A%E0%AE%B2%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%B2%E0%AE%BF-%E0%AE%AE/

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Tirukovalur, Ancient Capital of Malainadu (Maladu): History of Malaiyamans and Tirumudi Kari

Tirukoilur

Tirukovalur or Thirukkovalur, also known in various names such as Tirukoilur, Tirukoyilur, Tirukovilur, is a panchayat town in Tirukkoyilur taluk, Villuppuram district, Tamil Nadu, India PIN 605757. The nondescript pastoral town, located on the banks of Pennai river, is 202 km away from Chennai (through NH 45 and SH 9), 74.7 km from Pondicherry and 238.5 km from Bangalore and it is placed on the State Highway (SH 9) linking Tiruvannamalai (34.7 km in south-east direction) and the district head quarters Villupuram (49.2 km in Southwest direction). The region is bounded in the west by the Kalrayan hills and the Javadu hills and they meet at the Chengam pass. This ancient town is in the border of the Villupuram district and Tiruvannamalai district. The geographical coordinates of Tirukovalur are 11.95°N  latitude and 79.2°E longitude and the elevation / altitude is 73 m (239 feet) from sea-level.  It has a population of 39,108 (males constitute 49% and females 51%.) according to  2014 census.

This taluk head quarter has great historical and religious significance. This place was once the capital of Malayaman dynasty of Sangam era (3rd century B.C to 3rd century A.D.) Malayaman Thirumudi Kari was  the renowned chieftain of Malayaman dynasty and also known as one of the seven greatest "Bestowers" of the last Sangam era.

Parambu Hill (Piranmalai)

Kapilar, the most prominent poet of Sangam era composed inspiring poems of merit in Tamil language, was the bosom friend and confidant of Vel Pari, one of the Velir kings  After Vel Pari's killing in a war, Kapilar helped the two daughters of Vel Pari by getting them married to Malayaman of Tirukovalur. After this the poet observed his Vadakkiruthal (fast unto death by facing north). Another version is that he immolated himself in fire on top of a hillock. Kapilar rock or Kapilar Kundru is a hill rock in the middle of the Pennai River on the south bank of Tirukovalur. Kapilar hillock has a shrine on top of the hillock and a flight of steps leads to the shrine. The monument is protected and maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Kapilakkundru

Meipporul Nayanar, the Malayaman chieftain of Malainadu (Miladudaiyar) and one of the 63 Saivite saints glorified in Sekkilar's Periyapuranam, is connected with Tirukovalur. The chieftain was also known as Cediraja, the king of Cedi. The kingdom of Cedi existed around Tirukovalur. Narasinga Muniyaraiyar Nayanar, chieftain of Tirumunaipadi nadu and one of the 63 Saivite saints glorified in Sekkilar's Periyapuranam, is also connected with Tirukovalur.  .Narasinga Muniyaraiyar was the foster-father of saint Sundarar (one of the Tevaram Trios) and Narasinga Muniyaraiyar brought up Sundarar as a prince.

The town is also known for its ancient Shiva shrine (Virattanam of Tirukovalur) at Kilur (Kilaiyur) and is glorified in Thevaram by Sambandar and Appar, one decad each. The Shiva temple has some inscriptions of Vijayālaya. Yet the scholars assign the date to Parantaka. It is also known for its Vishnu temple of Trivikrama at Melur, exalted by the first three early Vaishnavite Alwars (Muthal Alwars).

Veeratteswarar temple, Tirukoyilur

Ulagalantha Perumal Temple, Tirukoyilur

Rajaraja Chola I and his brother, the Chola Prince Aditya Karikalan, were born in Tirukovalur. Rajaraja Chola I , born as Arunmozhivarman, the third child of Parantaka Sundara Chola and Vanavanmadevi, the princess of Malayaman dynasty.  . Vanavanmadevi was born in Tirukovalur as a lovable daughter of Malayaman chieftain of Thirukovalur (ARE 236 / 1902 S.I.I. Vol.VII.No 863).. She committed sati when her husband Sundara Chola expired.

Sangam Polity and Sangam Literature

Tamilakam (தமிழகம்) during Sangam period was divided among the three political powers, the Cholas, Pandyas and Cheras and the three capitals were Pukar (புகார்), Madurai (மதுரை), and Vanji (வஞ்சி). They are known as crowned kings (முடியுடை மூவேந்தர்). Whenever the crowned kings conquered the feudal territories, they never annexed them to their kingdom. Instead they  allowed the feudal to function as an autonomous states under their suzerainty. Thus there were number of feudatories or chieftaincies  in Tamilakam These chieftaincies evolved as a landed aristocracy and in course of time they might have acted as soldiers, warriors, generals and even ministers to their suzerains..

Some chieftains exercised vast powers of internal autonomy within their respective territories. However they owned some kind of nominal allegiance to one or more of the the crowned kings. Number of references can be seen about the internecine warfare between the crowned kings and the vassals in Sangam literature, The reason for these feuds  could be the breaking of personal loyalty to their over-lords and refusal to pay tribute.

The chieftains are also tribal clan in character. For example Pegan belongs to Aviyar tribe or clan, Athiyan and Ori belongs to Malavar, tribe or clan. Velir chieftains ruled various parts of Tamilakam and enjoyed the privilege giving their daughters in marriage to the crowned kings. They are celebrated personalities and treated next to the crowned kings. Those chieftains who acted as the guardians of the garrisons (known as Kurumbu) in the border areas. .

According to A. K. Ramanujan, the word Sangam “means an academy or fraternity.   The word is probably borrowed from the vocabulary of Buddhism and Jainism, the two religions competing with Hinduism in the 6th and 7th centuries in South India”. Sangam literature constitutes a total of 2381 poems (26,350 lines of poems) composed by 473 poets (including 30 poetesses and 102 poems by anonymous authors).  Both men and women including kings, noble men, learned men, doctors, businessmen, teachers, metal smiths,  goldsmiths, cattle  herders etc have become poets.

Sangam poems are the panegyrics or the court poetry in praise of the crowned kings and chieftains of Sangam era and are composed by court-bards or the poets. Sangam literature is still the main source for the early Cholas, Pandyas and Cheras. Most of the poems are secular in nature.   Only sixteen poets have composed 1177 poems (fifty two percent) of the total 2279 non-anonymous poems. They are Ammoovanar (127 poems), Kapilar (235 poems), Orampokiyar (110 poems), Peyanar (105 poems), Othalanthaiyar (103 poems), Paranar, Maruthan Ilanākanar, Palai Padiya Perunkadunko, Avvaiyar, Nallanthuvanar, Nakkeerar, Ulochanar, Mamoolanar, Kayamanar, Perunkundrur Kilar and Perisathanar.  Out of 473 poets, 144 poets have eulogized their patrons in their poems.

Sangam poems, especially in Purananuru and Patirruppattu have a mine of information regarding the heroic exploits of the Sangam era chieftains i.e., Purananuru provides 164 direct references about 59 chieftains, vassals, princes, which are the only available source of information for Sangam polity. Many poems in the Purananuru were written by various Kings of the Tamilakam.  Though the Akam poem books listed above represent the dramatic monologues of the heroes, loved ones, their companions and the heroine's mothers / stepmothers, they have copious historical allusions to the crowned kings and chieftains. In the Ten Idylls there are 27 references  to 12 chieftains.

Sirupanatruppadai, one of the Ten Idylls,  is sung on Oyman Nalliyakodan, the chieftain Oyma nadu by Nallur Nathathanar of Idaikkazhinadu, The poem lines 84 to 112 also speaks about the greatness of the Seven Great Benefactors or Bestowers or Patrons of the last Sangam era a.k.a Kadai ezhu vallalgal (கடையேழு வள்ளல்கள்) and they include: 1. Pegan of Aviyar clan (வையாவிக் கோப்பெரும் பேகன்), 2. Vel Pari, the Lord of Parambu (வேள் பாரி), 3. Kari (மலையமான் திருமுடி காரி), 4. Ay Andiran (ஆய் அண்டிரன்), 5. Athikan (அதிகன்), 6. Nalli (நளி மலை நாடன் நள்ளி) and 7. Valvil Ori (வல்வில் ஓரி). Athikan is also known as Athiyaman.

Purananuru poem 158 sung on Kumanan (குமணன்), chieftain of Mutiram hills (முதிரமலை) by Poet Perunchithiranar (பெருஞ்சித்திரனார்) also mentions about the greatness of the Seven Great Benefactors or Bestowers or Patrons of the last Sangam era a.k.a Kadai ezhu vallalgal (கடையேழு வள்ளல்கள்). Instead Athikan (அதிகன்) at srl. no. 5, the poem includes Ezhini (எழினி), the chieftain of Kutirai hills (குதிரைமலை நாடு) 

ஊராது ஏந்திய குதிரைக் கூர் வேல்
கூவிளங் கண்ணிக் கொடும் பூண் எழினி
(Poet Perunchithiranar sang to Kumanan. Purananuru 158: 8 - 9)

Elini Athiyaman carrying a spear who ruled over Kuthirai Mountain wearing a koovilam garland and curved necklace

The poets, bards and minstrels indicated the path of virtue to the crowned kings and chieftains. Their political diplomacy has prevented bloody feuds and internecine warfare and even safeguarded the lives of young princes. Kari was captured and killed by Kulamutrathu Thunjiya Killivalavan (குலமுற்றத்துத் துஞ்சிய கிள்ளி வளவன்), the Chola king in a battle. The Chola king was also planned to have his children crushed by an elephant. Poet Kovur Kilar intercedes in a timely manner and saves the children. (Purananuru 46).

Miladu Maladu Malainadu

Tolkappiyam (தொல்காப்பியம்) is the earliest available work in Tamil. The dating of this earliest Tamil grammatical work has been disputed much and its date is still inaccurate and doubtful. Proposing a date has witnessed wide disagreements among scholars. It has been dated variously between 8000 BC and 10th AD. It is composed in the form of short formulaic compositions a.k.a noorpaa (நூற்பா). Its three books include the Ezhuttadikaram, the Solladikaram and the Poruladikaram. This seminal work assigns to classes the Tamil language into classical Tamil or Sentamil (செந்தமிழ்) and dialectal Tamil or koduntamil (கொடுந்தமிழ்). The former is employed almost exclusively in literary works and the latter was spoken by the people in the various regions of ancient Tamilakam. According to Tolkappiyar (தொல்காப்பியர்) there were twelve ancient regions (panniru nilam = பன்னிரு நிலம்) as the sources of the dialectisms (கொடுந்தமிழ்):

“ செந்தமிழ் சேர்ந்த பன்னிரு நிலத்தும்

தம் குறிப்பினவே திசைச்சொல் கிளவி.

He never mentioned about the names of those regions.  According to a poem or venba by latter commentators, there were twelve regions (panniru nilam) which were the sources of the dialectisms (கொடுந்தமிழ்):

தென்பாண்டி குட்டம் குடம்கற்கா வேண்பூழி

பன்றிஅருவா அதன்வடக்கு — நன்றாய

சீதமலநாடு புனல்நாடு செந்தமிழ்சேர்

ஏதமில் பன்னிரு நாட்டெண்

Malayaman nadu or Malainadu was included as one of the twelve region.

The geographical region of the present Villupuram district was forming part of Nadunadu (நடுநாடு) and included the regions of two Sangam era feudatories or chieftaincies.  One among them was known as Malayaman nadu (மலையமான் நாடு) a.k.a Malainadu (மலைநாடு) or Maladu (மலாடு) or Miladu (மிலாடு). The other one is the Oymanadu (ஓய்மாநாடு). Malainadu or Maladu included the present Kallakurichi, Tirukoyilur, Sankarapuram, Villupuram, Ulundurpet regions as well as Kalvararayan hills. Oymanadu included coasts of present Pondicherry, Marakkanam, Tindivanam and Gingee regions.

According to an inscription (Epigraphia Indica, Vol. No: 7. K.P. No. 146) Malainadu included 2000 bhumi (பூமி) (bhumi is an area measuring unit i.e., one bhumi included ten veli land). Malainadu or Maladu was having 1. Kurukkai-kurram (குறுக்கைக் கூற்றம்): - Tirukovalur, Sirringur (சிற்றிங்கூர்) (Siddhalingamadam) and 2. Panur-kurram (பானூர் கூற்றம்): - Iraiyanaraiyur (இறையநாரையூர்) (present name Elvanasur எலவனசூர்)  was a large independent village. It was also called as Pennaiyam Padappai Nadu

பெண்ணையம் படப்பை நாடு கிழவோயே. (Poet Marokathu Nappasalaiyr. Purannuru 126: 23)

O lord of the country with the lovely Pennai River!

Back in time, when it was at the peak of its glory, the region was also known as Chedi Kingdom or Chethi Nadu (சேதி நாடு). Cedi chieftains ruled this region and the Cholas acted as their suzerains. The Cedi kings have entered marital relationship with Cholas. A number Kurrams constituted Valanadu. Commencing from the reign of Rajaraja Chola I till the end of 13th century A.D. this region was known as Jananatha Valanadu.  Several Valanadus made up one Mandalam or province i.e., Jayangondasora mandalam. During the reign of Vijayanagara dynasty this region was known as Tiruvathi Rajyam and Tiruvathi Seemai during the reign of Achyudha Rayar (1529 - 1542) as well as Sadashiva Rayar (1535 - 1575).

Malayaman Tirumudi Kari

Malayaman Tirumudi Kari was one of the Seven Great Benefactors or Bestowers or Patrons of the last Sangam era a.k.a Kadai ezhu vallalgal (கடையேழு வள்ளல்கள்). He was a good and kind chieftain in many respects and never sent the bards and mendicants, who visit his abode seeking munificence, with empty handed. The poets mention about the shower of lavish gifts of gold, gems, elephants, sturdy horses, chariots, food grains and fine muslin garments made to the bards.

Kari was eulogized for his generosity and valour in four of the eight anthologies (Ettuthokai) books such as Akananuru (அகநானுறு), Kuruntokai (குறுந்தோகை), Natrinai (நற்றிணை) and Purananuru (புறநானுறு) as well as in one of the Ten Idylls (பத்துப்பாட்டு) book - Sirupanatruppadai (சிறுபாணாற்றுப்படை). Sangam poets such as Ammuvanar (அம்மூவனார்), Kalladanar (கல்லாடனார்), Kapilar (கபிலர்), Marokathu Nappasalaiyar (மாறோக்கத்து நப்பசலையார்), Perunchithiranar (பெருஞ்சித்திரனார்) and Vadama Vannakkan Perunchathanar (வடம வண்ணக்கன் பெருஞ்சாத்தனார்) lauded Kari. 

In Sirupanatruppadai (சிறுபாணாற்றுப்படை), poet Nallur Nathathanar of Idaikkazhinadu (இடைக்கழி நாட்டு நல்லூர் நத்தத்தனார்) eulogizes Malayaman Tirumudi Kari in the poem lines 91 to 95. 

……………………… கறங்கு மணி

வால் உளைப் புரவியொடு வையகம் மருள

ஈர நல் மொழி இரவலர்க்கு ஈந்த

அழல் திகழ்ந்து இமைக்கும் அஞ்சுவரு நெடு வேல்

கழல் தொடித் தடக் கை காரியும் (Pathuppattu – Sirupanatruppadai 91-95)

Kari, adorned with sliding bracelets on his huge hands, has gifted horses with jingling bells and white plumes. He inspired people with his kind, good words. His bright, tall spear caused terror.

In Purananuru poem 158 poet Perunchithiranar praises about Malayaman Tirumudi Kari in the poem lines 6 to 7. The genorosity of Kari is being compared with the rain cloud. 

காரி ஊர்ந்து பேர் அமர்க் கடந்த
மாரி ஈகை மறப்போர் மலையனும்

(Poet Perunchithiranar sang to Kumanan. Purananuru 158: 6 - 7)

Malayan, brave in war, who was as charitable as the rain cloud and won battles riding on his stallion Kari

Malayaman dynasty ruled over Malainadu and the mountain plateau called Mullur-malai (முள்ளூர் மலை) a.k.a Mullur nadu (முள்ளூர் நாடு).formed part of his territory.

முள்ளூர் மன்னன் கழறொடிக் காரி (Akananuru 209)
Mullur King Kari with warrior anklets and bracelets,

Therefore the region was known as Malainadu. Malayaman dynasty was also known by this name. Tirumudi Kari was the chieftain of the mountain plateau of Mullur or Mullur-malai. Malaiyamān Tirumudi Kari was the chief of the renowned warrior clan of Malavar. His capital was Tirukovalur.

துஞ்சா முழவின் கோவல் கோமான் (Akananuru 35)

Kari the Lord of Kovalur, the town with non-stopping drums

The people of his time considered him the most modest of kings. Nobody left empty-handed after paying a visit to him and the visitor who came on barefoot would usually return mounted on a horse or an elephant of his choice. He called himself not a king but a "rightful servant of his beloved people".

Kari revolted against Killivalavan

The chieftains were subdued by the empire builders i.e., Muvendars - Chera, Chola and Pandya of ancient Tamilakam and their paramountacy was accepted. He was a vassal to the early Chola king Kulamutrathu Thunjiya Killivalavan (குலமுற்றத்துத் துஞ்சிய கிள்ளி வளவன்). Over the period of time he broke his loyalty to the over-lord and wore a crown and declared himself as Tirumudi Kari. Thus he became virtually an independent ruler. He was very powerful and had his own administration and army. He enjoyed certain rights and privileges. He was a revolting vassal and was one of the most dangerous threats to the crowned king and neighboring vassals. 

Kari supported Cheral Irumporai in Chera - Chola War

Yanaikatcei Maandaran Cheral Irumporai (சேரமான் யானைகட்சேய் மாந்தரஞ்சேரல் இரும்பொறை)

was a Chera king  The Chola ruler Rajasuyam-vetta-peru-nar-killi (சோழன் இராசசூயம் வேட்ட பெருநற்கிள்ளி) and Maandaran Cheral Irumporai encountered each other in a pitched battle. Kari and his army supported the Cholas in this battle and helped the Chola to conquer the Chera. Without the support of Kari this victory could not have possible for Cholas. For this they have lost huge number of elephants in the battle, yet Kari never mind about loss and brought victory to Cholas.

குன்றத்து அன்ன களிறு பெயரக்

கடந்துஅட்டு வென்றோனும் நிற்கூ றும்மே

வெலீஇயோன் இவன் எனக்

கழல்அணிப் பொலிந்த சேவடி நிலம்கவர்பு

விரைந்துவந்து சமம் தாங்கிய

வல்வேல் மலையன் அல்லன் ஆயின்

நல்அமர் கடத்தல் எளிதுமன் நமக்குஎனத்

தோற்றோன் தானும் நிற்கூ றும்மே

(Poet Vadama Vannakkan Perunchathan, Purananuru 125)

The victor who slayed mountain-like elephants says, that you gave him victory.  The defeated one thinks that without Malaiyan with his strong spear who came swiftly to the field, his handsome legs gleaming with war anklets, he would have won easily. He praises you when he says that you were the one who made him lose.  Greatness!  

Kari - Athiyaman Neduman Anci: Encounter

Athiyaman Neduman Anci was the chief of the renowned warrior clan of Malavar. Thagadoor was his capital (identified with modern Dharmapuri district. Kari waged war on Thagadoor against Athiyaman Neduman Anci. It was an attempt fueled by his longtime desire to become an emperor equivalent in power to the Cholas. Kari was defeated and lost Kovalur to Athiyaman.  After sometime Athiyaman believed to have demolished the Kovalur town and the inscription in Thanjavur Big Temple seems to have the evidence.

Kari Killed Ori in a War

Paalai paadiya Perum Cheral Irumporai (பாலை பாடிய பெருஞ்சேரல் இரும்பொறை), the Chera monarch was in agreement with Malayaman Tirumudi Kari and the Chera was expecting Kari's support in defeating Valvil Ori (வல்வில் ஓரி), the chieftain of neighboring Kolli hills (கொல்லிமலை). Kari defeated and killed Ori and took Kolli Hills. An Akananuru poem 209 registers this event.

முள்ளூர் மன்னன் கழல்தொடிக் காரி

செல்லா நல்இசை நிறுத்த வல்வில்

ஓரிக் கொன்று சேரலர்க்கு ஈந்த (Akananuru 209)

Mullur King Kari with warrior anklets and bracelets, owning bloody spears, gifted to the Cheras after killing Ori of unfading fame and strong bows.

"ஓரிக்கொன்றவொருபெருந் திருவிற், காரி புக்க நேரார் புலம்போற், கல்லென் றன்றாலூரே" (Poet Kapilar, Natrinai. 320)

The whole town laughs with great uproar. This is like when Kāri killed Ori of ancient victories, and then entered his wide avenue which had no match, and his people raised uproars.

Perum Cheral Irumporrai Killed Athiyaman

Kari, in order to avenge his earlier defeat, also sought the support of Chera to invade and conquer Thagadoor Accordingly the Chera king attacked and Athiyaman was killed in this battle. After this encounter Kari was able to regain back Kovalur. In "Thagadoor Yathirai," (தகடூர் யாத்திரை) the Sangam poets detail about Thagadoor attack by Perum Cheral Irumporrai.

Kulamutrathu Thunjiya Killivalavan Defeated and Killed Kari

Kari commenced to dominate or overshadow the early Chola king Kulamutrathu Thunjiya Killivalavan (குலமுற்றத்துத் துஞ்சிய கிள்ளி வளவன்). The Chola king wanted teach him a lesson by invading Tirukovalur. There was a pitched battle. Kari was resolute enough to win or die. During the early encounter Chola army met with huge casualty and lost around 10000 soldiers. The Chola intelligence captured the twin sons of Kari as war prison. Kari followed them up to the Chola army camp, where he was captured and killed by the Chola. Further to this Killivalavan, Chola king was getting ready to have his children crushed by an elephant. Poet Kovūr Kilar intercedes in a timely manner and saves the children. (Purananuru 46 by Poet Kovur Kilar).

Malayaman Choliya Enati Tirukkannan

Malayaman Choliya Enati Tirukkannan (மலையமான் சோழிய ஏனாதி திருக்கண்ணன்) was a descendant of Malayaman Tirumudi Kari. He was the Chietain of Maladu and the Lord of Mullur. He might be Kari's son. He succeeded as the chieftain of Maladu after Kari's death. Kulamuttrathu Tunjiya Killivalavan (குலமுற்றத்துத் துஞ்சிய கிள்ளி வளவன்),  an early Chola king, was the over-lord of Tirukkannan. He was not only the chieftain of Malayaman dynasty, but also a feudatory as well as military chief to Chola king. He was awarded with the title "Choliya Enati" (Choliya = Chola; Enati = army chief) i.e., the chief of the Chola army. 

கவலை நெஞ்சத்து அவலந் தீர
நீ தோன்றினையே நிரைத் தார் அண்ணல்
கல் கண் பொடியக் கானம் வெம்ப
மல்கு நீர் வரைப்பில் கயம் பல உணங்கக்
கோடை நீடிய பைதறு காலை
இரு நிலம் நெளிய ஈண்டி
உரும் உரறு கருவிய மழை பொழிந்தாங்கே.

(Poet Marokathu Nappasalaiyar Purananuru 174: 23 - 29)

Poetess Nappasalaiyar of Marokam has composed this Purananuru poem 174 Malayaman Choliya Enati Tirukkannan  In a Purananuru poem 174 Marokam Nappasalaiyar praises that Tirukkannan played an important and significant role in regaining the falling Chola  kingdom. His appearance is being compared rains falling with loud thunder and lightning, during a long summer when mountains crumbled, forests burned and reservoirs filled with water dried up.

Mullur a.k.a Mullurmalai

At present there is a village / hamlet called Mullur and is located in Gingee taluk, Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu, India PIN 605201. It comes under Anaiyeri Panchayat.. The village  located 28 km towards north of district head quarters Villupuram, 7 km from Gingee and 162 km from Chennai. This village is in the border of the Villupuram district and Tiruvannamalai district.

A Purananuru poem 123 by poet Kapilar assigns about the tallness of Mullur mountain plateau and this hilly region receives abundant rain..

தொலையா நல்லிசை விளங்கு மலயன்

மகிழாது ஈத்த இழையணி நெடுந்தேர்

பயங் கெழு முள்ளூர் மீமிசைப்

பட்ட மாரி உறையினும் பலவே.

(Poet Kapilar. Purannuru 123: 3 - 6)

Shining Malaiyan with untarnished fame gives away beautifully decorated chariots without drinking, their numbers higher than the rain drops that fall on fertile Mullur Mountain.

Further to this another Purananuru poem 126 by poetess Marokathu Nappasalaiyar describes about the dense and dark forest of Mullur and the roaring sound produced by the waterfalls resembles the hard beats of the drum.

துயில் மடிந்தன்ன தூங்கிருள் இறும்பின்

பறை இசை அருவி முள்ளூர்ப் பொருநர்

தெறல் அரும் மரபின் நின் கிளையொடும் பொலிய

(Poet Marokathu Nappasalaiyr. Purannuru 126: 7 - 9), 

O lord of Mullur Mountain, where waterfalls roar like drums of war and the fores t seems to be sleeping through nights with pitch darkness! 

Kuruntokai and Natrinai also refer Mullur as:

செவ்வேல் மலையன் முள்ளூர் (Poet Kapilar. Kuruntokai 312)

Malayan with lance)

"மாயிரு முள்ளூர் மன்னன் மாவூர்ந்தெல்லித் தரீஇய வினநிரைப், பல்லான் கிழவரின்" -(Natrinai. 291)

Kari rode up with his horse and seized the cattle herd with many cows.

ஆரியர் துவன்றிய பேர் இசை முள்ளூர்

பலர் உடன் கழித்த ஒள் வாள் மலையன, தொருவேற் கோடி யாங்கு (Natrinai 170: 6 - 7)
Malaiyan with bright sword, who along with his army, repelled Aryan invaders in renowned Mullur.

There was a battle at renowned Mullur. Aryans attacked with their army. King Malaiyan (Malayaman Tirumudi Kari) fought with them with bright sword. Malaiyan repelled the Aryan invaders. Viralis were artists who sang and danced.  They were related to bards. The dancing skills of the beauteous Virali will be like Malaiyan (Malayaman Tirumudi Kari) with bright sword, who along with his army, repelled Aryan invaders in renowned Mullur.

ஊராது ஏந்திய குதிரைக் கூர் வேல்
கூவிளங் கண்ணிக் கொடும் பூண் எழினி
எள் அறு சிறப்பின் முள்ளூர் மீமிசை
அரு வழி இருந்த பெரு விறல் வளவன்
மதி மருள் வெண் குடை காட்டி அக்குடை
புதுமையின் நிறுத்த புகழ் மேம்படுந
விடர்ப்புலி பொறித்த கோட்டைச் சுடர்ப் பூண்
சுரும்பு ஆர்  கண்ணிப் பெரும் பெயர் நும் முன்
ஈண்டுச் செய் நல்வினை யாண்டுச் சென்று உணீஇயர்
உயர்ந்தோர் உலகத்துப் பெயர்ந்தனன் ஆகலின்
(Poet Marrokathu Nappasalaiyr. Purannuru 174: 13 - 20)
At a difficult time when the Chola kingdom was lost, your ancestor with drums roaring in his front yard, ended the sorrow of the fine country where Kaviri flows with abundant water hitting its shores, set the moon-like white umbrella in its place, of Valavan who was in hiding firmly on the tall Mullūr Mountain decorated with clouds. sung by poet Kapilar whose tongue never lied, as brave enemy warriors ran away rapidly showing their backs.  May his fame soar!
Your famous ancestor whose fortress was carved with the symbol of the tiger that lives in caves, he who wore gleaming jewels and a garland humming with bees, has gone to the higher world to enjoy the benefits of his good deeds here, and so you have come here to relieve the misery of those in all directions whose hearts are in pain.

.

Kotunkal

There was a town on the banks of Pennai and it was known as "Kotunkal" (கொடுங்கால்).  At present there is a place called Kodungal and is located in Mugaiyur block, Tirukoyilur taluk, Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu, India PIN 605755. It is a village Panchayat.. The village,  located on the south banks of Pennai river, is 14 km away from Tirukoyilur, 15 km from Tiruvennainallur, 7 km from Mugaiyur, and 5.9 km from Arkandanallur. The nearest railway station to Kodungal is Mambalappattu which is located in and around 7.2 km distance. This village is in the border of the Villupuram district and Tiruvannamalai district. The geographical coordinates of Kodungal are 11.961022 N  latitude and 79.2757237 E longitude and the elevation / altitude is 75 m from sea-level.  It has a population of 3090  (male 1558 and female 1532) according to  2011 census. Some scholars consider this village as Sangam age Kotunkal. Pennai river flows to the south of Kodungal.  At this place the Pennai river splits into two and flows towards east and merges back into single river. Thus an island is formed (like the Srirengam island formed between  Cauvery and Kollidam rivers). The southern branch of Pennai river is broad and the flow of water is vast when compared with northern branch of Pennai river. Since the north Pennai is narrow and left with less water flow, Sangam poet Ammuvanar (of Akananuru poem 35) draws comparison of fine sands of the huge shores of Pennai river with the dark hair of the heroine.

துஞ்சா முழவின் கோவல் கோமான்

நெடுந்தேர்க் காரி கொடுங்கால் முன் துறை

பெண்ணையம் பேரியாற்று நுண் அறல் கடுக்கும்

நெறி இருங்கதுப்பின் என் பேதைக்கு

அறியாத் தேஎத்து ஆற்றிய துணையே.

(Akananuru 35: 13 - 17)

May he be a partner to her in the paths of unknown lands, my daughter with straight, dark hair, resembling the fine sands of the huge shores of the Pennai River at Kodunkāl, belonging to King Kāri of Kovalur owning tall chariots, where drumsdon’t rest!

Inscription

Jambai inscription of Athiyaman Neduman Anci (அதியமான் நெடுமான் அஞ்சி) is found on a rock inside a cavern, Dasimadam (தாசிமடம் குகை) on the hillock of Jambai, a village in Villupuram district. It was discovered in 1981 by Tamilnadu State Department of Archaeology. The village, located on the north bank of the Pennai river, is just 19.6 km away from Tirukovalur. The epigraph, dated the 1st century A.D.,  is in Tamil Brahmi  (தமிழ் பிரம்மி) and reads as:

Satiyaputo Atiyan Natuman Anci itta Pali 

The abode given by Athiyan Neduman Anji, the Satyaputo

It is the Jambai inscription that prove that the “Satyaputo” mentioned by Asoka was none other than the Adhiyaman dynasty, which ruled from Thagadur. The Tamil Brahmi inscription also links Adhiyaman Netuman Anci with the Tamil Sangam Age (தமிழ் சங்க காலம்) (the Eight Anthologies (எட்டுத்தொகை) and Ten Idyls (பத்துப்பாட்டு) and the Tamil-Brahmi age (தமிழ் பிரம்மி காலம்)

Jambai Inscription (Wikimedia)

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has copied 79 (77+2) inscriptions in the year 1902 vide ARE nos. 230 to 306 1902; 23 inscriptions in the year 1905 vide ARE nos. 3 to 25; and 2 inscriptions in the year 1935 vide ARE nos. 200 to 201 in Tirukovalur Virataneswarar Temple.  The temple has 104 inscriptions in Grantha and ancient Tamil. South Indian Inscription (S.I.I.) volume VII has published the full text of the 79 inscriptions from no. 857 to 935. Inscriptions copied during 1905 and 1935 are yet to be published in S.I.I.

The Pallava inscriptions of this temple include inscriptions of Nandivarman II (731–795 AD), Dantivarman (795–846 AD) and Nandivarman III (846-869 AD);  Chola inscriptions include inscriptions of Parantaka Chola I (907–950 AD), Rajaraja Chola I (985–1014 AD), Rajendra Chola I (1012–1044 AD), Rajadhiraja Chola (1044–1054 AD), Virarajendra Chola (1063–1067 AD), Kulotunga Chola I (1070–1120 AD), Vikrama Chola (1118–1135 AD), and Kulothunga Chola II (1133–1150 AD). The Rashtrakuta inscription was inscribed by Krishna III or Kannara Deva (938 - 967 AD) and the Pandya inscriptions belongs to, Sundara Pandya, Vikrama Pandya (1180 - 1190 AD) and Vijayaraya Marayar (Deva Raya II) (1424–1446 AD).

Inscription (ARE 236 / 1902 S.I.I. Vol.VII.No 863) of Rajaraja Chola I inscribed Kamban Maniyan, a Chola official in the Virattaneswarar temple in Tirukovalur.  Dr.R.Nagaswamy has conveniently categorized this inscription into eight portions for his study. The first portion devotes to Rajaraja Chola I and his achievements; the second portion addresses about Vanavanmadevi the mother of Rajaraja Chola I; and her link with Tirukovalur as the princess of Malayamans. the third portion speaks about Pennai ricer; the fourth portion is about Kapilar hillock and supreme sacrifice after handing over Vel Pari's daughters with Avvaiyar; the fifth portion praises the Viratteneswarar temple in Tirukovalur; the sixth portion registers the Devadana of land for daily puja rituals and offerings made to Lord Viratteneswarar and goddess Parvati;  the seventh portion is about the temple personnel and their emoluments;  the eighth portion concludes with the bestower Vithi vitankan Kamban, who was the trustworthy officer under Rajaraja Chola I.

... ... ... கம்பத் தடிகள்       245

மாதி விடங்கு வருபரி வல்ல

வீதி விடங்கன்

Sundara Chola and Vanavanmadevi were the parents of Rajaraja Chola I. His birth name was Arunmozhivarman. His brother was Aditya Karikala. These two Chola prices had their birth in Tirukovalur and spent their early childhood in Tirukovalur Malayaman palace. Sundara Chola died of broken heart due to the murder of Aditya Karikala in a mysterious circumstances. Vanavanmadevi committed sati (entering the funeral pyre of her husband) leaving her tender child. This was the supreme sacrifice by the Chola queen and it is being highlighted in the second portion of the inscription. Vanavanmadevii is described in this inscription as a "lovely female deer that gave birth to a tiger".

செந்திரு மடந்தைமன் ஸரீராச ராசன்

இந்திர சேனன் ராஜசர் வஞ்ஞ னெனும்

புலியைப் பயந்த பொன்மான் கலியைக் - - - - - - 40

கரந்து கரவாக் காரிகை சுரந்த

முலைமிகப் பிரிந்து முழங்கெரி நடுவணுந்

தலைமகற் பிரியாத் தைய்யல் நிலைபெறும்

தூண்டா விளக்கு..............

........ ......... .......சி சொல்லிய - - - - - - - - - - -45

வரைசர்தம் பெருமா னதுலனெம் பெருமான்

பரைசைவண் களிற்றுப் பூழியன் விரைசெயு

மாதவித் தொங்கல் மணிமுடி வளவன்

சுந்தர சோழன் மந்தர தாரன்

திருப்புய முயங்குந் தேவி விருப்புடன் - - - - - - - 50

வந்துதித் தருளிய மலையர் திருக்குலத்

தோரன் மையாக தமரகத் தொன்மையிற்

குலதெய்வ ........ கொண்டது

(ARE 236 / 1902 S.I.I. Vol.VII.No 863 Inscription of Rajaraja Chola I inscribed Kamban Maniyan, a Chola official  in the Shiva temple in Tirukovalur in Kurukkai-kurram, a subdivision of Miladu (Jananatha-valanadu).

The fourth part of the inscription details about the supreme sacrifice made by poet Kapilar. It has historic significance. Purananuru poems 113, 117 and 201 by Kapilan brings out the story of Vel Pari and his two daughters. Vel Pari, one of the seven great bestowers, ruled Parambu hills (presently called as Pranmalai, located near Singampunari village in Sivagangai district). Poet Kapilar, his bosom friend and life long companion, extolled Vel Pari for his valour and generosity. 

‘பாரி ஒருவனும் அல்லன்;  மாரியும் உண்டு, ஈங்கு உலகு புரப்பதுவே’  (Purananuru, 107)

He is being praised for the act of giving away his chariot to a climber plant.The three crowned Tamil kings Chera, Chola and Pandya wanted expand their kingdoms ruthlessly and turned their attention towards Vel Pari. Vel Pari refused to accept their suzerainty. They laid siege to the heavily fortified Parambu hills and the war dragged for years. Kapilar moved towards the three crowned kings and pacified them to lift the siege. (Purananuru: 109). After prolonged war  Vel Pari was killed by treachery. After his death Kapilar became the guardian for Angavai and Sangavai, the two daughters of Vel Pari and the poet unsuccessfully approached few Velir chieftains to find  grooms. However Kapilar sacrificed his own life by entering fire and immolated himself on top the hillock on the banks of the river Pennai. Later, poet Avvaiyar took care of the daughters of Vel Pari and married them off successfully into the family of Malayaman and the marriage ceremony took place in Karapuranathar Temple, Uthamacholapuram, Salem district. The portion of inscription is in abidance with what is best known through the anthology of poems by Sangam era poets.

வன்கரை பொருது வருபுனல் பெண்னை    67

தென்கரை உள்ளது தீர்த்தத் துறையது 

மொய்வைத்து இயலும் முத்தமிழ் நான்மைத்  

தெய்வக் கவிதைச் செஞ்சொற் கபிலன் 

மூரிவண் தடக்கைப் பாரிதன் அடைக்கலப் 

பெண்ணை மலையர்க் குதவிப் பெண்ணை 

அலைபுனல் அழுவத்து அந்தரிட் சஞ்செல 

மினல்புகும் விசும்பின் வீடுபேறு எண்ணிக்  

கனல்புகுங் கபிலக் கல்லது புனல்வளர் .........  75

(ARE 236 / 1902 S.I.I. Vol.VII.No 863 Inscription of Rajaraja Chola I inscribed Kamban Maniyan, a Chola official  in the Shiva temple in Tirukovalur in Kurukkai-kurram, a subdivision of Miladu (Jananatha-valanadu).

The widely known Kapilar kundru or Kapilakkal is in the middle of the Pennai river in the vicinity of Shiva temple. A small shrine is found on this little hillock. 

Archaeological Excavations at Tirukovalur

The Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology conducted excavations in Tirukovalur in the year 1994. The team laid six trenches. The excavations help us to understand the history of three different cultures since from first century B.C. till the end of 17th century A.D. Fragments of Roman amphora jars (large storage jars used to transport wine, olive oil, fish products, and so on throughout the Roman empire) were excavated in Tirukovalur i.e., outside the boundaries of Roman empire. The Amphora shreds stand as evidence to Indo-Roman trade in Tirukovalur. Coins issued in ancient Rome have also been excavated near Tirukovalur and this also confirms ancient Indo-Roman trade. The site is also marked by the presence of number of decorated red ware shreds and Indian roulette ware (which were made in the northern parts of India) The Indian roulette collected from this site. indicates the ancient trade links with the rest of the country. They have also unearthed terracotta dolls used by the ancient children as toy. Ancient people have laid 9.5 m long drinking water channel by joining together fifty terracotta pipes. Each pipe measured about 19 cm x 16.5 cm x 2 cm.  The unearthing of terracotta spindle reveal the prevalence weaving craft in this region. They have used timber, iron nails and terracotta tiles for constructing the roof in their houses. The excavation also include the pieces of bangles, made in glass, conch and copper, as well as terracotta ear studs. Excavators have also discovered terracotta  smoking pipes datable between 13th and 17th century A.D.

How to get there?

Nearest Bus station: Tirukoilure is well connected with Villupuram and Tiruvannamalai. People will get buses from these two prominent towns.
Nearest Railway station:  Tirukkoyilur Railway station, the very nearby railwaystation, is located on the section line between Villupuram and Katpadi and passes through Tiruvannamalai. Katpadi Junction Railway station, a major railway station, is located 130 km from Tirukkoyilur

Reference

1. Chieftains of the Sangam Age. Tirunavukkarasu, KD. IITS, Madras. 100p.
2. Sri Thiruvikrama swamy temple. Dinamalar. http://temple.dinamalar.com/en/new_en.php?id=605
3. Sri Veeratteswarar temple. Dinamalar. http://temple.dinamalar.com/en/new_en.php?id=161
4. Thiruk-koyilur inscription. R.Nagaswamy. Tamil Arts Academy.  http://tamilartsacademy.com/journals/volume2/articles/thiruk-koyilur.html
5. Thanjavur Brihadhiswara Temple Inscriptions. South Indian Inscriptions.  http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/south_indian_inscriptions/tanjavur_temple/introduction_1.html
6. Thiruk-koyilur inscription R.Nagaswamy. Tamil Arts Academy. http://tamilartsacademy.com/journals/volume2/articles/thiruk-koyilur.html
7. Tirukoyilur. One Five Nine. http://www.onefivenine.com/india/villages/Villupuram/Tirukkoyilur/Tirukkoyilur
8. Tirukoilur temples.  Dr.Ravishankar's blog. October 16, 2011 http://drlsravi.blogspot.in/2011/10/tirukoilur-temples.html
9. Veeratteswarar Temple of Shiva http://www.templeadvisor.com/temples-in-india/hindu-temples/veeratteswarar-temple
10. கொடுந்தமிழ் நாடு https://ta.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%8A%E0%AE%9F%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%A8%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%AE%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%B4%E0%AF%8D_%E0%AE%A8%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%9F%E0%AF%81
11. சங்ககாலதிற்கு முன்பிருந்த சோழர்கள் https://tiruppathi.wordpress.com/%E0%AE%9A%E0%AE%99%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%B2%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%B1%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%81-%E0%AE%AE%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%A9%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%AA%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%B0%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%A8/
12. சோழ மன்னர் மெய்க்கீர்த்திகள் http://aswedtrust.blogspot.in/2014/05/blog-post_3787.html
13. திருக்கோயிலூர். அப்துல் மஜீத், அ. in ஆய்வில் பூத்த மலர்கள். தமிழ்நாடு அரசு தொல்லியல் துறை, சென்னை, 2001. 20 - 25 பக்.    
14. திருக்கோயிலூர் கீழூர் வீராட்டனேஸ்வரர் திருக்கோயில்.. பிச்சைபிள்ளை கூ. விஜயா பதிப்பகம், உளுந்தூர்ப்பேட்டை, 2016. 144 பக்.   
15. மலையமான் திருமுடிக்காரியும் முள்ளுர் நாட்டு வளமும் http://manidal.blogspot.in/2015/03/blog-post_40.html

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