Real Life Story Of Princess Kundavai, The Woman Behind Chola Empire

If there is one historical character that fascinated and inspired me more than anyone in today’s time, it’s the Chola princess Alwar Parantaka Kundavai Naachiyaar, also known as Illaya Piratti. Kundavai was not a regular princess who remained in the anthapuram (women's quarters of a kingdom). If not for her, the entire Chola dynasty might not have been what we know it to be today.

She is neither a damsel in distress like a typical princess of her time nor a warrior princess who wielded a sword and battled on warfields. Then what makes her so special? Kundavai is a competent, expert political strategist and diplomat who held the fort together against all odds.

Had Kundavai been born a man, she would have been the most successful and loved ruler of the Chola empire. Just because she was born a woman, most of us were never aware of her until novelist Kalki penned the five-volume novel Ponniyin Selvan in 1954. Thanks to director Maniratnam for making the magnum opus into a movie series – Ponniyin Selvan I and ">Ponniyin Selvan II, Kundavai is now celebrated across the globe. The character is played by actor Trisha Krishnan.

Real Story Of Princess Kundavai

Kundavai was the younger sister of Aditha Karikalan and the elder sister of Arunmozhi Varman, who was later acclaimed as Raja Raja Cholan, aka Ponniyin Selvan. Born to Parantaka Sundara Chola and Vanavan Mahadevi in the 10th century, Kundavai was a woman way ahead of her time. Kundavai was an independent, intelligent, bold, and beautiful princess who dared to step out of the social norms set for women.

She not only took agency over her life but was also the driving force that created the two great Chola Kings that we know today  - Raja Raja Cholan and Rajendra Cholan. Back in her day, princesses were used only as pawns to extend an empire through marriage. She remained resolved to live in the Chola kingdom all her life. Kundavai also wanted to safeguard the Chola dynasty from falling prey to the numerous manoeuvres.

She held the forts of the kingdom while her father was ailing, her elder brother was away expanding the kingdom, and her younger brother was conquering Elangai (modern-day Sri Lanka). She is a well-read and headstrong princess who is one of the main counsels in her father, Sundara Cholan's court. She earned the respect and fear of the ministers with her diplomacy, wit, and intelligence. She was a true example of beauty with brains.

Today, we read about Raja Raja Cholan and praise him for being such a valiant and noble emperor, but the sole reason behind his success was Kundavai. She raised her younger brother from childhood with the aim of making him an exemplary Emperor in history. From political strategies to war tactics to philanthropic activities to being a model ruler, Kundavai taught him everything. Even after Raja Raja Cholan ascended the throne, she served as his counsellor, guide, and mentor. She also went on to raise Raja Raja Cholan’s son, Rajendra Cholan, and acted as his mentor till her demise.

She married Bana Prince Vallavarayan Vanthiyadevan, who was Aditha Karikalan's friend. Even after Vanthiyadevan was crowned the king of his motherland, Bana Kingdom, she turned down the offer to become queen. Instead, she chose to remain the princess of the Chola dynasty until her last breath. That was how much she loved and valued her motherland.

If you are wondering how lucky she was to have had a perfect life, no, she didn't. Kundavai was accused of plotting against her brother Aditha Karikalan’s murder based on finding her lover Vanthiyadevan to help her younger brother Arunmozhi Varman ascend the throne. To solve this controversy, she sends Arunmozhi Varman to expand the empire while Uthama Cholan ruled the Chola dynasty. Tackling such a controversial situation skillfully to hold the kingdom together is an example of her brilliance. No matter how many obstacles came her way, she remained resilient through it all and let nothing deter her from working for the welfare of the kingdom.

She was the first person to introduce free healthcare. She built a hospital and named it after her father in Tanjavur. She donated extensive land for its construction and took care of its maintenance. She commissioned numerous temples for Siva, Vishnu, and Jainism and ensured that people enjoyed religious freedom. She also contributed lavishly to the construction of the infamous Brihadeeswarar Temple at Tanjavur.

As of today, two inscriptions talk of her contributions. One mentions her donations to building temples mentioned by Raja Raja Cholan, and one refers to her as Vanthiyadevan's wife. Learning about Kundavai made me wonder if many other great emperors in history also had a woman behind their success. While we learn about numerous male rulers, shouldn't we also learn about the women who played a vital part in defining the history that we know today?

Suggested Reading: Trailer Of Ponniyin Selvan 2 Is Out And It Exceeds Expectations!