Satyashraya

Wars with the Cholas

During the early 11th century, the Chola dynasty of Thanjavur were on the ascendant. The Chola influence in the eastern Deccan ruled by the Chalukyas of Vengi (the Eastern Chalukyas) was on the rise. With the help of the Cholas, Saktivarman had defeated Jata-Choda Bhima and gained control of the Vengi kingdom. The rise of Chola influence in the east was unacceptable to the Western Chalukyas. Around c.1006 - 1007, a general of Satyashraya named Bayalnambi burnt the forts at Dhanyakataka (or Dharanikota) and Yanamandala. With these victories, Satyashraya was able to establish himself temporarily at Chebrolu in the modern Guntur district.

But these early victories were temporary. The Chola King Rajaraja I mounted a two pronged counter-attack. A large Chola army led by prince Rajendra Chola invaded and captured Donur in the Bijapur region, Banavasi, parts of the Raichur Doab (called Iditurainnadu), Unkal near modern Hubli, and Kudalasangama in modern Bagalkot district. However, Satyashraya at last reconquered these territories after defeating Rajendra Chola according to Hottur inscriptions which have also been noted by historians Suryanath Kamath and R.C. Mujamdar. Emperor Satyashraya defeated Rajendra Chola in Chebrolu and captured it.

An inscription dated 1005 AD found at Yelesirur (Dharwad district) says that Satyashraya was in Shriparvata (Srisailam in Kurnool) in connection with the campaign against the Cholas and had enlisted the help of Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi in his wars against the Cholas. Satyashraya fought against Raja Raja Chola in the latter's third campaign. Satyashraya retaliated by invading the Vengi country in 1006 AD and placed Saktivarman on the throne of Vengi. In 1007 AD, he defeated Rajendra Chola in the Battle of Tavareyaghatta. Satyashraya annexed Andhra province from Cholas after raids of Rajendra Chola into the Chalukya territories and Satyashraya repulsed Rajendra Chola and reconquered Andhra Province.

According to the historians Sastri and Sen, Satyashraya thereafter invested a great deal of effort in successfully freeing his kingdom from the Chola hold. According to historian Kamath, that Satyashraya was able to free his kingdom from the Cholas entirely, though at the cost of the life of his brother prince Dasavarman, is testified to by the Hottur inscription.

However, according to historian Balakrishnan Raja Gopal, the statement in the Chola records regarding their conquest of Rattapadi is an exaggeration. Further, the inscription of the Western Chalukyas in Guntur dated S. 928 (Paraabhava - V.R.ii. Guntur 84: 145 of 1897) sufficiently disposes off the Chola claim to having conquered the whole Rattapadi 7 1/2 lakh territory with Raja Raja Chola failing in his attempt in spite of a bold bid for conquest.

Culture

Satyashraya continued the royal support of Jainism followed the precedent of his father, Tailapa II. During his reign, several Jain texts were composed, and Jain temples and basadis were constructed. He and his general, Nagadeva, commissioned numerous basadis, and Attimabbe also contributed significantly, commissioning many basadis. The "Brahma Jinalaya" was completed during his time. Inscriptions indicate that Attimabbe was responsible for building 1,501 Jain basadis in the region, and in recognition of her patronage, Satyashraya conferred upon her the title "Danachinatamani". He patronized Jain writers such as Ranna, who composed the "Ajitha Purana" and "Gadhayuddha". Historical evidence suggests that Jainism remained a prominent religion in the court, with Digambara Jainism holding significant influence. Many Jain monks flourished during this period, and the Mula Sangha, Darvila Sangha, and Yapaniya Sangha were active in the region. These sources suggest that the ruling dynasty were likely adherents of the Jain faith.