Kulottunga I vs Li Chun

During Kulottunga I's reign, the Chola hold over Sri Lanka weakened. The Sinhalese king Vijayabahu I expelled Chola forces from the island, ending Chola rule there after several decades.

Kulottunga I became the Chola emperor, succeeding his cousin Adhirajendra. He was a descendant of both the Chola and Chalukya dynasties, and his accession united the two kingdoms under his rule, marking the beginning of the Chalukya-Chola period.

Kulottunga I fought a series of wars against the Western Chalukya king Vikramaditya VI. The conflict was over control of the Vengi region and resulted in a stalemate, with neither side achieving decisive victory.

Kulottunga I implemented administrative reforms, including land revenue assessments and temple patronage. He granted lands to Brahmins and temples, particularly at Chidambaram and Kanchipuram, which strengthened his rule and religious legitimacy.

Kulottunga I led a military campaign into Kalinga (modern Odisha). The Chola army defeated the Kalinga forces and extracted tribute, extending Chola influence into the region.

Li Chun launched a series of military campaigns to reassert central control over rebellious fanzhen. He defeated the warlords of Sichuan, Zhenhai, and other provinces, reducing their autonomy and restoring imperial authority.

Li Chun's forces defeated the powerful Zhaoyi fanzhen, whose military governor had rebelled. This victory was a major achievement of the Yuanhe Restoration, demonstrating the Tang court's renewed military strength.

After a long campaign, the Chengde fanzhen submitted to central authority. This was the last major fanzhen to be brought under control during Li Chun's reign, marking the peak of the Yuanhe Restoration.

Li Chun died in 820, possibly poisoned by eunuchs. His death ended the Yuanhe Restoration, and subsequent emperors were unable to maintain the central authority he had reestablished.