Kulottunga I

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.