The image of Prince Arulmozhi Varman had become a symbol of confidence among the Chola people. From the moment of his birth, it felt as if a divine light had descended upon the palace of Thanjavur. And now, that light, once serene, had turned into a glowing moon over the stormy seas toward Lanka.
The Call of the Battlefield
Toward the end of Sundara Chola’s reign, Lanka had fallen into political disarray. The Anuradhapura royal line had weakened. Several princes had gone into hiding in the dense forests, and the kingdom was under threat from both within and beyond.
Instead of just protection, the Chola Empire saw something more — a gateway to greater power in the South.
“We have already subdued the chessboard of Madurai… now we hear the sea calling us,” Arulmozhi announced in his council chamber.
Mobilizing the Army
It was Arulmozhi who proposed the idea of launching a naval invasion.
He said, “The Cheras and Pandyas failed at sea. But we shall rise over the waves. A naval army shall immortalize our name.”
- 1,500 ships
- 60,000 soldiers
- Thousands of horses, elephants, and archers
The fleet set sail from the port of Thiruvadanai. It was the largest sea-bound military expedition seen since the Pallava times.
Battle at Mannar – First Clash with the Sinhalese Forces
The green shores of Mannar in northern Lanka became the Chola army’s first battlefield. The moment the troops landed, a ripple of fear ran through the enemy ranks.
Suryasen, commander of the Sinhalese forces, remarked:
“This prince… I know not his name. But his eyes burn like a rising sun — merciless and bright.”
Before he could prepare, a rain of Chola arrows fell. Suryasen died a valiant death. His fall triggered panic among the Lankan soldiers.
Strategy Over Strength
Arulmozhi was not just a warrior — he was a tactician.
With measured planning, compassionate strikes, and disciplined movements, he rewrote the norms of conquest.
“The first step to defeating an enemy is to understand his fear,” he told his younger commanders.
His wisdom and control turned him into more than a prince. He was now a ruler in the making.
Hearts of the People – The Lankan View Changes
Arulmozhi’s benevolent rule began to win over the Sinhalese people. Through peace treaties, donations to viharas, and grain distributions, he displayed the cultural grace of the Cholas.
“He is not a conqueror… he is a blessing,” said the elderly monk of a shrine in Matale.
A Temporary Victory – But Just the Beginning
With much of Lanka under his command, Arulmozhi’s mission seemed complete. But he believed otherwise.
“This is only the beginning,” he declared.
His days were not filled just with victories, but with trust — the trust of the people and his vision of Dharma-based rule.
Closing Note of the Chapter:
What began as a campaign turned into a test of character and leadership. Arulmozhi was no longer just a prince or a warrior — he had started his path toward becoming a Maha Raja.
Yet, one question lingered:
Is he ready for the throne of Thanjavur?
Next Chapter: Chapter 4 – The Challenge of the Crown