Telugu Cholas
| Durjaya Chieftains of Velanadu | |
|---|---|
| Gonka I | 1076–1108 |
| Rajendra Choda I | 1108–1132 |
| Gonka II | 1132–1161 |
| Rajendra Choda II | 1161–1181 |
| Gonka III | 1181–1186 |
| Prithviswara | 1186–1207 |
| Rajendra Choda III | 1207–1216 |
The Cholas are commonly known as the Choda or Telugu Cholas in the present day southern region of Andhra Pradesh region which comprised ancient Tamilagam and Tondaimandalam. Many Telugu Choda kingdoms ruled over many regions including the cities on the banks of Krishna River in the period between the seventh and the thirteenth century. It is not known much about these family origins. Its antiquity is evident from the mentions in ancient Tamil literature and in inscriptions. Later medieval Cholas also claimed a long and ancient lineage. Mentions in the early Sangam literature (c. 150 CE)[a] indicate that the earliest kings of the dynasty antedated 100 CE. Cholas were mentioned in Ashokan Edicts of 3rd Century BCE as one of the neighboring country existing in South. They began their career as local chieftains in the Kadapa region in the seventh century. They may be identified with the people referred by the Chinese traveler Yuan Chwng as 'Chuliya'. The Telugu Chodas adopted the title Chola as an honorary title and also to show the feudatory status they had under the Chola-Chalukya rulers.
Telugu Cholas of Velanadu (Velanati Choda) were one of the Telugu Chola families which claimed their descent from the Cholas. Velanadu is located in the modern Guntur district. The chieftains who ruled over Velanadu came to be known as the Velanati Chodas. One of them, Rajendra Choda II had even assumed the title Durjayakulaprakara since Velanati Cholas belong to Durjaya clans. These Velanati chiefs were the subordinate allies of the Chalukya Cholas of the south. They were entrusted with the responsibility of the governance of the Andhra region, which formed a part of the Chola kingdom in the twelfth century. Their capital was Dhanadapura or Sanaduprolu, the modern Chandolu in the Guntur district initially then later they ruled from Vengi in West Godavari and Pithpuram in East Godavari Districts.
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