Ganapatideva's First Southern Expedition

First Southern Expedition
Part of Ganpati Deva's Campaigns
Date 1208 AD Location Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, India Result Kakatiya Victory Ganapatideva Established Tikka I as a new ruler of Nellore Chodas
Belligerents
Kakatiya Dynasty Ayya Chiefs (Rival Claimant) Nellore Chodas	Nellore Chodas Supported By Chola Dynasty
Commanders and leaders
Ganapatideva Jayapa Senani Tikka I	Tammu Sidhi Kulothunga Chola III

Ganapatideva's first southern expedition was launched to assist the Nellore Chola chief, Tikka I, in reclaiming his throne from the usurper Tammu Siddhi. Tikka, the rightful heir, had lost his position due to Tammu's ambitions. In seeking to restore his ally's authority, Ganapatideva of the Kakatiya dynasty joined forces with Tikka, effectively intervening in the political landscape of the southern kingdoms. After defeating Tammu Siddhi and his supporters, Ganapati reinstated Tikka as the ruler of Nellore, further solidifying the Kakatiya influence in the region.

Background

Ganapati Deva, the Kakatiya monarch, began involving himself in the affairs of southern kingdoms early in his reign, as evidenced by the Chebrolu inscription of Jayapa Senani dated A.D. 1213. This inscription refers to an earlier expedition Ganapatideva undertook against southern kings, a move that laid the foundation for Kakatiya expansion in the south. His alliance with the Telugu Cholas of Nellore, a powerful dynasty that had established control over the regions of Nellore, Cuddapah, and Chingleput, was instrumental in this expansion. The Telugu Cholas, led by Nalla Siddhi and his successors, had asserted their independence during the decline of the Chola Empire. However, internal strife within the Telugu Chola dynasty weakened their position. Manuma Siddhi I, the rightful ruler, was dethroned by his uncle Nalla Siddhi after a Chola invasion. Later, Manuma Siddhi’s son, Choda Tikka I, sought Ganapati Deva’s support to reclaim his inheritance from Tammu Siddhi, another usurper. Ganapati's intervention not only restored Tikka to power but also strengthened Kakatiya influence in the southern regions, solidifying his authority and expanding his empire.

Campaign

Ganapati Deva, the Kakatiya monarch, forged an alliance with Choda Tikka I of the Telugu Cholas to strengthen his position in southern India. As Ganapati waged war against the Velanati king, Prithviswara, Tikka joined forces with him, contributing to Prithviswara’s defeat and death in battle. In recognition of Tikka's support, Ganapati turned his attention to Nellore, where Tikka’s rival, Tammu Siddhi, had usurped the throne. Ganapati successfully drove Tammu Siddhi and his supporters into exile, restoring Tikka to his ancestral kingdom. After securing Tikka’s position, Ganapati returned to his own territories, passing through Tamrapuri, as noted in the Chebrolu inscription. In a later campaign, recorded in an inscription from A.D. 1228 in Mattevada, Ganapati is credited with plundering a Chola capital, likely Kanchi, further asserting his dominance in the region and consolidating Kakatiya power in southern India.

Aftermath

Ganapatideva To fortify Tikka’s rule, he appointed Gangaya Sahini, a Kayastha and brother-in-law of Ambadeva, as the governor of Upper Pakanadu. Despite this success, Tikka’s challenges continued, as his interests soon collided with those of the Hoysalas, leading to a subsequent conflict. This period marked Ganapati’s expansion of Kakatiya influence in southern India and his support for his key ally, Tikka, in securing the Telugu Chola throne.

See also

• Ganapatideva
• Kulothunga Chola III
• Nellore Chodas
• Kakatiya Dynasty