Karikala

Karikala, also known as Karikal or Karikala Cholan, is a figure in Tamil literature regarded as one of the early rulers of the Chola dynasty in the Tamil country. In traditional Sangam-era sources, he is described as a powerful king who extended Chola influence, fostered agriculture, and supported urban development. The exact dates of his reign are uncertain, with estimates ranging from the 2nd century BCE to the 2nd century CE. Many modern historians treat him as semi-legendary rather than a firmly attested historical figure.

One of Karikala's enduring legacies in Tamil tradition is the construction of the Kallanai dam (Grand Anicut) on the Kaveri River, intended to regulate water flow and boost irrigation. In later legend, the dam's builder is Karikala, and the structure is celebrated as one of the oldest water-diversion works still in use. However, the precise origin and date of the dam remain debated among scholars.

Urayur, near present-day Tiruchirappalli, is cited as the capital city associated with Karikala in early Tamil chronicles. His era is credited with the expansion of settlements, irrigation networks, and the growth of cities along the riverine plains, contributing to the economic base of the Chola state described in the Sangam poems.

Historicity: Karikala's life sits at the boundary between legend and history in Tamil tradition. While he is a central figure in early Chola lore and literature such as the Purananuru, there is no universally accepted contemporary inscription confirming his reign, and dates vary among scholars.