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The Nidugal Cholas were a dynasty of chiefs who ruled parts of Karnataka during the 8th and 13th centuries. Their stronghold was the hill fortress of Nidugal. The most famous among the line was Irungola deva Chola Maharaja (Irungola II) who had his capital at Henjeru. They were hostile towards the Hoysalas and resisted them, but were subdued for a brief time during the reign of Vishnuvardhana. Later, they once again asserted their independence with the decline of the Chola and Hoysala kingdoms. They bore titles such as Lord of Uraiyur (the early Chola capital) and claimed descent from the Sangam age king Karikala Chola.^[1]^[2]^[3]

Origin

It is believed that in earlier times, a prince from the Sangam Chola family moved north into Karnataka and Andhra, where he became a chieftain. Against great odds from other small chieftaincies like that of the Banas, Vaidumbas, Gangas, and Nolamba Pallavas, his descendants persisted for a couple of centuries and most likely formed branches. This family had titles such as "Oreyurpuravaresvara" (Lord of the city of Urayur), according to their increptions.^[3]

History

They had governed from Govifidavadi and Henjeru as their respective capitals for almost two centuries, from the start of the lithic era^{[clarification needed]} to 1196, before Nidugal became their capital.

Despite the Hoysalas of Dorasamudra's repeated attacks, they never accepted the sovereignty of any imperial authority except the Chalukyas of Kalyana. They also constructed an unassailable fort at Nidugal and Haniya.^{[citation needed]}

Jata is the earliest known member of the Nidugal Chola dynasty; he is attested in the inscription of Irungola II (c. 1232-1280 CE) from Nidugal. Jata, who is thought to have reigned during the start of the eleventh century, was probably a small chief in the Tumkur area who answered to the Nolamba kings of Henjeru. The inscription implies that Jata was involved in local politics and initiated the establishment of the Nidugal Chola dynasty, even though it does not list his precise political accomplishments.^{[citation needed]}

They maintained friendly and loyal relations with the Imperial Cholas.^[4]