Vandiyadevan Senai thalaivan


Vallavarayar Vandhiyathevar was a feudatory and Chief Commando of the Chola kings Raja Raja Chola I and Rajendra Chola I and chief of the Samanthas of North Arcot. He was married to Kundavai, the elder sister of Raja Raja I. The territory under his authority was known as Vallavaraiyarnadu.

Origins

His origins and clan are subjects of great debate. Kalki Krishnamurthy strongly believed his clan is Vaanar Kulam and depicted the same in his famous novel Ponniyin Selvan.

Evidences

His name is referred in Thanjavur Big Temple inscription in which he is referred to as the husband of Kundavai Pirattiyar.
A life sized statue depicting Vandhiyathevar controlling a horse is erected in Chennai near Anna Flyover in Mount Road as an honour to this great personality during the first tenure of Mr. Karunanidhi as Chief Minister