Thread by @realitycheckind

so thread on rajendra chola. why isnt he more popular? they ask. the answer lies in the Dravidian zeitgeist which continues to this day. 1/

In general the dravidian movement plays down Tamil kingdoms because it was in the initial stages led by nonTamils. Second the missionaries posited the entire span of Tamil history as 'period of darkness'.

Now the main thing is Tamil kings were *vedic - in particular the Cholas. The Dravidian imperative is Anti-Vedic , Anti-Brahmin, Anti-Tamil-Vedjic. So that doesnt square. next question. Why Rajendra I ?

My hypothesis : Rajendra is problematic for dravidians because he was a military imperialist and more importantly his Commander-in-Chief was Rajendra Chola mummudi chozha brahmna marayan Krishnan Raman -- was a brahmin.

he is likely not the anirudha brahmarayan in ponniyin selvan (he is mentioned in detail n Anbil copper plates now in Leyden).

This commander has given many many grants to temples ( keep in mind the #Dravidian hoax --- நாங்க கட்டிய கோயில்.. வெளியேறு பாப்பானே !! ) including major works in Peruvudayar koil (tanjore big temple) etc.

That is then followed by his son Jananathan who was very successful commander in many campaigns.

So tell u how can #D celebrate Rajendra Chola without also highlighting the tamilbrahmins? Dont look in the wrong places.

So how did brahmin do military work as well as vedic as well as ministers?? glad you asked. You are already on your way out of #D. there was a clear system in place.

Read Deivathin Kural for a excellent historical explanation. From ancient times if brahmin ventured into military and admin work they would be separated out into a different clan .

The ancient Pallava commander in chief Parajoathi munivar alias Siruthondar (conqueror of Vatatpi) was a brahmin but a commander hence he was split out into a different caste called Maamatiyar. So technically NOT a brahmin, same with the others.

Another example is Maanickavasagar.. he was in minster work under a Pandiyan hence he was not technically a brahmin anymore. His group was Amaatiya. Maamaatiya = Military, Aamatiya = MInister.

will post some references (screenshots from the books I read later today) /end

I think this strictness may hve been loosened later vijayanagar kings appointed many brahmin as fort commanders. even swamy39 ancestor was ramaiyan who was commander-in-chief of tirumalai nayakar. but we dont hear the Maamatiya word anymore.