Ancient and Medieval Indian Rulers

The Vijayanagara Empire maintained friendly relations with the Portuguese from the early 16th century. They valued Portuguese military support, especially firearms technology, against their Deccan rivals (Bahmani Sultanate and successors). Krishnadevaraya's reign (1509-1529) saw active cooperation with Portuguese traders and military advisors. The Bahmani Kingdom was Vijayanagara's rival, while Chola and Chera were much earlier (medieval/ancient) dynasties.

During the 8th-10th centuries CE, three major powers emerged as contemporaries: the Rashtrakutas (Deccan, 753-982 CE), the Palas of Bengal (8th-12th century), and various Rajput clans (emerging 7th-8th century, prominent from 8th century). The Chalukyas of Badami were earlier (6th-8th century) and were succeeded by the Rashtrakutas, making them non-contemporaneous with the other three.

Ashwathama was Dronacharya's son who fought in the Kurukshetra war. After the war, he was cursed by Krishna to roam eternally for his war crimes against the Pandava lineage.

Raja Raja Chozhan I was originally named Arulmozhi Varman, which means 'one who is graceful in speech.' Madhurandhakar was his father's name (Sundara Chozhan), and Vandhiyathevan was the fictional protagonist of Ponniyin Selvan novel. The name Arulmozhi Varman appears in historical inscriptions and is well-documented in Chola history.

Lakshagriha (House of Lac) was constructed by Purochana, also known as Purvanchan, as part of Duryodhana's plot to kill the Pandavas. The house was built with highly flammable lacquer materials.

Janamejaya was indeed the son of Parikshit, making him Abhimanyu's grandson. After Parikshit died from Takshaka's snakebite, Janamejaya became the King of Hastinapura and later conducted the famous snake sacrifice (Sarpa Yajna) to avenge his father's death.

Jarasangha (also spelled Jarasandha) was the powerful king of Magadha, not Maghadh as written. He was a key antagonist in the Mahabharata who was eventually killed by Bhima in a wrestling match during the Pandavas' Rajasuya sacrifice. Mathura, Gandhar, and Kampilya were kingdoms of other rulers.

From the Kaurava side, only three warriors survived the Kurukshetra war: Kripacharya (the unarmed teacher), Ashvatthama (son of Drona, who escaped with his life), and Kritavarma (the Yadava ally). Jayadrath was killed by Arjuna to avenge Abhimanyu's death. This is well-documented in the Mahabharata.

After Dronacharya's death on the 15th day of the Kurukshetra war, Duryodhana appointed Karna as the supreme commander of the Kaurava forces. Karna led the army for two days (days 15-16) until he was killed by Arjuna. Ashvatthama took command only after Karna's death.

According to the Mahabharata, three warriors from the Kaurava side survived the Kurukshetra war: Kripacharya, Ashvatthama, and Kritvarma. Kripacharya and Ashvatthama were technically immortal due to divine boons, while Kritvarma survived the battle. Jayadratha was killed during the war, specifically by Arjuna to fulfill his vow.

After Drona's death in the Kurukshetra war, Karna was appointed as the supreme commander of the Kaurava army. This was a significant moment as Karna, despite being the eldest Pandava, fought loyally for the Kauravas. Ashvatthama, Shalya, and Dushashana were not the supreme commanders immediately after Drona's death.

Kaikeyi was King Dasaratha's wife who invoked two boons, forcing him to send Rama into exile for 14 years and install Bharata as crown prince. This was a pivotal moment in the Ramayana triggered by Manthara's manipulation. Sumitra and Kausalya were Dasaratha's other wives who did not demand Rama's exile.

Sanghamitra (also Sanghamitta), daughter of Emperor Ashoka, went to Sri Lanka to spread Buddhism. She was a Buddhist missionary who carried a sapling of the Bodhi tree to Sri Lanka, establishing the Bhikkhuni order there.

Chanakya (also known as Kautilya) served as the Prime Minister (Chief Minister) to Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Mauryan Empire (322-298 BCE). Chanakya authored the Arthashastra, a treatise on statecraft, economics, and military strategy. Chandragupta II and Ashoka were later Mauryan rulers, while Bimbisara belonged to an earlier period (Haryanka dynasty).