Kāḷi, A Hound, A Warrior, and A Battlefield: Clash of the Empires

In the tumultuous aftermath of Aditya Choḷa’s demise, in early 10th century, the once-mighty Choḷa dynasty finds itself embroiled in a gripping power struggle. Parāntaka Choḷa emerges as the formidable victor, asserting his dominance over the throne with an iron fist. However, his reign faces a formidable challenge from the Raśṭrakūṭa emperor Akālavarśa, who throws his support behind his grandson, Kannaradeva, in a bid to topple Parāntaka’s rule. In a clash of titans, Parāntaka proves his mettle on the battlefield, decisively defeating the Raśṭrakūṭa armies and sending them into retreat. But the Raśṭrakūṭas are not the ones to be underestimated, and the seeds of vengeance take root within their ranks.
Decades pass, and a new generation emerges from the ashes of old rivalries. Mummaḍi Krishna, the great grandson of Akālavarśa, inherits the mantle of vengeance against Parāntaka Choḷa. As he plots his revenge, an unexpected bond forms between Mummaḍi Krishna and a hound, Kāḷi, a bond that influences his general Maṇalera who receives Kāḷi as a token of gift from Mummaḍi Krishna for his bravery in the battle. As their tale unfolds against the backdrop of ancient rivalries and shifting alliances, the bond of loyalty will play a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of kingdoms. This story is immortalized in an ancient Kannada inscription commissioned by Maṇalera, who celebrated the enduring companionship between a king and his beloved hound.
Discover the timeless tale of Kāḷi, the loyal hound, scribed on the famous Kannada inscription in Ātakūru village.