PARANTAKA Meaning and
Definition
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Parantaka is a term derived from the Tamil language, primarily used in the context of ancient Indian history. It refers to a title given to the king or ruler who is victorious in battles against his enemies. The word is a combination of two words: "paran" meaning enemy or foe, and "taka" indicating triumph or victory.
In historical texts, Parantaka is often used as a suffix to the names of certain medieval Chola dynasty kings, specifically Rajaraja Chola I and Rajendra Chola I. Rajaraja Chola I, also known as Raja Kesari Varman or Rajaraja the Great, was one of the most prominent Chola rulers who reigned during the 10th century. He expanded the Chola empire to encompass large parts of present-day South India and Sri Lanka.
The title Parantaka signifies the power and martial prowess of these Chola rulers, highlighting their ability to defeat their adversaries and establish their dominance. It also serves as an honorific epithet illustrating their exceptional military skills and achievements.
Furthermore, the term Parantaka can be understood as a symbol of valor, leadership, and conquest, signifying the ruler's prowess in defending the kingdom from external threats while expanding its territories.
Etymology of PARANTAKA
The word "parantaka" has its etymology rooted in the Tamil language, specifically the ancient Dravidian language. "Parantaka" is a combination of two Tamil words: "paran" and "taka".
"Paran" refers to the divine deity Shiva, who is considered the supreme god in Shaivism, a major sect of Hinduism. "Taka" in Tamil means "destroyer" or "conqueror". Therefore, "parantaka" literally translates to "the conqueror of the divine deity Shiva" or "the destroyer of Shiva".
The term "parantaka" is significant in the context of one of the Chola dynasty kings from ancient South India. The Chola dynasty ruled the Tamil region and beyond from the 9th to the 13th century.
