Karikala Chola was one of the greatest rulers of Chola dynasty. He was the early Chola king ruled during the Sangam era. He was also known by names such as Karikala Peruvalathan and Thirumavalavan. The dating of his reign has yet to be clarrified as no clear proofs are available. Most agreed date is 190 A.D. He succeeded his father Ilamchetchenni as the second known ruler of the Chola empire. The Chola empire emerged as a supreme power in the entire south India leaving behind the Pandyas and Cheras which were very powerful before his rule. Let us see how he managed to be on top of the Pandyas and Cheras.