The researches throw light on existence on three Karikaalan amongs early Cholas.
The information about the first one is not much known, but forms the basis for the names of other two.
The next Karikaalan was the one who fought nine arasargal in a single war and gained victory, it is belived by this same time the youngest of the three Karikaalan, marched north to Himalayas. The relationship between the Second and Third Karikaalan is not clear.
It is the Third Karikaalan, who's name is Thirumaavalavan and was sung in Pattinapaalai.