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Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Rajaraja I and Rajendra Chola: The 2 emperors who made the Cholas one of the greatest South Indian powers
Chola emperors Rajaraja I and Rajendra Chola I will soon have statues erected in honour of their rich legacy. Recalling the glorious contribution of the 10th-century Chola empire in South India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently said that the statues 'would serve as modern pillars of India's historical consciousness' and hailed the two rulers as 'synonymous with India's identity and pride'. Who are these two kings of the Chola Empire, and why are they so revered? The Cholas under Rajaraja I The Chola empire is known to have reached its peak under Rajaraja I and his son and successor Rajendra Chola I. The doyen of South Indian history, Nilakanta Sastri, has written in his book The Cholas (1955) that under Rajaraja I and his successors, the Chola empire had reached the capacity of 'Byzantine royalty', 'with its numerous palaces, officials and ceremonials and its majestic display of the concentrated resources of an extensive empire'. Rajaraja I was born to King Parantaka II in 947 CE. Records from copper plate inscriptions have revealed that upon his birth, he was named Arulmozhivarman. Upon accession to the throne in 985 CE, he adopted the regnal title 'Rajaraja' or king of kings. At the time he came to power, Rajaraja I had inherited a tiny kingdom centred around the Thanjavur-Tiruchirapalli region that was still recovering from the disasters of the Rashtrakuta invasions. Under the new king, though, imperial expansions of the Cholas took a whole new turn. Sastri noted in his book that the first military achievement of Rajaraja I's reign was the campaign in the Kerala region. Under his rule, the Chola Empire expanded all along the eastern coast, up to Kalinga in the north. The Cholas soon gained the upper hand over the Pandyas, who were another great dynasty in the Tamil region at the time and one of their biggest rivals. Consequently, the Cholas emerged as the primary power in the northern and eastern parts of the Tamil country. Yet another hallmark of the rule of Rajaraja I was the predominance of maritime trade. 'Rajaraja Chola understood that domination of lucrative trade routes was a sure way to distinguish himself and his court from the other fragmented polities of the Tamil country,' writes public historian Anirudh Kanisetti in his book, Lords of the Deccan: Southern India from the Chalukyas to the Cholas (2022). He understood that their rival, the Cheras, who controlled the Malabar region, were welcoming traders from across the sea, especially from prosperous Fatimid Egypt. Kanisetti, in his book, describes in vivid detail how the young Rajaraja I moved to seize the riches of the region by attacking the great port of Kandalur. Under his orders, what was possibly southern India's largest collection of ships at the time was burned down. 'Masts must have collapsed, teak wood cracked and slipped under the roiling waves, probably to the cheers of thousands of Chola soldiers as they ransacked the populace and held back weeping merchants at spear-point,' writes Kanisetti. 'Rajaraja I had seized a colossal loot and established himself and the Cholas as one of the rising powers of the southern tip of the subcontinent. Trade would only be allowed to flow if merchants reached an accommodation with the Cholas, it seemed.' Over the next 10 years, Rajaraja I established himself as one of the most astute and sharp political leaders to have emerged in South India. He managed to take over all Pandya territories and then moved to Sri Lanka, where he ransacked several Buddhist Viharas and built Shiva temples in their place to establish the reign of the Cholas. Sastri, in his book, mentions that by the end of his rule, the Chola kingdom had grown ' to be an extensive and well-knit empire efficiently organised and administered, rich in resources, possessed of a powerful standing army, well-tried and equal to the greatest enterprises.' The Cholas under Rajendra Chola I The personal abilities of Rajaraja I laid the foundation for the achievements of his son and successor, Rajendra Chola, also known as Rajendra the Great. Under the latter, the Chola empire attained its greatest glory and carried its arms beyond the seas. Rajendra Chola had first assumed royal power in 1012 CE as his father's co-regent, and later became king upon Rajaraja I's death in 1014 CE. From his father, Rajendra had inherited an extensive empire comprising the whole of present-day Chennai and Andhra Pradesh and parts of Mysuru and Sri Lanka. He had benefited from a well-established, powerful bureaucracy, a strong army, and a flourishing trade system. Sastri in his book noted that 'during the thirty-three years of his reign, Rajendra turned these initial advantages to the best possible use and succeeded in raising the Chola Empire to the position of the most extensive and most respected Hindu state of the time, and one which possessed though perhaps only for a time a not inconsiderable dominion over the Malay Peninsula and the Eastern Archipelago.' The history of Rajendra's reign, wrote Sastri, is largely the history of the extensive wars and conquests he undertook in the first half of his reign. Rajendra became one of the only Indian monarchs to capture territory outside the Indian subcontinent. In 1025 CE, he sent a naval expedition to Indochina, the Malay Peninsula, and the Srivijaya Empire, which is present-day Indonesia. The expedition was aimed at controlling key trade routes in the Indian Ocean region, hitherto controlled by the Srivijaya Empire. As noted by historian Herman Kulke in Nagapattinam to Suvarnadwipa: Reflections on the Chola Naval Expeditions to Southeast Asia (2010), a book he edited with two others, the Chola invasion of Srivijaya was a unique event in the history of India and 'its otherwise peaceful relations with the states of Southeast Asia which had come under India's strong cultural influence for about a millennium'. As per inscriptional records, after attacking Srivijaya, Rajendra I captured King Sangrama Vijayattunggavarman and looted treasures from the Buddhist empire, including the Vidhyadara Torana, the jewelled war gate of Srivijaya. Rajendra Chola's expansion into Southeast Asia was crucial in establishing trade and cultural links in the region. Chola art, for instance, travelled into large parts of Southeast Asia. He is also credited with building the Chola capital at Gangaikondacholapuram (close to present-day Tiruchirapalli) to commemorate his victory over the Pala dynasty in present-day Bengal in 1025 CE. In his book, A History of South India, Sastri wrote that the name of the capital, meaning 'the town of the Chola who took the Ganges', was a statement to announce the emergence of the new royal power in South India. Thereafter, he built a large Shiva temple, which continues to be revered profusely, and is at the centre of the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival, where PM Modi announced the installation of the great Chola emperor's statue. Adrija Roychowdhury leads the research section at She writes long features on history, culture and politics. She uses a unique form of journalism to make academic research available and appealing to a wide audience. She has mastered skills of archival research, conducting interviews with historians and social scientists, oral history interviews and secondary research. During her free time she loves to read, especially historical fiction. ... Read More
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Hindustan Times
PM Modi visits Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple in Tamil Nadu: Here's why it deserves a spot on your travel list
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered prayers at the Brihadisvara Temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram on July 27, during the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival marking Rajendra Chola I's birth anniversary. Dressed in traditional attire, he participated in sacred rituals and received the Poorana Kumbham honour. His visit puts a spotlight on this Chola-era gem, an architectural marvel with rich history, spiritual depth, and timeless beauty that absolutely deserves a spot on your travel list. PM Modi visited the Brihadisvara Temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram on July 27. A forgotten jewel of Tamil Nadu Often overshadowed by its more famous cousin, the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, Gangaikonda Cholapuram is no less majestic. Built in the 11th century by Rajendra Chola I to commemorate his victorious northern expedition and the bringing of Ganga water to the South, this temple is a stunning example of Chola architecture at its zenith. What makes it a must-visit Architectural Grandeur: The temple's intricate carvings, towering vimana (which is slightly shorter but more elegant than the one in Thanjavur), and massive Nandi statue offer a visual treat for architecture lovers. The temple's intricate carvings, towering vimana (which is slightly shorter but more elegant than the one in Thanjavur), and massive Nandi statue offer a visual treat for architecture lovers. Spiritual significance: Still an active place of worship, the temple offers a serene spiritual experience, especially during traditional festivals. Still an active place of worship, the temple offers a serene spiritual experience, especially during traditional festivals. Cultural immersion: Visiting during Aadi or other regional festivals provides a deep dive into Tamil Nadu's living heritage. Visiting during Aadi or other regional festivals provides a deep dive into Tamil Nadu's living heritage. A photographer's dream: The golden light on the laterite stones at sunrise or sunset makes it a stunning location for travel photography. How to get there Located in Ariyalur district, the temple is about 70 km from Thanjavur and 35 km from Kumbakonam. The best way to reach is via road or by train to nearby towns, followed by a short taxi ride.
Hans India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Op Sindoor showcased India's prowess: Modi
Gangaikonda Cholapuram (TN): PrimeMinister Narendra Modi on Sunday said Operation Sindoor has sent a clear message that there is no sanctuary for enemies and terrorists anywhere. PM Modi made these remarks while addressing the public during the valedictory ceremony of the 'Aadi Thiruvathirai' festival, held in honour of King Rajendra Chola I's birth anniversary at the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple in Ariyalur, Tamil Nadu. Modi also said that Operation Sindoor has sent a clear message to the world that India will respond strongly to any threat against its security and sovereignty. The event was held at the Gangaikonda Cholisvaram temple, a UNESCO-recognised marvel built by Rajendra Chola I. 'Today's India prioritises its security. During Operation Sindoor, the world witnessed that if anyone threatens India's sovereignty, the country will respond in their own language. This operation has instilled a new sense of confidence and ignited a spirit of unity across the nation. There is no haven for India's enemies and terrorists anywhere in the world," the PM said. Offering prayers at the feet of Lord Brihadeeswara, Modi said, 'I prayed for the well-being of 140 crore Indians and the continued progress of the nation. I feel truly blessed to have this opportunity.' He announced that grand statues of Chola emperors Rajaraja Chola and Rajendra Chola will be erected in Tamil Nadu to commemorate their contributions to Indian history and culture. He said the Chola Empire represented a golden era of India, with achievements in architecture, governance, diplomacy, trade, and cultural integration. 'The Cholas established strong political and trade ties with Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Southeast Asia. It is a coincidence that I returned from the Maldives yesterday, and today I stand here in the land once ruled by these visionary kings,' he remarked.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Operation Sindoor has shown there are no safe havens for enemies of India, says PM Modi in Tamil Nadu
ARIYALUR: Prime minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said Operation Sindoor has demonstrated to the world that there are no safe havens for terrorists and enemies of the nation. India places the highest priority on its national security today, Modi said at the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival, the birth anniversary of Rajendra Chola I at Brihadisvara temple built by the Chola emperor at Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Ariyalur district. The event also commemorated the Chola emperor's maritime expeditions 1,000 years ago and the construction of the temple. Modi said the world witnessed India's firm and decisive response to the threat against its sovereignty during Op Sindoor. 'The operation has sent a clear message, there is no safe haven for terrorists and enemies of the nation,'' he said. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai His remarks come ahead of a likely heated debate in Parliament, with opposition parties set to question the govt over the Pahalgam attack and the subsequent military action. Modi said India's response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack has given rise to new confidence in the people of India, which the whole world has taken note of. In his speech in the assembly poll-bound state, the Prime Minister, wearing a dhoti and angavastram, struck a connection between Chola's past military might and how the country now prioritises national security and sovereignty. Modi said he felt jubilant to see Operation Sindoor resonating among people greeting him during his road show in Trichy. He also sought to position the Cholas within the Hindu framework, recalling the towering temples they had built. 'Our Shaivite tradition has played a vital role in shaping India's cultural identity and the Chola emperors were key architects of this legacy,'' he said. Tamil Nadu remains one of the most significant centres where this living tradition continues to thrive, he said. Celebrating the Cholas for their regional heft, Modi said Centre would erect statues for Raja Raja Chola and Rajendra Chola in Tamil Nadu. 'These statues will serve as modern pillars of India's historical consciousness,'' he said adding that the two emperors symbolise India's identity and pride. The Chola era was one of the golden periods of Indian history, distinguished by its formidable military strength, he said. 'The Chola era was one of the golden periods of Indian history, distinguished by its formidable military strength,'' he said. The PM said the economic and strategic advancements achieved during the Chola era remain a source of inspiration for modern India, recalling the powerful naval force of the Cholas. He released a commemorative coin honouring Rajendra Chola I. He also highlighted the govt's efforts to repatriate stolen cultural artifacts. 'Since 2014, more than 600 ancient artifacts have been brought back to India from abroad, including 36 from Tamil Nadu,' the PM said. Noting that the day marked the death anniversary of former President A PJ Abdul Kalam, Modi said, 'India needs millions of youth like Kalam and the Chola kings to lead a developed nation.' Earlier, Modi offered prayers at the temple, pouring sacred Ganga water, symbolic of Rajendra Chola's historic expedition to bring the river's water to Tamil Nadu a 1,000 years ago. He also listened to a concert by renowned musician Ilayaraja. The event was attended by Shaivite mutt heads, Tamil Nadu governor R N Ravi, Union minister L Murugan, state ministers Thangam Thennarasu and S S Sivasankar, VCK president and MP Thol Thirumavalavan and BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran.
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Chola kings' statues will be installed in TN: Modi
GANGAIKONDA CHOLAPURAM(ARIYALUR): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced that statues of emperors Raja Raja Chola and Rajendra Chola I will be installed in Tamil Nadu. Speaking at an event at Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Ariyalur commemorating 1,000 years of Rajendra Chola I's maritime expedition to Southeast Asia and marking the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival at the temple, Modi said, 'While taking pride in the tradition of our Bharat, I take a pledge today that we will install grand statues of King Raja Raja Chola and his son Rajendra Chola I in Tamil Nadu. These statues will become modern pillars of our historical consciousness.' In a 45-minute speech in Hindi, translated into Tamil, Modi spoke at length about the contributions of the Chola emperors and the Shaivite tradition to the country. Referring to the Chola era as one of the golden ages of India, he said,
