Mode Cholas: Millenary Question: Will Ganga RevisitTN 2026?
Image Credit: rediff
By V. Gopalan
The Annual Birth Day Celebrations of the mighty Chola King Rajendra 1 on July 27th this year is marked by the presence of Prime Minister Modi and release of a commemorative coin. With State Elections few months away, the event has its own special appeal. PM’s loud voice about the Tamil culture, art and religion has always has been his focus to reach out. Gangaikonda Cholapuram is expected to set his theme to reach out in 2026.
It is indeed a great push to TN BJP’s electoral cosmetics which is otherwise, as it looks now, a yet to pickup political monsoon. It has to be recognized here that PM Modi has all along be part of functions of merit or paying respects to great personalities of the past. However, at this junction his participation in Rajendra Chola’s ‘thiruvathirai’ ( Tamil Star) birthday celebrations in Gangaikonda Cholapuram has it’s own message as people look at it. The PM who has been a frequent visitor to his preferred destination – TN in the previous years appeared to have slowed down in the recent past and his admirers are happy that he is back that too on a great Tamil theme – Gangaikondacholan Rajendra 1 and the magnificent temple art show-cased in Gagaikondacholeswaram ( the Brahadheswaea temple there} .
The cover story of Rajendra 1 and his capital Gangaikonda Cholapuram is more about the holy Ganga. The mighty Chola king perhaps was excitedly his military victories in the Gangetic plains defeating several rulers and possession of the land flowing by Ganga, He brought Ganga water to be poured to Lord Brahadeeswara in the temple.
Rajendra1 further celebrated the military victory in the Gangetic belt naming himself as ‘Gangai Kondan’ and calling his kingdom as Gangaikonda Cholapuram. He constructed a pillar symbolizing Ganga and it was named as ‘Jalasthambha’ . He also made an artificial lake ‘ Chola Gangam – ( 3 miles wide and 16 miles length)The lake now in ruins is also known as Ponneri’. He also made an artificial lake, measuring approximately” Chola Gangam”in his new capital city Gangaikonda Cholapuram to commemorate his victory in northern campaign.. It is interesting to note that Ganga influenced Rajendra1 in every pursuit after his victory in the Gangetic plains.
Rajendra Chola & Gangaikonda Cholapuram
Historian Prof K A Nilakanta Sastri compared Gabgaikonda Cholapuram to ancient Babylon.
Rajaraja 1 and his son Rajendra 1 are greatest of all Chola kings. Rajendra Chola I, succeeded his father as Chola emperor in 1014 C.E. Rajendra1 was born
in 971 A D. Rajendra 1 took over as the king in 1014 on his father Rajaraja1,s death in 1014. Rajendra1 ‘s queen was Vanavan Mahadevi.
Rajendra 1 was about 43 years old when he took over from his father and ruled until his death in 1014 AD.During his reign, he expanded the Chola empire. He established vast influence and command – to the banks of the Ganges in the north and across the ocean. Rajendr1a’s territories included coastal Burma, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, and the Maldives, and he conquered the kings of Srivijaya (Sumatra, Java, and Malaya in South East Asia) and the Pegu islands with his fleet of ships. He defeated Mahipala, the Pala king of Bengal and Bihar. Rajendra Chola I significantly expanded the Chola Empire through successful military campaigns, encompassing vast territories in South India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia.
Naval Power:
He commanded a powerful navy that facilitated his expeditions and trade, including successful naval raids on Srivijaya (present-day Indonesia), which was a major maritime power at the time.
Rajendra 1 shifted his capital from Thanjavur to nearby Gangaikonda Cholapuram and constructed a new capital city.The reason forshifting is not clearly known. Dr.R.Nagasamy viewed that Rajendra 1 shited to accommodate the huge Naval force and for effective supervision. Rajendra! Apart from his artistic constructions also made several measures in the social front as revealed by his various inscriptions. He was specially involved in developing agriculture and irrigation.
Architectural Marvel
Rajendra 1’s significant contribution is reported to be the magnificent temple he constructed for Lord Brahadeeswara Siva in Gangaikna Cholapuram. The art masterpiece and spiritual super store is only comparable with the Great Temple ( Brahadheeswara temple) constructed by his father Raja Raja 1 at Thanjavur. The father – son contributions to art and religion is now global attractions as they are UNESCO sites on Heritage. The Brahadheeswara temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram is viewd as somewhat improved version with sophistication in the Vimana( tower) The Vimana ( 55 meters (180 feet) tall , though it is slightly smaller than the Great Temple of Thanjavur
TempleClose-up
The Brihadeeswarar Temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram, built by Rajendra Chola I, is a magnificent example of Chola architecture. It’s known for its towering vimana (temple tower) which stands at 55 meters (180 ft) tall, though it’s slightly smaller than the Thanjavur temple. The temple features intricate carvings, sculptures, and a large courtyard. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and a testament to the Chola dynasty’s architectural prowess
Sanctum: The sanctum is entered through an Ardha Mandapa (square-shaped hall). The sanctum doorway is guarded by 6 ft tall Dvarapalas. Shiva Lingam: The sanctum houses a 13 ft (4 m) tall Shiva Lingam with a base circumference of 18 m (59 ft). Nandi: A large Nandi (bull) statue is also present in the temple. Material: The entire temple is made of granite. It is one of the earliest temples to incorporate pillared halls, which became a common feature in later temple architecture
Thiruvathirai Festival
The birth star of Rajendra 1 is ‘Thiruvathirai’ which falls on Tamil month of Adi (July-August) every year. This years special significance of the event is= celebration of 1000th year ( millenary) with the headline participation of PM Modi accompanied by a brief but serene musical support of mastero Ilaya Rajaa.Another key aspect is release of a special commemorative coin on Rajendra 1.
The millennium celebrations and the spirit of Ganga – opening the culture gate and the well-set programmes on social reach is bound to be major plank of political parties aspiring to be in the winning side.The Thiruvathirai festival in Gangaikonda Cholapuram, in fact, has many special coating – a significant one being close to the State elections 2026 and PM Modi, the known admirer of Tamil culture is expected to give kick start to BJP’s election endeavors by his motivational presence in Tamil Nadu . In this exciting moment, one voice is heard everywhere.”! Where is Annamalai? Bharatmathaki Jai …
V Gopalan
Economist &Arts Writer
Kartik Homes, 4A/B Ramakrishna Street
First Floor – F3 Nehru Nagar, Chennai 600044
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vgopaldesk@gmail.com
The event was great, and PM Modi Ji ‘s presence and inspiring speech enriched it.
Almost everywhere we had this voice: “Where is Annamalai ?”