Rajaraja Chola

The man, who laid the foundation of the Chola Kingdom into a mighty Empire, is none other than Rajaraja the Great (reign 985-1014 C.E.). A patron of arts and religion, he was also an organizational and political genius.

When Rajaraja became the king, he conquered the kingdoms of southern India and Sri Lanka in the extreme south, and Kalinga (Orissa) in the northeast. He fought many battles with the Chalukyas in the north and the Pandyas in the south. He also subdued the traditional Chera rivalries in the southwest. It took less than a decade for him to become the master of southern India.

He divided his country into various districts and standardized the revenue collection by carrying out systematic land surveys. In this way he smoothly maintained the administrative system. He also allowed autonomy to the local units.

One of his greatest deeds is the building of the magnificent Rajarajeshwar Temple at Tanjore. The stone sculpture on the mighty tower (216 feet) and the base is one of the finest examples of Chola art.

Rajaraja was succeeded by his son, Rajendra Chola who followed the footprints of his father and glorified the Chola Empire even more.

Some essential details about Rajaraja:
Reign: 985 C.E. - 1014 C.E.
Title: Rajakesari
Capital: Thanjavur
Queens: Lokamahadevi Cholamahadevi Trailokyamahadevi Panchavanmahadevi Abhimanavalli Iladamadeviyar Prithivimahadevi
Children: Rajendra Chola I Kundavai Madevadigal Predecessor: Uttama Chola
Successor: Rajendra Chola I
Father: Sundara Chola
Death: 1014 C.E.

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