Raja Raja Cholan

As my Bestie Suggested, with the deep research, I am here to narrate about Chola Dynasty. The Chola Kingdom is known for the Longest-ruling empire among other Tamil dynasties. Left by Ashoka, the Great Mauryan King, Tamilnadu was ruled by Cholas from 3^rd century BCE until 13^th Century. 

River Kaveri helped the people of Chola Dynasty to thrive with Good wealth through Agriculture. The districts of Chola Kingdom include Karaikkal, Nagapattinam, Pudukkottai, Tanjavur, Trichirapallii and Tiruvarur.  

Urayur (Now under Tiruchirapalli) was the Capital of Early Chola Kingom. Later on, Medieval Cholas moved to Thanjavur and Rajendra Chola 1 made Gangai Konda Cholapuram as the Chola Capital during 11^th century.

Chola Dynasty

Raja Raja Chola 1

Raja Raja Chola 1 was a famous king who ruled Chola dynasty between 985 and 1014 CE. It was during his period the chola kingdom set its rule beyond the South India from Sri Lanka in the South to Kalinga in the North. Malabar Coast and Maldives were captured as the result of Raja Raja Chola’s massive naval campaigns.

One among the largest hindu temples of India, UNESCO world heritage site Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur was built by Raja Raja Chola. During his rule, the text literature of the famous poets Appar, Sambandar and Sundarar were collected into a unique compilation called Thirumurai. Raja Raja Chola was succeeded by his Son Rajendra Chola.

Thanjavur Temple

Raja Raja Chola- Birth

Raja Raja Chola was born in 947 in the Aipassi month according to the Tamil calendar. He was born on the day of sadhayam star. His parents were Parantaka Sundara Chola and Vanavan Maha Devi of Velir Malayaman dynasty. His birth name was Arulmozhi varman. Raja raja chola was the 3^rd Son to his Parents. Aditya Karikalan, the crown prince of chola kingdom was assassinated in unsure circumstances in the year 969. After Aditya’s death, Raja Raja Cholan’s father, Parantaka Sundara Chola announced Uttama Chola, his cousin will succeed him. Later in the year 985, Arulmozhi Varman ascended the chola throne after the death of Uttama Chola. Arulmozhi Varman adopted his name as “Raja Raja Cholan” which literally means “King of Kings”. The history states that, Raja Raja was also known as Raja Raja Sivapada Sekhara which means, he who had the feet of Lord Shiva as his crown. Raja Raja, the fiery follower of the Lord Shiva, accepted the faith and creeds of other Religions too. He encouraged to build Buddhist Chudamani Vihara as requested by Srivijaya King, Sri Maravijayatungavarman.

Raja Raja Cholan

Raja Raja Cholan Tomb

Raja Raja’s Military force:

At his capital city, thanjavur Raja raja utilized finite number of years in building a robust Army. Raja raja created a strong Army as well as an appreciable Navy. The details about his war forces were inscribed in the thanjavur inscriptions.  His regiments were divided into Cavalry, Elephant troops and Infantry, each of these troops had their own sovereignty.

During his earlier vanquishment, he attacked the armies of Pandyas as well as Cheras, though there was no significant information regarding his earlier conquests.

Related Links: Raja Raja Chola 1 Raja Raja Chola 1 Biography